Economics and Finance
L1N3The status of the global economy and financial trends are more dynamic than ever. Gain the skills to apply macroeconomic, microeconomic and finance theories and practices in the context of global social responsibility.
Course overview
Our fascinating Economics and Finance course aims to develop your knowledge and skills in economic and financial concepts, theories, ideas, methods and tools. Throughout the course, you will explore large-scale general economic drivers and their influences on wealth creation at national and international levels (macroeconomics) and how economic units make decisions and distribute goods and services (microeconomics).
You will study a range of interesting topics including economics, management accounting, financial management, investments and financial risk management. This will equip you to be able to extract, analyse, interpret and critically assess economic and financial information, systems and phenomena. You will also hone your mathematical skills, including the ability to manipulate, model, interpret and evaluate numerical data.
It’s not solely about stats and figures. Our versatile course enables you to develop your abilities in communication, critical and agile thinking, and problem solving. These skills are highly sought-after in today’s challenging economic environment, as organisations strive to solve increasingly complex business problems.
We tend to favour workshop-style sessions over lectures and you will have the opportunity to apply cutting-edge knowledge and skills to real life scenarios. Live briefs, simulations, role play and live case studies will be used to recreate workplace conditions. We adopt ethical and values-oriented approaches to political, social, welfare and environmental challenges in the context of responsible management.
Before moving on to your final year, you may choose to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business relevant to your ambitions, increasing your professional confidence and employability.
In your final year, you have the option to complete a dissertation, undertake a consultancy project or work placement, or launch a start-up.
Accreditation
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offer graduates of this programme exemptions from some professional examinations.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On Campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years full-time (sandwich)
- 6 years part-time
Apply
L1N3
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Study economics, management accounting, financial management, investments and financial risk management
- Complete an optional year-long placement within the industry
- Gain a wide range of transferable and technical skills to confidently and successfully operate in national and global businesses
- Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Further detail on the learning and teaching methods employed:
Lectures provide a framework for discussion of key concepts, research, theories and models relating to the field of economics and finance, and explore relationships between these and their application in practice. Seminars and workshops provide students the opportunity to work in small groups on activities which are designed to apply theory to practice and analyse and evaluate implications. Case studies, stimulated business exercises, problem-based learning and real time problems are incorporated into seminar activities.
Presentations from guest speakers including professionals from industry and academic researchers.
- Individual and group projects to encourage collaborative working.
- Student presentations and role-play
- Guided and supported independent study and research
- Website technologies to include use of the learning network and students are encouraged to use virtual forums, such as blogs and discussion forums
- Peer review and feedback in relation to formative assessments develop, for example, student understanding of assessment criteria and their ability to provide constructive and developmental feedback
- Year-long work placement and opportunities to volunteer providing opportunities to apply learning to workplace context
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
33% coursework
67% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
50% coursework
50% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
62% coursework
38% written exams
0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module introduces students to the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics is the branch of economic science that studies the behaviour of individuals in making decisions as buyers, sellers, business owners and government. Macroeconomics studies issues and problems at the level of the national and international economy. In Microeconomics, topics covered include the utilization and distribution of limited or scarce resources in the creation, production, supply and consumption of goods and services to meet demands. Macroeconomic topics covered include economic growth, sustainability, balance of payments, imports, national income (GDP), unemployment, inflation, consumption, money markets, the financial system and macroeconomic policy. Where relevant, alternative economic approaches such as pluralism will be identified and considered. Students will learn the key fundamental ideas, technical language, concepts and fundamental methodologies. Real-world data, case studies and problem sets will be used to develop learning and insight. Students will also be supported to build numeric competency through exercises using economics and mathematics.
This module combines fundamental economic principles, mathematical and statistical techniques, and data interpretation to evaluate pertinent contemporary economic matters. Consequently, it will acquaint you with crucial mathematical tools necessary for comprehending economics and business effectively. Teaching on quantitative methods is combined with numerous practical applications to economics, developing your analytical and quantitative competencies in key subjects in the study of economics.
The module introduces management accounting as a specialised service function primarily involving the collection, storage and recording of financial data, its conversion to useful information and the effective communication of this information for decision making. It prepares students for more advanced aspects of management accounting and finance encountered later in the programme.
Whatever your plans for your future career, there are certain professional skills that you'll need in your workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital skills that are a prerequisite for a successful career.
You will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of your transition into higher education. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, you will develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst you will learn to construct an outstanding CV and professional LinkedIn profile, this module also aims to raise your digital skills competencies. The module covers the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that you are studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.
