Overview
The modern business world is characterised by rapid change from globalisation, technological advancements and increased customer expectations.
More than ever before commercial enterprises need to develop a sound understanding of the competitive environment in which they operate, the resources needed to succeed and where to allocate them to reach their objectives.
This course aims to apply the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics to business orientated decision making, covering issues such as the impact of firms outsourcing jobs from the UK, the difference in wages between workers and the regulation of business to ensure competition. Recent graduates have found employment in managerial careers at companies such as Vodafone.
As one of the largest Business Schools in Europe, Coventry is rated ‘excellent’ by Eduniversal and the 6th best in the UK for Economics by the Guardian University Guide 2019. You’ll benefit from industry-standard facilities, including the largest academic trading floor in Europe. Our experienced teaching team will share their professional or research expertise, having worked for organisations such as the Financial Service Authority, run national training courses for the Economics Network and published in leading journals, including The International Journal of Economics and Business Research.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
Chartered Association of Business Schools
What our students say
I really enjoyed how easily real world situations are applied to topics and how factors can be avoided/repeated. I feel as though knowing theories and practices can help me to create a better future, either by learning from mistakes or from repeating successes.
Sophie Kalumba, BA (Hons) Business Economics student
Course information
The Business Economics degree is one of three pathways we offer in Economics; the others being Economics and Financial Economics.
For greater flexibility, all of our Economics degrees have a common first year. This gives you the chance to experience and achieve a thorough grounding in economic concepts and principles, along with relevant quantitative techniques and skills, before you make your decision about which area you’d like to specialise in, depending on your interests or career aspirations.
In the first year, we will study core subjects including microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematical techniques for economics and data analysis skills for economics. Then, if you choose to follow the Business Economics pathway, you will have the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the business sector. We will take a more in-depth look at how economics affects individual firms, their environment and the decisions those businesses subsequently have to take. We may examine issues such as the factors that determine the differences in wages between workers, bonus policies for senior managers in failing firms and whether regulators are ensuring fair competition.
Given the importance of human resources within organisations, we place an emphasis on the theoretical and empirical tools developed by economists to analyse the employment relationship. We will have the opportunity to analyse in detail a selected number of human resource issues, such as compensation schemes, performance measures, training, discrimination and the impact of government programmes. Traditional analysis of principal-agent theory will be complemented by evaluating recent developments in behavioural economics that focus on the psychology of incentives, including the effect of bonuses and piece rates on productivity, and what makes a good performance measure.
You also have the choice to take an optional placement or study abroad year after completing your first two years. In the past, our students have gone to work for NBC Universal, Ford Motors and the Government Economic Service (GES). Others have opted to study economics for a year at California State University San Marcos, and Charles III University of Madrid.
100%
of our students are satisfied with the quality of the course
NSS, 2018
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Our economics courses are ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2019
In more detail...
The ever-changing global economy makes headlines on a daily basis, shaping the world in which we live socially, politically and economically. Consequently, there is a strong demand in businesses throughout the world for economics experts who can contextualise a financial situation, spot opportunities for savings and profit or identify the root of financial problems.
Student satisfaction is consistently high and our track record for graduate employability is exceptional – with 100% of students in work or continuing their studies six months after graduation (DLHE 2014/15). Recent graduates have found careers with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Bank of England, Government Economic Service (GES), Vodafone and HSBC, among others.
This course, one of four pathways offered in the field of economics, aims to give you a thorough grounding in economic concepts and principles, along with all the mathematical, computing and statistical tools you will need to make informed financial decisions. We will provide you with the training to help you to think like an economist; you will have the opportunity to become adept in numeracy, IT and the use of statistical methods, developing advanced skills in problem solving and decision making.
A major strength of our course is its practical focus; you’ll have opportunities to participate in skills development workshops with direct involvement from the Government Economic Service (GES), including a mock assessment center specifically designed to familiarise you with the Civil Service Fast Stream application process, ideal for those considering a career in the public sector. We will also provide opportunities to participate in a range of economic experiments based on real-life situations, including a trading floor game, international trading game and the chance to run your own production line.
