Economics and Politics

Subject in detail

Subject aims

The programmes of study within the Department have been designed to enable you to develop:

a secure foundation in micro and macro-economic theory and analysis
numeracy skills in mathematics, statistics and information technology
awareness of institutional, UK and global context within which economic decisions and policy formation takes place
expertise in subject specialism depending on choice of course
excellent analytical and problem solving skills
written, oral and visual communication skills
self-confidence and self-reliance in assimilating and appraising new information
team working skills and flexibility
initiative and leadership.

Teaching and learning

Our programmes of study are modular, consisting of self-contained units taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars, involving you in about 12-15 contact hours each week. Teaching contact is likely to be greatest in the first year. Lectures in the first year are quite formal, in groups of up to 150 students, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for problem solving and discussion.

Methods of assessment

The units are assessed individually and within the semester in which they occur. Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects, oral presentations and examinations.

Units & programme structure