BSc (Hons) Economics, Finance and International Business (with Foundation Year)

This module aims to introduce you to undergraduate study in economics to an economics way of looking at real-world events. By focusing on applying economic theoretical concepts to real-world issues, the key aim is to provide you with the opportunity to see how economics can be seen in our everyday life and be excited about studying economics further. By introducing a set of key theoretical concepts and focusing on your applications to real-world events, the module will facilitate your ability to understand abstract theoretical concepts and explain them using various real-world events.

This module will help you develop an awareness of the economic foundation of complex issues in order to enhance the ability to make reasoned judgements and informed choices in the sphere of social and political affairs, widening your perspective on important social issues.

This module on microeconomic analysis will introduce you to economic models and analytical methods of reasoning. Through diagrammatic and mathematical models, you'll explore consumer and producer behaviour and learn to recognise relationships between economic variables. You will learn to recognise relationships between economic variables and present these relationships diagrammatically, as well as interpret market data and apply it to real-world scenarios.

By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of microeconomic principles and be able to apply these principles to real-world situations, as well as evaluate economic policies using the analytical tools and models that you have learned. In addition to developing your academic literacy and research literacy skills, you'll grow skills in self-management, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of macroeconomics. You will cover key areas such as consumption, investment, savings, taxation, and the foreign sector. You will gain an understanding of how these variables relate to each other and how they impact the economy. Throughout the module, you will use real-world situations to illustrate the relevance of macroeconomics to your life as a student. You will develop the skills necessary to analyse and evaluate government policies on economic issues, identify the strengths and weaknesses of market economies, and prepare an argument and analysis of a particular macroeconomic event or change.

By the end of this module, you should have a solid understanding of macroeconomic theory and its real-world applications. You will be able to analyse and evaluate economic policies and their impact on the economy, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of market economies as a mechanism of resource allocation.

An introduction for you to the essential quantitative techniques that are relevant for studying economics, finance and business. You'll be made familiar with appropriate statistical software that can be used for applied economics analysis. Using Excel as the primary calculative software tool enhances your learning because you'll learn transferable employability skills, engage with real-world data and learn how to interpret your obtained results.

You'll progress your competence in the application of mathematical techniques relevant to problems in economics, finance and business, and grow your understanding of the essential mathematics of finance and develop an understanding of the basic techniques of optimisation in the context of economics, finance and business.

In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of business organisations and how they function in contemporary settings. You’ll develop core practical knowledge as you take examples from current business practice, and apply them to business concepts and theory. And the knowledge that you gain in this module will underpin further learnings that you will undertake throughout your degree.

You’ll have the opportunity to examine the complexities of the interlinkages between the internal and external factors affecting an organisation. For example, you’ll explore the impact of challenges such as globalisation and the increasing pace of change, and how these are evaluated in order to establish a strategy. You’ll apply the lessons learned in lectures to a hand-on business simulation game, where you’ll work as part of a team to make weekly business decisions. You’ll therefore gain the insights, tools and skills necessary for succeeding in a real business context.

This module aims to introduce you to undergraduate study in economics to an economics way of looking at real-world events. By focusing on applying economic theoretical concepts to real-world issues, the key aim is to provide you with the opportunity to see how economics can be seen in our everyday life and be excited about studying economics further. By introducing a set of key theoretical concepts and focusing on your applications to real-world events, the module facilitates students’ ability to understand abstract theoretical concepts and explain them using various real-world events.

This module will help you develop an awareness of the economic foundation of complex issues in order to enhance the ability to make reasoned judgements and informed choices in the sphere of social and political affairs, widening your perspective on important social issues.

Critically examines the transformation of global labour markets due to technological progress, automation and artificial intelligence (AI). You'll focus on three core themes:

• human capital and education
• biased technological change
• and globalisation.

You'll analyse the evolving skill requirements arising from automation and AI, as well as job displacement and creation across different occupations and sectors. You'll look at how education and training systems must adapt to invest in the human capital needed to navigate technological disruption and globalisation effectively.