Through the use of online assessments and research workshops, we aim to ensure you are familiar with the key analytical techniques that economists use in practice, from statistical analysis to theoretical modelling, using bespoke economics tools like WinEcon, which was developed in conjunction with Coventry University.
You also have the opportunity to apply for a work placement, which in the past has seen students working for a wide range of organisations and companies, including the GES, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Barclays and the Bank of England (subject to application and availability).
- Experienced staff who have worked as economic advisors, e.g. for Deutsche Bank in the Netherlands.
- Hands-on experience using a range of market-leading economics and business software packages, from Stata to Bloomberg.
- Faculty research expertise in exchange rate equilibria, international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and conflict economics.
- Expert contributions by professionals from industry, sometimes our own alumni, including HM Treasury, Lloyds, Barclays and the European Commission.
- Outstanding facilities include our state-of-the-art trading floor featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.
- Student-led Economics Society organises social events, visiting speakers and field trips, which in the past have included a visit to Amsterdam to visit the stock exchange.
- Strong links with employers all over the world to ensure the course is responsive to the needs of potential employment sectors, such as the telecommunications sector (Vodafone) and the IT sector (FDM Group).
Ranked the 6th best university in the UK for Economics -
The Guardian University Guide 2019.
Your main study themes are:
- Principles of economics: Introductions to basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of macroeconomics and microeconomics. This will include the study of scarcity, choice and opportunity cost, price determination in competitive markets, government intervention, fiscal policy and monetary policy.
- Econometrics: Aims to provide an understanding of the statistical techniques and analysis used by the professional economist, enabling you to read and understand published empirical work, as well as formulating your own research hypotheses.
- Academic and professional skills for economists: Designed to equip you with the full range of skills required for successful academic study and future careers, including presentation preparation and report writing skills.
- Managerial economics: You will have the chance to learn how to use economic analysis to solve problems and make effective decisions in the complex world of business. We place an emphasis on the global aspects of managerial economics and its application in the international marketplace.
The course is available either on a three-year full-time basis or on a four-year sandwich basis, where there is one year of supervised work experience (the placement year) or study abroad between Years Two and Three. You can start the course in September and placements typically begin in July.
Your course will be taught through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, self-directed study, computer-based workshops and use of econometrics software, such as Stata and SPSS. Your academic personal tutor (APT) will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice throughout your time on the course.
To hone your mathematical and analytical skills, you will have the chance to engage in numerical problem solving for example, by evaluating utility optimisation problems related to consumer theory. We will also have the opportunity to reinforce economic concepts and techniques, for example, in interactive seminars using economic games and experiments, such as the world trade game.
At every stage, we aim to introduce coursework and experiences that apply to the real world. As well as the year-long industrial placement, you can choose to undertake shorter work experience for example, with local charities, such as Positive Youth Foundations and help within the local community and work in the commercial sector, including Barclays. We will have the chance to discuss current issues covered in the leading professional journals like the American Economic Review and examine a variety of international case studies, such as wage convergence in the age of mass migration. You will have the opportunity to participate in number of field trips and industry visits, at home and abroad (additional costs and application may apply). For example, in the past we have visited partner institutions in Kuala Lumpur (TARUC), California (CSUSM) and Poland (Lazarski University).
In your final year, you have the chance to work on real-world projects or research through discipline specific supervision. Topics covered by past students have included: ‘A statistical analysis on the Research and Development patent relationship in US technology firms from 2010-2014’ and ‘To what extent is there market power in the supermarket industry in the UK and how are other parties affected?’
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, test and essays, group work and presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of economics, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, together with a variety of economic techniques, constructs and applications.
- Evaluate the application of economic reasoning to the study of relevant problems and policies in economics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of graphical and statistical representation of economic ideas using appropriate techniques, such as demand and supply analysis.
- Communicate economic concepts, models and techniques in a clear and precise style through written and oral work.
- Solve quantitative or statistical problems, synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources, such as UNCADstats.
- Analyse and discuss contemporary economic issues using appropriate economic concepts, principles and constructs.
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 14 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 2 hours of tutorials, including academic tutorials, employment tutorials, project supervision, online tutorials and pastoral support each week.
- Medium group teaching: 6 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
- Large group teaching: 6 hours of lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 22-24 hours of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc.
