UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Social and International StudiesDivision of Economics
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / BSc (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]
Programme title: / Global Trade and Finance
Duration: / 1 year full-time
UCAS code: / L161
Subject benchmark statement: / Economics
Date produced: / May 2011
Last updated : / May 2012
Introduction
This progression degree (‘one-year top-up’ degree) comprises of 120 credits at level 3. It is designed to build on your previous study of economics, trade and finance related topics in order to provide you with the ability to analyse the wider economic context within which business operates. You will study alongside other students from the Division of Economics.
The Division of Economics operates within the School of Social and International Studies, where teaching staff have research interests in the fields of trade, economic integration, macroeconomic policy, finance, individual behaviour and social economics, and these are reflected in developments in the curriculum. Degrees courses within the Economics Programme have an emphasis on transferable skills in addition to subject knowledge and aim to be relevant to contemporary life, occupations and events.
All courses comprising the Undergraduate Economics Programme in the Division of Economics provide a structured approach to the discipline of economics that is informed by the Quality Assessment Agency for Higher Education (QAAHE) Benchmarking Statement in Economics with respect to the aims of the degree programme, subject knowledge and understanding, together with subject-specific skills including numeracy and quantitative skills. Each course offers a choice of complementary options taught in the Division of Economics, in other departments within the School of Social and International Studies, and appropriate subjects taught in other Schools.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.Build on your previous study of economics, trade and finance related topics;
A2.Provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the wider international economic context
A3.Examine the factors that shape business decision-making and the developments in government policy that impact on the regulatory environment.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1.Understand the theories and concepts of economics as they apply to international trade, finance and the international monetary system.
LO2.Abstractand examine essential features of complex systems; analysis, deduction and induction applied to assumption-based models; quantification and design of data and its effective organisation; framing of parameters in problems.
LO3.Access, retrieve, and synthesise information,apply critical thinking and use numerical and statistical techniques to construct reasoned arguments and present empirical evidence
LO4.Apply IT skills, use written and electronic sources of information, communicate effectivelyand fluently in speech and writing, and work as an effective team member
Curriculum
The degree consists of 120 credits, made up of core and optional course units.
You will research and write-up your project, with guidance from your supervisor. To prepare you for the final year project you will study Research and Study Skills for Economists. By the end of this stage you will have: demonstrated your ability to apply appropriate economic theory and methodology to a chosen topic within your project; developed a deeper, more specialised knowledge and understanding of the application of economic principles to specialised areas and policy issues.
Stage 1
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodSE-6009K / Global Trade and Finance Project / C / 40 / 3 / 1 and 2
SE-6012L / The Economics and Finance of Business / C / 20 / 3 / 1 and 2
SE-6013L / Trade, Regionalism and Globalisation / C / 10 / 3 / 1 and 2
SE-6014M / Research and Study Skills / C / 10 / 3 / 1
SE-6016M / Financial Economics / C / 10 / 3 / 1
SE-5003L / Further Mathematics for Economists / O / 20 / 3 / 1 and 2
SE-6001M / Topics in Microeconomics / O / 10 / 3 / 1
SE-6002M / Topics in Macroeconomics / O / 10 / 3 / 1
SE-6011M / Financial Institutions / O / 10 / 3 / 1
SE-6018M / Economics of Labour / O / 10 / 3 / 2
SE-6019M / Economics of Leisure / O / 10 / 3 / 2
SE-6021M / European Political Economy / O / 10 / 3 / 2
SE-6022M / Public Policy / O / 10 / 3 / 2
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The strategy for learning within the Division is to enable you to achieve your optimum level of competence and understanding at each Stage in order to be well prepared, and feel confident, to progress to higher levels of skill and knowledge. While lectures are the main teaching method, a wide variety of other learning activities take place including: lectures with notes and supplementary reading, exercises, projects and workbooks, independent study and group work. Different assessment methods are employed to match the learning outcomes of each course unit, and to achieve an overall balance between examinations, essays and other written work, oral presentations, problem solving exercises and group work. Classroom and mid-semester tests are intended to provide feedback on your progress.
The project is a substantial piece of work that gives you the opportunity not only to draw together your existing strands of learning and experience but also to increase your specialist subject knowledge and to demonstrate your ability to undertake independent study. During the course, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only for the study of economics, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These will be taught, practised and assessed.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:
Admission Requirements
You will normally hold one of the following:
- A Higher National Diploma (HND) with a merit, merit, distinction profile or equivalent award with an equivalent grade profile from a recognised university or institution of higher education, which includes introductory and intermediate study of economics. For holders of SQA HND awards the equivalent profile is an overall pass with grades A,A,B (the award to include study of introductory and intermediate economics).
- A Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent in Economics or Business (or related subjects), achieved as a principal qualification from a recognised university or institution of higher education and which includes introductory and intermediate study of economics, where the grade profile is equivalent to that stated above for HND award holders.
- English GCSE grade C or above; GCSE mathematics grade C or above (or equivalent).
- If you are an international student (non-UK) you will need to show competence in English to a high level, for example, IELTS with overall band score of 6.0 or equivalent.
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.
Applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
You will be provided with an intensive introductory training in Research and Study Skills, to help you make the transition to study at the University of Bradford and to prepare for your Project and other assignments.
The Division of Economics supplements the IT resources available on campus with its own computer cluster for teaching and individual study. The University Library is a designated European Documentation Centre with a comprehensive coverage of EU information.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
The Global Trade and Finance degree will allow you to present a wide range of skills to potential employers, or indeed provide a solid basis for further postgraduate study in the fields of economics, finance or business. Indeed, graduates with a training in economics are increasingly in demand for their analytical and problem solving skills as much for their knowledge of economic principles and applications. Our graduates pursue a range of careers in the fields on finance, insurance, general management, government and education. See for more information about the skills acquired by economics graduates and the types of careers pursued.
Learner Development Unit (LDU)
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the LDU website.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions OfficeThe University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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