Modules
The module builds on the concepts and models developed in the Level 4 Macroeconomics module. Students continue to build competency in macroeconomics using empirical data, statistics, policy analysis and macroeconomic theory. The module will encourage students to understand monetary and fiscal policy, economic growth and growth models, business cycles, Sustainable Development Goals and economic policy, global financial markets, technology and employment, game-theory, currency index and foreign exchange markets, digital economies, stock exchanges and the role of money and liquidity in the world economy.
This module introduces students to microeconomic perspectives on human behaviour, with an emphasis on individual decision-making and strategic interactions. It delves into the behaviour of individuals and households across a variety of consumption environments, including the purchasing of goods and services, labour supply, and saving for the future. Additionally, the module explores concepts such as risk and time preferences, producer behaviour, and market dynamics and failures. The primary objective of this module is to equip students with the mathematical tools of economics, enabling them to construct and test empirically sound models, such as optimisation by individuals and firms. This module aims to foster the development of economic thinking among students while also providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different economic approaches to social policy. It revisits several themes that may be familiar from the content covered in EF1002. Although the approach of this module is more mathematically intensive, it aims to offer a deeper psychological understanding and a keen awareness of the realities of incomplete/imperfect information and imperfect markets.
This module enables students to develop their understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a project; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods. In addition, students will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice. Secondly this module aims to introduce students to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. Students will be taught how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to the students continued professional development as students will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems.
This module introduces the core concepts and key topic areas of business finance and the financial environment. It will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of how the financial markets operate, evaluate alternative sources of finance available to a business, calculate the cost of different sources of finance and the weighted average cost of capital of a business. They will undertake and critique techniques for capital investment appraisals, and business and financial asset valuation, and analyse critically the efficient market hypothesis, capital structure theories and dividend policies. By completing this module, students will be prepared to study more advanced finance, i.e. financial risk management, in their final year of study.
- History of Economic Thought - 15 credits
- Econometrics - 15 credits
Modules
This module presents a wide range of topics about economic development and sustainable economics. This will include conceptual questions, such as the different theories of economic growth, but also the key empirical issues that are relevant to the reality of developing countries, such as the role of institutions, agriculture, finance and trade in promoting economic progress.
The module will explore these issues with a range of theoretical perspectives, as well as highlight the key policy debates. This module also addresses global issues, ranging from resource scarcity to ecological and institutional economics. Students will explore economic theories in the context of sustainability and delve into the diverse schools of economic thought prevalent in the sustainable development literature: degrowth, green growth, and sustainable growth. They will develop the skills to analyse and evaluate these schools of thought, providing accurate assessments of their merits and limitations.
Furthermore, they will learn to apply essential economic concepts and tools to assess sustainability policies and practices, enabling them to make informed judgments regarding their effectiveness. The overall goal is for students to engage critically with the field of sustainable development economics to enable a thorough assessment of the role of sustainable growth in developing countries and its wider impact on the world economy. The module requires a degree of familiarity with basic economic concepts.
This module develops an understanding of the key concepts of investments and financial risk management. It introduces the core investment principles and techniques which will enable students to make informed investment decisions. Students will also gain knowledge in sustainable investing, which is an essential area of study within the field of investment in today’s world. In addition, it will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the various types and nature of financial risk. It covers the main frameworks and techniques concerning the practical aspects of financial risk management.
- Digital Finance - 15 credits
- Monetary and Financial Economics - 15 credits
- Behavioural Economics - 15 credits
- Strategic Leadership and Governance - 15 credits
- Capstone Project: Dissertation - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Placement for Good - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Consultancy Project - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Start Up for Good - 30 credits
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023.
2024 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core Texts
It is recommended that students purchase the latest editions of all of the core textbooks. Some of these texts relate to extensive online material for which you require an access code supplied with a textbook. It is possible for students to purchase second-hand copies where applicable. Indicative cost: £50 - £200 per year
Volunteering and Placements
Students may incur travel costs on optional volunteering placements in the second or third year of study. Indicative cost: £5 - £30 per day
Smart Wear
Students may be expected to dress formally for oral assessments. Costs will vary depending on the students existing wardrobe. Indicatice cost: £0 - £50
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Our Economics and Finance graduates can expect excellent employment prospects in central banks, international organizations, government, commercial/investment banks, investment companies, education and research, and industry.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"I wanted to study Economics because it is so multi-disciplinary and opens so many pathways for you."