Through case studies and analysing real-world contexts, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive grasp of current labour market challenges stemming from technological changes and globalisation forces.

This intermediate module enriches the understanding of microeconomic theory built in previous modules. It covers individual consumer preferences, market demand analysis, production costs, pricing behaviour of firms, and asymmetric information. You'll apply economic theory to real-world scenarios, including issues of price and income subsidies, taxation, insurance, and asset markets. The module utilises a graphical approach to help you develop a basic understanding of general equilibrium theory. You'll learn to distinguish between issues of equity and efficiency in product markets, gaining a deeper understanding of economic policies' societal impact.

Through this module, you'll also develop self-management, learning, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to success in academic and professional settings. By the end of this module, you will have the ability to comprehend key functional relationships, analyse economic issues, and think critically about economic policies.

In this module, you will delve deeper into macroeconomic theory and policy by examining national economies and international linkages. You will analyse long and short-run macroeconomic models, fiscal and monetary policies, exchange rate policies, government debt, and currency unions. Through theoretical analysis and examination of recent economic events, you will develop a critical understanding of macroeconomic hypotheses and competing approaches. You will also enhance your problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills to apply theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge to macroeconomic policy debates.

By completing this module, you will gain critical self-awareness by assessing the impact of macroeconomic shocks and economic policies in determining key economic variables. The carefully curated learning framework will enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

This module will help you develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll need for making your career decisions and managing your future career development. Looking both at the UK and overseas, you will cover:

• transitions into graduate employment
• self-employment
• further study
• professional training courses.

You’ll be supported to take an informed and critical view of the world of work and think about your future role and responsibilities, not only to yourself but also to others. You’ll also learn about the University Careers Service and OBBS WAVES team. You’ll have the opportunity to go into placements, internships, volunteering and other extracurricular activities offered by the University.

You’ll be introduced to international trade and economic integration. And you’ll use partial equilibrium tools of economic analyses to analyse trade policy options and assess the welfare implications of these policies. Throughout this module, you’ll also explore the institutional arrangements of various trading blocks through reviewing multilateral and global institutions.

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to understand the economic rationale of international trade, and the stages of economic integration, including their relevance to international negotiations. You’ll also gain problem-solving and IT skills.

This module introduces the key forces shaping the international financial environment and the techniques organisations use to respond when making financial decisions. You’ll study capital flows, exchange rate determination, risk management in an international context, international investment decisions, and the financing of international activities. Core concepts of currencies and global markets will be explored on the Bloomberg terminal through two Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) modules on Currencies and Economic Indicators. Students will gain hands-on experience using Bloomberg functions, accessing international financial data and news, and developing practical analytical skills. Exposure to the Bloomberg environment adds value to students’ CVs, enhances employability and builds confidence in applying financial data in real-world contexts.

In this module, you’ll delve into the social issues and opportunities associated with international business, and the challenges associated with a dynamic business environment. To develop your understanding of globalisation, you’ll be provided with a thorough overview of current affairs. You’ll also explore international business, while considering issues of sustainability and equality.

By completing this module, you’ll be able to assess the management and operational environment in which international business operates, while also developing the ability to analyse specific international business, innovation and sustainability strategies pursued by firms (MNCs, SMEs, NGOs).

This module examines the diversity of national policy approaches to labour market and social issues. You’ll undertake a comparative economic analysis of the behaviour of employers and employees operating in the global marketplace. Using a common framework of the economic theory of labour markets, you’ll also critically evaluate how governments, economic, social and other institutions alter outcomes in labour markets.

By completing this module, you’ll be able to present a range of international labour market data, defend appropriate policy proposals and solutions to labour market issues, and recognise the implications for analysis of various social and cultural phenomena.

In this module you will discover the link between innovation and economic growth, as innovation is the key driver for economic growth in both developed and developing economies. .

