Business Economics BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: L112
International Code: FBLU032

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

The modern business world is characterised by rapid change in the form of globalisation, technological advancements, and increased customer expectations. By studying our Business Economics course, you will have the opportunity to focus on the application of economics to situations related to commerce and enterprise.

This course will interest you if:

  • You are looking for a career path that requires an understanding of the competitive environment in which companies work, the resources needed to succeed and where to allocate them to reach their objectives- something economists can help to provide.
  • Looking for flexibility- all our Economics courses have a common first year. All first year students will study our Economics degree and then after successful completion of year one they will be given the choice of staying with Economics or moving to Business Economics or Financial Economics. 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 would like to specialise in, depending on your interests or potential future career aspirations.
  • Wish to understand the financial world.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The Business Economics course offers an insight into the world of an Economist. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn from experienced staff who have worked as economic advisors, e.g. for Deutsche Bank in the Netherlands (please note staff are subject to change).
  • Develop economic skills, while also being exposed to how businesses operate in widely different international markets.
  • Gain hands-on experience using a range of economics and business software packages, such as Bloomberg.
  • Benefit from faculty research expertise in exchange rate equilibria, international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and conflict economics.
  • Opportunity to change course to either Economics BSc (Hons) or Financial Economics BSc (Hons) after successfully completing your first year, allowing you the opportunity to gain an understanding of the subject before confirming your specialism (course change is subject to Tier 4 compliance approval for international students).
  • Expert contributions by professionals from industry (subject to availability) which in the past have included our own alumni, HM Treasury, Lloyds Bank, Barclays, and the European Commission.
  • Join a student-led Economics Society who organised social events, visiting speakers and field trips which in the past have included a visit to Amsterdam to visit the stock exchange (opportunities are subject to availability, competitive application, meeting applicable visa and additional fees may apply).
  • Develop skills in facilities which include our Trading Floor, currently one of the largest of its kind in Europe, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals.
  • Benefit from support offered for maths and stats through the university’s Sigma Centre, which offers drop-in sessions led by experienced staff (subject to availability).
  • Opportunity to gain exemptions from professional examinations with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) , which could help you to progress your potential future career upon successful completion. Please see the Exemptions section of the Overview tab for more details.

Exemptions

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2022/23 intake. CII recognition allows students to gain certain exemptions from some professional examinations, upon successful completion of this course (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply). If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CII, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Memberships

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2022/23 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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What you'll study

All of our Economic courses have a common first year, during which you will have the opportunity to gain a firm foundation in the core subjects of your course as well as the chance to broaden your field of study, through mandatory modules that have a balance between microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to enable students to explain economic issues through the application of economic theory. It will integrate economic concepts from the Principles of Economics modules into an applied context. In addition, students will be able to develop their academic skills through the study of the academic content of this module.

    Compulsory

  • This module is the first stage of a suite of modules which will equip students with emphasis on developing three sets of fundamental skills.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts, principles and analytical methods of both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with mathematical skills and knowledge required for the study of economics and related quantitative methods. Its content has been chosen after consultation with lecturers teaching other modules throughout the economics degrees to ensure that students are familiar with required mathematical concepts. The module builds on students' pre-existing knowledge of mathematics and then considers and develops an in depth understanding of the theory and application of calculus, matrix algebra and other techniques widely used in economics, economic analysis and econometrics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of classical statistics, as used in economics and other social sciences. This will allow students to carry out basic empirical investigations in applied economics and provides the necessary foundation of knowledge for later modules in econometrics.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

Your second year will give you the opportunity to further develop knowledge gained the previous year. Modules include a number of mandatory modules, together with one optional module, which can be selected from a range of choices, and can be used either to develop a specialisation with an eye on your potential future career, or to broaden your approach into various applied topics. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • The module aims to:

    • Introduce and evaluate intermediate level theoretical foundations of microeconomics and provide examples of their application.
    • Define and critically apply methods of microeconomics of relevance to complex problem solving in Government, business and individual decision-making.
    • Explore the relevance and limitations of intermediate microeconomic foundations as applied to other related areas, e.g. labour economics, health economics and international trade.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduces students to the discipline of Econometrics with a particular emphasis on the theory and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and the violation of its underlying assumptions. The module builds on the statistical techniques developed in Statistics for Economists and the mathematical tools developed in Mathematics for Economists. It also provides the necessary basis for those students wishing to take Further Econometrics.