If you opt to take a sandwich year, it is possible to spend a year studying or working abroad as part of your studies. Our overseas partner network continues to expand, especially in China, India and the USA. You will have the opportunity to apply for a work placement or study abroad for a further year in Europe through the Erasmus Socrates scheme and there will be staff on hand who can help you do this.
We can also support you in finding an internship both here in the UK or abroad. Past students have gone to work in countries as far afield as China to teach English as a foreign language and Belgium to work for Toyota.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
I really enjoyed how easily real world situations are applied to topics and how factors can be avoided / repeated. I feel as though knowing theories and practices can help me to create a better future, either by learning from mistakes or from repeating successes.
Entry Requirements
Unconditional offers
We want to recruit the best students to Coventry and having assessed applicants' past, current and predicted performance and commitment to the course we feel that it is appropriate to reward consistently high-achieving students with an unconditional offer from Coventry University. It is a commitment from us with regard to an applicants’ potential as an excellent undergraduate and we hope that this will encourage such applicants to join the Coventry community. Personal statements and references will also be taken into account and, for some degree courses, an interview will form part of the assessment. The criteria for unconditional offers will vary across the University as entry requirements for specific courses differ and not all degree courses will be taking part in the Scheme.
We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer providing that you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).
An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place at Coventry is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.
We can’t but our experience over the years has shown us that students with a track record of high grades and excellent predictions are very likely to achieve those grades. Our assessment takes into account all elements of your application to allow us to take a holistic view of your potential. There is also the opportunity to apply to one of the Coventry University Scholarships if you achieve the required grades so there is a financial incentive to aim high. Unconditional offers are only made to individuals who have demonstrated their commitment so we believe their focus and determination is unlikely to waver in the final stages of their qualifications.
No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in 2019.
What our students say...
I really enjoyed how easily real world situations are applied to topics and how factors can be avoided / repeated. I feel as though knowing theories and practices can help me to create a better future, either by learning from mistakes or from repeating successes.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
I really enjoyed how easily real world situations are applied to topics and how factors can be avoided / repeated. I feel as though knowing theories and practices can help me to create a better future, either by learning from mistakes or from repeating successes.
Career prospects
A key advantage of this degree is that, as well as providing highly sought after skills in economic analysis, it aims to give you extensive exposure to how businesses and other organisations operate in widely different international markets.
Through interaction with students from different countries and regular input from current professionals, you’ll already have made a start in building your professional network of peers from across the globe; one of the many reasons why 95% of Economics graduates were in work or further study after six months (DLHE 2014/15).
Students can benefit from our long-established links with HM Treasury and other government departments, which regularly offer a number of internships, as well as a unique mentoring programme for our students. Each academic year at least 10 second year students are paired with employees of different departments and can explore a variety of tasks and career opportunities, receiving assistance in the design of their curriculum vitae with a view to future employment.
On successful graduation, you should possess an in-depth knowledge of economic theories and models, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and mathematical ability. You should also be able to demonstrate a wide range of desirable professional skills, including: team working; critical evaluation; self-directed learning; problem-solving; action planning and organising; written and oral communication; questioning and listening. The following personal qualities will also be addressed in each of the skills modules: achievement orientation; initiative and creativity; self-confidence; decisiveness; reflectiveness; adaptability and flexibility.
On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of careers in investment banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, the public sector, auditing, derivatives trading, management consultancy, mergers and acquisitions, and many more. Recent graduates have found employment in a wide variety of careers at managerial level with prestigious employers including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Bank of England, Government Economic Service (GES), Vodafone and HSBC. A number have also gone on to postgraduate study and professional training such as teaching.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
95%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates from our economics courses have found employment in a wide variety of careers at managerial level with a number of prestigious employers including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Bank of England, Government Economic Service (GES), Vodafone and HSBC. A number of our graduates have also gone on to postgraduate study and professional training such as teaching.
Our graduates earn an average salary of £24,000 six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
What our students say...
I really enjoyed how easily real world situations are applied to topics and how factors can be avoided / repeated. I feel as though knowing theories and practices can help me to create a better future, either by learning from mistakes or from repeating successes.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the 19/20 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase for UK and EU Students is expected to be in line with inflation. For international students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