You will learn about innovation's economic policy role, in particular, intellectual property rights (e.g. patents and trademarks). That ensures that innovators receive a fair share of their economic efforts which spur further investments towards this direction. Also you’ll discuss the value of customers’ data, data Intellectual Property, and the role of governments to regulate policies and standards so that new technologies can reach into the market, improving efficiency and allowing a fair competition.

This module provides an introduction to the interpretation and analysis of economic data through the application of appropriate statistical and econometric methodologies. You will gain practice in applying theory and develop your skills of statistical and econometric analysis through the completion of problem sets. Practising quantitative techniques in seminars is essential in helping you to identify your learning needs and to encourage you to become critically self-aware of your relative strengths and weaknesses in relation to the acquisition of quantitative skills, a fundamental attribute of graduates in economics and finance.

On completion of the module, you will have an understanding of hypothesis testing and statistical inference; the ability to conduct essential statistical analyses of data; and an understanding of regression analyses.

This module provides an introduction to the historical development of economic ideas. In so doing it is designed to illuminate both the influence of such ideas within a variety of social and political contexts and against the background of debates in economic policy. It aims to demonstrate the variety of approaches which can be taken to the study of economic phenomena and the traditions to which they give rise.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to appreciate the relationship between developments in economic thought and within general society, critically evaluate the ideas of economic thinkers, and appreciate the diversity of paradigms which have influenced the development of economic doctrine over time.

On this module, you’ll examine the nature of financial markets and the role of financial intermediaries. You’ll analyse the nature of market efficiency, and the extent to which asset prices reflect rational decisions in consideration of psychological or speculative factors. You’ll also explore comparative merits and the question of financial regulation. Different types of financial instruments and their valuation will also be explored.

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to assess institution-based and market-based finance in a variety of contexts, understand the main principles underlying asset pricing models, and resolve general problems in selecting investments in a global market.

This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of finance and to the finance function in a company or corporation. This will enable you to understand the sorts of decisions that are taken by financial managers along with their rationales. The content includes an explanation of the role of finance in business and the objectives of the finance function. You will also examine the decisions affecting capital structure and the cost of capital.

You’ll look at the environmental sustainability challenges facing society and businesses. You’ll discuss key environmental issues such as:

• global warming
• pollution
• biodiversity loss
• freshwater depletion.

You'll also look at the role of business in causing, as well as responding to, such issues.

You’ll explore macro (economic, policy, governance) as well as micro (organisational and individual) perspectives. You’ll also be introduced to a variety of stakeholder perspectives and frameworks for evaluating business responses. Through the module you’ll develop your key competencies for sustainability that are endorsed by UNESCO (2017) and the QAA/Advance HE (2021). The competencies are:

• systems thinking
• anticipatory thinking
• normative competency
• strategic thinking
• collaborative competency
• critical thinking
• self-awareness
• integrated problem-solving competency.

On this placement, you will be able to access a 40-52 week work-based learning or placement opportunity to help develop your employability and enterprise skills. You will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to, and working in, a placement role. You will set your own work-based targets and reflect upon your progress in the role you have on your placement. Halfway through your placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises your gained knowledge on your placement and the tasks you have/will complete in your placement role.

This module is your advanced introduction to pluralism and competing paradigms in economics, finance and international business. You will investigate contemporary topics by using theoretical and empirical tools in economics and finance where you’ll employ orthodox and non orthodox approaches.

Through the module, you’ll develop a deep understanding of key global trends and outcomes that are relevant to the world of international business. Also, you will progress your analytical investigation skills in the sphere of global economics.

This module adopts a political economy approach and focuses on selected controversial economic issues such as economic growth, inequality, pricing mechanism and resource allocation, unemployment, economics of information, mechanism designs, and so on. You'll examine each issue by comparing and contrasting the philosophy and methods of the neo-classical approach with alternative approaches.

