Why Study Economics teachers' presentation

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University decisions? What about Economics?
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What is economics?
Economics is concerned with how society sets
about meeting people's demands for things they
want to consume. It looks at the production,
consumption and sale of goods and services, both
at the level of individual products, firms and
consumers and at the level of the total
production and consumption by countries. It also
compares alternative ways of using the limited
resources that countries and individuals possess
and considers how efficient and/or fair such
alternatives are. Professor John Sloman
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Where does Economics fit?
Economics and..

• Maths
• Politics
• French
• Finance
• Geography
• Philosophy

Or, just Economics.
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I like being able to apply what I have learnt to
politics, and I remain convinced that some
knowledge of economics is essential for informed
voting behaviour and a good understanding of
politics. Libby, Economics Graduate
I feel that the broad range of topics covered,
from financial markets to government policy,
ensure I find something that interests
me. Hannah, 3rd year Economics and Maths
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What do I get?
BA or BSc?
BA Bachelor of Arts
BSc Bachelor of Science
Economics Art or Science?
Generally BA A social sciences approach BSc A
scientific and quantitative approach
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What do I need?
At least 140 UCAS points
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Yep, thats it.
You dont need an A-level in economics.
You dont need an A-level in maths for most
economics degrees.
Some institutions do have A-level maths as a
pre-requisite (especially BSc). No institutions
say you need economics.
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However
Economics does contain maths. If you dont have a
strong maths background, some extra time in your
first year might be spent learning some key
mathematical concepts.
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What will I study?
The Core
Micro and Macro (little and big economics) and
Quants
Micro the economics of the individual,
consumer, firm and market, who produces, who
benefits.
Macro economics at the national and
international level
Quants maths and statistics for economists
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Typically 8- 10 hours of contact time a week
(including seminars, tutorials and lectures) In
addition to this you will also have to do your
own, personal study.
Module Options

• Money and Finance
• Development Economics
• Business Economics
• Environmental Economics
• International Economics
• Political and Social Economics
• Health Economics

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How will I be marked?
Not dissimilar to your A-levels
Exams
Groupwork
Tests
Assignments
Essays
Reports
Presentations

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What skills will I learn?

• Written
• Analytical and problem solving
• Numerical and computing
• Presentation
• Research
• Communication
• Team working
• Political Awareness

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Economics alumni, what skills helped you to get
your current job?
Source Alumni Survey
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What happens after University?
Of 3460 economics graduates.

Other jobs include IT, technical, marketing,
education, engineering and legal.
Source HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher
Education 2006/7
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And is there money in it?
Increase in earnings you can expect with a degree
(compared to only having A-levels).
Source LFS Survey, ONS, 1994 - 2006
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What will I do to earn all of this money?
Economic Advisor
Underwriting Assistant
Programme Manager Fiscal Policy
Lecturer at Technological Institute of Patras
Fixed-income Derivatives Trader
Salesperson
Terminal Stock Controller
Partner in Accountancy Firm
Assistant Economist
Researcher
CPD and Business Consultant
Director of Campaigns and Communications
Account Executive
Relationships Director
Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
Investment Banker
Logistics Manager
Internet and CRM Marketing Manager
Expatriate Tax Manager
Credit Analyst
Press Associate Director
Theatre Storekeeper
System Analyst
Sky1 Online Editor
Professor and Director
Detective Superintendent
Environment and Climate Change Analyst
Army Officer
Assistant Statistician
Assistant Government Economist
European Regulatory Manager
Social Worker
Source Alumni Survey
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What next?
Look at www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk
See what courses you can do at www.ucas.com
Find some Universities to visit www.opendays.com
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Credits
This presentation has been made by the Economics
Network of the Higher Education Academy
Images sourced from Colouring pencils from
Andrew_1000 Simple as 3.14 from Maitri Graduation
from ajschwegler Economy Inn from Brent and
MariLynn Students from jisc_infonet
Alumni survey conducted nationally by the
Economics Network, 2008 / 09.
Labour Force Survey, 2004 conducted by the Office
of National Statistics.
HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher
Education 2006/7 from prospects.ac.uk