Economics and Business Finance BSc

About the Course

Economics courses at Brunel combine an understanding of theory with the practical skills necessary to apply your knowledge to a business, industrial, financial or government environment. It is this combination, together with a strong background in finance, that distinguishes Brunel’s courses from other economics degrees.

Aims

This broad-based course aims to produce economists with a range of technical expertise including quantitative and computing skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical principles in the working environment.

Enquiries

Dr Brian Mase
Admissions Tutor

Helen Stevenson
Admissions and Marketing Administrator
School of Social Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)1895 265952
Email: helen.stevenson@brunel.ac.uk

Related Courses

• Economics BSc
• Economics with Professional Development BSc
• Economics and Management BSc
• Economics and Management with Professional Development BSc

Special Features

• The use of computers is an integral part of all our courses. You will make extensive use of computers attached to a powerful network. You will then be linked to other UK and international information sources. You will also become familiar with the analytical packages widely used by business and financial institutions.
  
  
• This programme results in selective exemption from some professional accountancy and law exams. Not only is this a fast-track way to professional qualifications after you graduate, but it is also a symbol of the quality of the courses offered at Brunel.
  
  
• We have good links with business. This means:
  

• High-quality work placements;
• Up-to-date course content;
• Better opportunities to find a good job after you graduate.

Course Content

Emphasis is on both theory and practical applications. At Levels 1 and 2, you will take modules in economics, as well as modules in finance and computing and quantitative methods. The latter presupposes only GCSE in Maths and is made accessible to all students (although students who have A-level Maths have the opportunity of pursuing more advanced mathematical and statistical studies). You may also take modules from other disciplines in the Brunel Business School.

Typical modules

Level 1 Core

• Macroeconomic Principles
• Microeconomic Principles
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Mathematics for Economics and Finance
• Statistical Research Methods
• Financial Markets

Level 2 Core

• Corporate Finance
• Corporate Investment
• Microeconomic Principles II
• Macroeconomic Principles II
• Corporate Investment
• Money and Banking

Plus one of the following two modules:

• Introduction to Economic Modelling
• Econometrics for Finance
• Work Placement (four-year programme only)

Level 3 Core

• Major Project
• Advanced Topic in Economic Theory

Plus one of the following two modules:

• Financial Theory
• Corporate Policy

Level 3 Options

• Managerial and Industrial  Economics
• The Economics of Labour Markets
• Behavioural Economics and Finance
• Advanced Topic in Finance
• Econometric Methods and Applications
• International Money and Finance

Final Year Project

In your final year you will undertake a dissertation which is linked to your degree. This is a piece of personal research which is often seen by prospective employers and which may stem directly from a work placement. Otherwise the subject will be stimulated by topical issues such as directors’ pay, regulation of utilities or European monetary union.

Teaching and Learning

Staff Expertise

Many of our staff are internationally and nationally recognised for their work in this field. They work as consultants for government bodies, and some are widely published.

Hours

You will have about 12 to 14 hours of directed study per week at Level 1. This number decreases at Levels 2 and 3. Students are expected to undertake substantial independent study.

How will I be taught?

Lectures – These provide a broad overview of key concepts and ideas relating to your course and provide you a framework from which to carry out more in depth study.

Workshops – These are generally used for modules in finance or quantitative subjects. They often take the form of working through answers to a previously distributed assignment sheet of exercise questions.

Seminars – These relatively small groups are used to examine the lecture material in more detail, and theoretical concepts are analysed and applied in specific contexts.

One-to-one – You will have one-to-one supervision on your final year dissertation and at all levels you will have a personal tutor who is available to discuss personal and academic problems. If you go on placement, you will also be allocated a work placement tutor who will monitor your progress and provide further support if you need it.

Other – This may include guest speakers from prominent organisations, research seminars and external site visits.

Assessment

Each subject is assessed in the term in which it is studied. The proportion of exam to coursework is approximately 75% to 25%, but some courses have a higher proportion of continuous assessment. Level 1 does not count towards your final degree mark. Level 2 is worth a third, and Level 3 is worth the rest. The final year dissertation is worth a third of Level 3 marks.

Final year dissertation

All degree programmes include a final year dissertation of approximately 10,000 words. This is an important element of the degree and provides you with an opportunity for independent study, original thought and, especially for those on sandwich courses, an opportunity to apply economic and financial theories, concepts and models to practical problems. You are assigned a Dissertation Supervisor who offers guidance on content, level and presentation.

Employability

Economics and Business Finance plays a crucial role in the operation, management and regulation of financial institutions, industry and government agencies. As a senior manager in public and private enterprise, a knowledge of economics and finance significantly enhances strategic decision making. Further, such knowledge is crucial in a world of integrating global markets. In addition, students acquire a range of transferable skills that will be applicable across a variety of different jobs.

Economics and Business Finance graduates from Brunel have an excellent employment record and go into a wide variety of occupations. Some go on to further study and become professional economists or accountants. Others are employed in industry, the financial sector or government. In some cases, a job offer comes from a former work placement employer.

Careers

Economics graduates from Brunel have an excellent employment record and go into a wide variety of occupations. Some go on to further study and become professional economists or accountants. Others are employed in industry, the financial sector or government. In some cases, a job offer comes from a former work placement employer.

Past graduates have gone on to work in the following areas:

• The City: Merrill Lynch (Brokers), NatWest (Financing Futures)
• Chartered Accountancy: PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG
• Central Government: the Bank of England, the Treasury, the Cabinet Office, the Department of Transport
• Local Government: Finance Departments, Corporate Planning, the National Audit Office, Health Trusts/Authorities
• Industry: BP, Rank Xerox, Marks and Spencer, ICL
• Other: CBI, the Civil Aviation Authority, British Airways

Placements

You can choose to study either a traditional three-year course or the prestigious four-year sandwich course. Sandwich course students have the chance to undertake paid, professional work experience in the heart of the financial, business and public sector, in the UK or overseas.

The positive impact of a sandwich placement on graduate employment outcomes across Brunel is considerable. Those who have done placements are also much more likely to be in employment for which their degree was a formal requirement or where they believe their degree gave them a competitive advantage in recruitment.

Placement leavers from Economics and Finance experienced the following outcomes:

• 87.2% progressed into employment or further study
• 76.5% were engaged in a graduate-level activity (employment or further study)
• 75.8% employed leavers were working in the top three categories of graduate level employment
• The average starting salary was £24,800.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £9,000 full-time

International students: £12,000 full-time

We are introducing over 700 scholarships for 2013, meaning that one in five applicants who join Brunel next year will receive financial support from the University. See our fees and funding page for full details

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2013 Entry

• GCE A-level ABB, with a Grade C in AS-level Maths or Statistics (if A-level Maths is taken, grade B will be required) (General Studies/Critical Thinking not accepted).
• Irish Leaving Certificate AABBB, including Maths or Statistics.
• Scottish Advanced Highers ABB, including Maths or Statistics.
• Advanced Diploma Progression Diploma Grade A in Business, Administration and Finance or Public Services, including A-level Maths/Statistics at Grade C for Additional and Specialist Learning.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD in a related subject plus Grade C in AS-level Maths or Statistics.
• IBDP 33 points, including 5 in Standard Maths or 4 in Higher Maths
• Access Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher including AS-Level Maths/Statistics grade C.

For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English and Maths at grade B (please note that these must have been gained by the time you submit your UCAS application).

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.