This module provides an opportunity for you to investigate the forces shaping the contemporary financial system. You'll examine a variety of issues, taking the financial turmoil of 2007-2008 as a starting point. The emphasis will be on both the underlying causes of recent financial developments and the more general implications of these for our understanding of finance and on the possibilities open to regulatory authorities, companies, investors and other interested groups to respond to these developments.

On this module, you will build your understanding of the concept called ‘homo economicus’ where individuals are considered to be perfectly rational and concerned only about maximising their own welfare. Your understanding of strategic behaviour in encounters with other individuals, modelled as games will broaden. You’ll examine concepts such as:

• bounded rationality
• cognitive bias
• market design
• equilibrium selection
• policies in detail.

By the end of the module, you’ll have a critical understanding of the new stream of thinking that has developed within economics in the last few decades. You’ll have knowledge of what allows people to make mistakes in decision-making and be altruistic – i.e. care about others’ utility, as well as their own.

This module uses economic theory to analyse the structure and forces behind economic growth and development.

You will learn standard theory of economic growth and use those theories to analyse the process of economic growth across countries. You will familiarise yourself with a set of important issues that are central to macroeconomics and develop some dynamic economics knowledge useful in macroeconomics as well as in a number of other sub-disciplines. By the end of the module you will gain tools to analyse the economy with a long-run perspective that is normally overlooked in the other macroeconomic modules

On this module, you will build your understanding of modelling techniques and analytical tools of environmental economics. You will be able to critically analyse a range of environmental issues which impact environmental externalities on economic agents and the range of policy responses available to policymakers.

Throughout this module, you’ll explore the economic challenges of financing development in developing countries, while using internal and external sources of finance. You’ll investigate the difference between development and growth, the roles of public and private sector, financial dualism, credit market failures, micro finance and international capital flows.

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to interpret the implications of international financial flows on development, and you’ll gain an understanding of how a viable financial system can assist in economic growth and development.

This module focuses on selected important economic policy issues and relevant economic tools of analysis, with a balance between macro- and microeconomics. You will develop key skills and knowledge in the economics of public policy, which are a necessary requirement for a career as an academic economist or as an analyst in a wide range of national and international policy-making institutions.

This module extends the basic theory of corporate finance covered in previous years by developing more complex approaches to financial management which can guide decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty. It also examines corporate decisions concerning capital structure and the choice between internal and external finance and sets these decisions in the context of developments in a range of financial markets. Your learning outcomes include being able to apply investment appraisal techniques to conditions of risk and uncertainty, assess the impact of cost capital for businesses and understand the key principles and techniques of risk management.

This module will further and broaden your knowledge of econometrics. You’ll progress and develop your econometric skills that are needed to be able to successfully investigate economic and financial relationships by using appropriate econometric methodologies. You’ll study examples based on both economic and financial data that illustrate the application of the methodologies you’ll learn to use.

In this module, you will develop a sound understanding of the concepts, tools and practical experience of using new data technologies to disintermediate and promote innovation and competition across financial services.

You will learn, through case analysis, about the supporting technologies and how these allow a supporting ‘ecoSystem’ of third parties to compete in providing financial services. You’ll also examine the challenge posed for incumbents competing against challengers and maintaining and innovating bank’s own systems; and the associated public policy issues concerning financial, privacy and competition regulation, building your applicable knowledge of open data and distributed finance.

You will develop your critical and practical understanding of creating and analysing a sustainable investment portfolio. You’ll have access to our Bloomberg virtual trading terminals to develop your practical skills. You’ll also construct an investment portfolio aligned to sustainable investing principles.

This module will include focusing on practical aspects of portfolio management, including establishing key performance metrics, risk measurement and fundamental analysis.

In this module, you will gain and further a basic knowledge about Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on machine learning technologies (supervised and unsupervised learning) to highlight its role in disrupting business practices in both manufacturing and services sectors. You will also examine, tackle and learn about the ethical challenges posited by AI.