    Compulsory

  • This module is the second stage of a suite of modules which equip students with three sets of transferable skills: job application skills, leadership skills and intermediate academic skills. It prepares students to embark on career pathways to best suit their personal aspirations.

    The development of the first two will encourage students in their own career journey and enable students to generate evidence and build the confidence of their employability which can be used when applying for jobs, internships and/or placements as well as other work-related learning opportunities.

    The further development of the last set of skills will encourage students to begin considering their research project in the final year and enable students to enhance their research skills for the project or for postgraduate studies.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to deepen and widen students’ understanding by building upon the macroeconomic foundations acquired from the introductory economics modules at Level 4. It provides a thorough grounding in intermediate principles of macroeconomics. The module provides students with an appreciation of the potential applications of the analytical techniques, their limitations and critiques. In addition it also introduces students to some of the controversies between alternative theoretical approaches. It provides the underpinning for subsequent study in the degree courses in economics and it is also one of the key elements in the professional training of an economist.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce managerial economics with an emphasis on the firm and its managers, the environment in which firms and managers find themselves, and the decisions that managers take. You should learn how to use economic analysis to solve problems and make effective decisions in the complex world of business. Content emphasizes the global aspects of managerial economics and its application in the international marketplace.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

  • Choose one from the following three modules:

    Economics of Business Organisations - 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the analysis of business organisations from an economic perspective. After having completed the module, students will have a solid foundation of knowledge regarding the structure and operation of businesses in the real world. Students will also be equipped with the core economic concepts, principles and theories needed to appreciate and analyse the role and functioning of incentives in businesses as well as reasons for inefficiencies or failures. In addition, students will have an opportunity to learn how to critically discuss the merits and limitations of policies affecting the organisation of businesses and their scope to mitigate inefficiencies or failure of businesses. 

    Behaviourial Economics - 20 credits 

    This module will introduce students to the field of behavioural economics. It will examine the theoretical and empirical evidence an subsequently critically assess the usefulness of this sub discipline in interpreting consumer choice and behaviour. Students will learn how to apply behavioural principles and employ experimental tests in analyzing both economic and non-economic problems.

    Economics of Globalisation - 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to enable students to understand and be able to provide an analysis of the economics of globalisation. Students will use international trade theory and other relevant economic theory to assess major contemporary economic developments in the world economy.

    Optional

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement. 

Placement years are subject to additional costs, application, meeting applicable visa requirements and availability. Further costs incurred as a result of the professional work placement or study abroad shall be borne by the student.  

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your final year, your studies should reflect an increased specialisation in your chosen field of business economics. The course now offers two optional modules for you to select, alongside four mandatory modules which are designed to give you the opportunity to become a well-rounded graduate, and include conducting a project in the field of business economics.

Modules

  • Labour economics is very broad and covers many of the economic topics that are of concern in modern economies such as labour supply shortage, pay and incentive mechanisms and discrimination in the workplace. This module builds on the principles and techniques of microeconomics and macroeconomics that students have learnt. and applies them to the labour market.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the course is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the theory of industrial organisation and a critical understanding of its application to competition policy and business strategy. In addition this module draws on business cases studies from the UK and internationally.

    Compulsory

  • This module is the final stage of a suite of modules which equip students with transferrable academic and professional skills, with a particular emphasis on implementations of employability and research skills learned in the previous years. The first part of this module will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of employability skills and how to communicate their skills through a job or postgraduate course application process.The second part of this module will provide students with an understanding of academic research and an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigation and research into professional development and practice within a subject-specific area of their degree route. This module will give students the awareness, skills and tools to write a well-thought and achievable research or project proposal, helping students to lay a solid foundation for their final project in 6005EFA.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply and develop their research skills and to extend their knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse in a specialist area of interest. The student will chose an academic area related to their programme of study and apply their independent learning skills to research this area in depth. Students will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

  • Choose two from the following six modules:

    International Economics - 20 credits

    This module enables students to investigate in-depth the principle concepts and theories of international economics concerning issues arising from economic interactions between sovereign states. 

