BA Economics

BA in Economics

Economics is not just about financial markets it is about real people’s lives. Using recent advances in game theory, it analyses what happens when people act in their own best interest. It asks how law (or contracts) might be rewritten to improve outcomes. Economics at Essex equips you with the skills to explore economic issues in depth. We take an analytical approach which teaches you how to apply problem-solving skills to economic issues that are relevant in the world today. We also provide statistical courses which teach you how to measure and evaluate real economic problems.

When you study Economics at Essex University you will not only have lectures. Additionally, you will each week discuss the class in seminars with 10 to 15 other students. You will have the flexibility to concentrate on the subjects you find most interesting. Core economic theory and quantitative methods modules are the focus in the first year, thus equipping you with the skills needed in the optional applications taken in the latter years of the course. Your research will begin towards the end of your second year, when you choose a topic (either from an approved list or one you propose yourself – each student has a unique topic).

BA in Economics - Work experience – Many economics students gain work experience during the summer vacations at the end of the first and second years of study. Summer internships are ideal ways of fostering employability skills. In this way you can obtain valuable experience without losing the momentum of your studies that a whole year’s secondment from studies would entail.

BA in Economics - Key skills

Essex economics degrees embed employability skills that can have a major impact on your career choice. Your knowledge of economic analysis will provide you with key problem-solving skills which, together with the quantitative tools of modern economics, are valued highly by employers. In particular, you will find that your background in economic statistics and methods enhance your career prospects.

BA in Economics - Career opportunities

Most graduates with an BA in Economics pursue careers within management, financial analysis, public administration and accountancy. Essex economics graduates occupy positions in financial organisations, banks, accounting companies and the Government. Some have entered other professions such as the Law.

A-levels: 320 points, including AB at A-level
GCSE Mathematics: C
Scottish Highers: AAAB, plus Standard Mathematics grade 3
IB: 30 points, including Standard Mathematics

First year

• Introduction to Economics
• Introduction to Quantitative Economics
• Methods of Economic Analysis
• One Social Sciences option

Second Year

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Mathematical Methods in Economics (optional BA)
• Introduction to Econometric Methods (optional BA)
• Two half-year modules

Final Year

• Research Project
• Six half-year modules

Half-year modules:

• Economic Policy Applications
• International Trade Institutions and Policy
• International Financial Institutions and Policy
• Financial Instruments and Capital Markets
• Financial Innovations and Monetary Policy
• Mathematical Economics
• Mathematical Methods in Economics
• Introduction to Econometric Methods
• Econometric Methods
• Management of New Technology
• Economics of Organisational Management
• Microeconomics (advanced)
• Macroeconomics (advanced)
• Economics of the European Union
• Economics of Transition
• Strategies of Economic Development
• Economic Development in a Global Perspective
• Environmental Economics
• Public Economics
• Economic Change in a Historical Perspective
• Labour Economics
• Economics of Negotiations
• Theory of Monopoly and Regulation
• Market Structure and Strategic Behaviour
• International Trade
• International Money and Finance
• Economic Analysis of Asset Markets
• Economics of Bond and Derivatives Markets
• Forecasting for Business and Economics

BA in Economics

After a Bachelor, students can choose to enroll in a two-year Masters program

Fee for home and EU students: £3225
Fee for overseas students: £9750

The University of Essex

The University of Essex was founded in 1964 and is today one of the UK's leading academic institutions, with worldwide reputation for top-quality teaching and research.

Students come from over 130 countries, and there are more than 9,000 full-time students at the University. The University of Essex hosts 18 academic departments for example within the humanities, social sciences, science and engineering, and law and business management.

The University of Essex has three campuses all within an hour of London:

• Colchester Campus
• Southend Campus
• East 15 - Loughton Campus

Colchester is the original University campus, and is based at Wivenhoe Park. Set in 200 acres of parkland the campus boasts beautiful lakes and views and is only two miles from Colchester in north Essex. The Colchester Campus offers a range of amenities on it's friendly campus, such as accommodation, a sports centre, teaching and research facilities, the Albert Sloman Library, shops, banks, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

In 2007, the Southend Campus opened and offers courses in Business and Entrepreneurship, Nursing and Oral Health sciences, and courses from East 15 Acting School. Located in the heart of the high street, students benefit from having a new state-of-the-art building with modern and high-tech facilities, but also being right in a busy town right by the seaside.There is new student accommodation being built at the moment ready for 2010 entry - which is a few minutes walk away.

East 15 Acting School - One of the UK's most innovative acting schools is part of The University of Essex. It has it's own campus (although some courses are run at Southend) located east of London in Loughton, and offers a dynamic portfolio of degrees that span many areas of training and study of performance for actors, directors and technical theatre specialists. East 15 draws on its long and successful traditions, and combines this with a keen sense of the changing world of theatre today.

The University of Essex train and educate students who want to go and work successfully when they graduate, whether it be in the UK or overseas - offering many opportunities along side their academic study.