Business Economics (4 years full time with Professional Placement)

Kingston University

This module examines the nature of competition and the role of the firm in contemporary capitalism. It examines the different forces shaping market structure in order to clarify the ways in which a market structure is competitive or not – for example the role of barriers to entry, government policy or technology. The module explores different market structures, from monopolistic to highly competitive, throwing light on the conduct and performance of firms within these structures. The role, nature and aims of the firm are examined. The module also analyses how some firms are capable of imposing themselves on market structure and are not simply passive recipients. Different categories of firms – multinational, large, medium, small and micro – are outlined, to build a more complete picture of modern firm structure.

This module develops and builds mainly on knowledge acquired in the Economic Policy and Principles module at Level 4 but also the Introductory Mathematics and Statistics for Economics module at the same level. It provides fundamental knowledge on the key areas of macroeconomic theory and policy in the short-run and long-run and within both closed and open economy settings. Real world applications are signposted at the earliest opportunity.

This module will extend knowledge of mathematical and statistical techniques acquired at level 4 and will introduce you to multivariate techniques in mathematics and statistics. It will assist your comprehension of Level 5 economics modules and encourage you to understand the benefits of using a mathematical and statistical vocabulary and reasoning to analyse economic models. This module will equip you with sufficient quantitative techniques to be able to undertake any Level 6 module in economics requiring quantitative analysis.

This module will develop the model building techniques encountered at level 4, and extend the scope of these models to a wider range of problems. It will show the use of microeconomic models in a problem solving context and provide an analytical basis for subsequent elective modules.

This module is a core requirement at Level 6 for students taking the BSc Business Economics. It develops pluralist approaches to understanding the aims, methods and outcomes of production and exchange organisations (businesses), with particular reference to the limitations as well as the possibilities of markets. The core theme is the contrast between neo-classical and other perspectives, including the 'capabilities' approach, transaction cost economics and other heterodox schools of thought.

The capstone module will further your skills in writing and presenting economic analysis, together with achieving a higher level of understanding in a chosen economic subject area. You will refine your ability to communicate economic subjects to a broad audience in an academically sound fashion.

This module will introduce the economic structure of developing countries, the specific challenges they face and their position in world economy today. It will introduce students to issues of growth and development in lower-income countries and their significance for the world economy.

The module analyses the essential theoretical and policy issues of international trade and finance. In doing so care is taken to link both international trade and finance theory with real world events.

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network. You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.