    Development Economics - 20 credits

    This module investigates in-depth the main economic concepts and principles used in understanding economic problems and policy issues as countries transition from low income status to middle and high income status. The module also provides students with an understanding and evaluation of the comparative development experience and performance of major regions of the world, particularly less developed and emerging economies. The module also leads students into assessments of the impact of a range of development strategies.

    Public Sector Economics - 20 credits

    This module critically investigates the development of the market-based model of the public sector, using case studies drawn, for instance, from education, healthcare, social services, social housing and defence. The module takes an international perspective, highlighting the experiences of the UK, other EU countries, and the US. To achieve its aims, the module introduces, applies and evaluates essential welfare economic concepts and principles. Topics covered include the critical assessment of the optimal scale and scope of the state, the impact of the new public management upon performance assessment in schools, public-private partnerships in funding of major projects, e.g. State hospital building programmes, the crisis in UK Local Government funding and the hypothecation of taxation.

    Health Economics - 20 credits

    This module provides an introduction to the economics of health and health care drawing upon health markets in the UK, EU, North America as case studies. It will give students a thorough grounding and working knowledge of the full spectrum of economic concepts and models used within the analysis of health and health care markets. Moreover, it includes the analysis of not only those behaviours which are considered good for us, e.g. regular exercise but also considers a range of economic ‘bads’, including smoking and binge drinking. The module demonstrates how health economics and health care influences behaviours, for instance, the way government determines who will live and who will die, e.g. through the allocation of health funding towards some cancer drugs but not others. Moreover, the module will evaluate a range of health management related issues including cost-management, the remuneration and reward of clinical staff and product innovation. 

    Environmental Economics - 20 credits

    This module explores the uses of economic analysis in investigating the causes, consequences and possible solutions to problems of environmental degradation. Some of the major themes in the module include: the determination of the optimum levels of environmental resource usage; the analyses of alternative ways of attaining those targets; and valuation of environmental resources. The crucial notion of 'sustainability' is a key focus as are the proximate and underlying causes of environmental problems. 

    Further Econometrics - 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to strengthen students' understanding of econometric models and techniques relevant to empirical analysis and policy evaluation aoplied to a wide range of Macroeconomic and Microeconomic problems. The module will equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills to design, undertake, and evaluate empirical work within economics, finance and business.

    Optional

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.

How you'll learn

We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. Teaching contact hours will vary in different semesters and years of study and may vary due to module selection. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, including sessions with the Faculty’s progress coaches, or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.

Within your first and second year, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week which includes:

  • Medium group teaching: practical classes, seminars or workshops per week.
  • Large group teaching: lectures each week.

In your final year, if you are undertaking a project/dissertation, there is a greater emphasis placed on independent study and therefore total contact hours may be reduced.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using for example, seminar exercises or online activities.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations.

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.

Job ready

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate modern economic theory and the empirical methods used by economists.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the workings of economic systems, both within the UK and the wider global economy, including the ability to interpret relevant data and evaluate government policies.
  • Apply economic theories and empirical methods to real-world situations, by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning to analyse economic events and issues.
  • Communicate technical concepts related to economic analysis and policy debates to a diverse range of audiences.
  • Examine issues of sustainability and ethics from an economic perspective, and critically appraise the ethical and sustainability implications of economic policy.
  • Integrate issues of national economic policy and analysis in a global context, and hence appreciate the value of international cooperation.
  • Use a range of transferable skills, such as: writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic; making effective use of information technology; confident delivery of presentations; creative problem solving and self-motivation.

International experience opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you will have the opportunity to participate in European field trips* as part of the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which are conducted in partnership with European universities, and see students work collaboratively on related projects.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBB
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 30 points 

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Accounting and Finance or International Year One (Accounting and Finance) will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

To be accepted for the programme students must possess 240 credits (120 ECTS) at level 4 and 5 obtained in a relevant subject area, covering either accounting or finance.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

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The Trading Floor

With 42 Bloomberg terminals, this facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

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Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops.

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sigma Centre

The sigma Centre offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

Careers and opportunities

A key advantage of this course is that, as well as giving you the opportunity to acquire 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.

Upon 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.

Where our graduates work

On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future career options in investment banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, the public sector, auditing, derivatives trading, management consultancy, mergers, and acquisitions, and many more. Past graduates have found employment in a wide variety of careers at managerial level with prestigious employers.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Accounting and Financial Management MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    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 2021/22 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.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).