Economics (including foundation year)BSc (Hons)

Foundation Year Programme

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Monday morning
all year (September start) - Monday afternoon
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
all year (September start) - Wednesday morning
all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon
all year (September start) - Thursday morning
all year (January start) - Monday
all year (January start) - Tuesday
all year (January start) - Wednesday morning

(core, 120 credits)

In this module you will explore a broad range of social science and current affairs issues. You’ll reflect on the qualities needed to be a successful student in Higher Education and identify your own strengths and areas for development. You’ll be guided to investigate and conduct research on a topic of interest to you in greater depth.

1. You will learn to access sources, recognise and analyse arguments, and critically engage with source material.
2. You will explore some principles of research and develop research skills.
3. You will develop digital and academic communication skills, including integrating source materials with your own voice into written work.
4. You will develop oral, written and visual communication skills to produce work in a range of formats.
5. You will critically engage with current, social, and ethical issues, in the context of the Education for Social Justice Framework and your subject area
6. You will contribute to building a sense of belonging, and a respectful learning community, where students collaborate, share knowledge and ideas and work effectively as a team.
7. You will be encouraged to explore and build on prior knowledge and experiences to prepare you for further study in your subject area, professional behaviours and your chosen career
8. You will reflect on your learning journey, build your confidence, and take ownership of your motivation.

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Data Science, Research and Analysis

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Wednesday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The Data Science, Research and Analysis module provides a fundamental grounding of basic knowledge of data science and computer software to facilitate the collection, analysis and presentation of accounting data. The module prepares learners for the accounting & finance and related professions. This will be achieved through learning relevant academic and practical skills which will enable learners to succeed academically and develop key workplace research skills. It also provides skills to analyse data, interpret and communicate qualitative/quantitative results in the form of information. Furthermore, the module deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of accounting and financial data through measuring changes and associations of variables.

This module also provides basic skills in gathering and understanding of financial and non-financial data/information to develop complete knowledge of the client business and the environment in which it operates. It develops students’ basic skills and understanding to help them prepare business plans and advise on the actions to implement these plans. The skills developed through the understanding of data science and researching to provide solutions of issues raised in the accounting and finance sectors.

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Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module focuses on the organisation, structure and functions of financial markets and market participants. It provides the theoretical and practical framework for understanding the operation of financial markets and institutions.

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Management Accounting Fundamentals

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning

(core, 15 credits)

The module aims to establish a foundation for students to grasp the essential knowledge and techniques that form the basis of management accounting. You will cover the following key areas of management accounting:

• Cost classification and behaviour

• Tools and techniques for planning, control, and decision-making

• Techniques for short-term decision-making

• Capital investment appraisal methods

The module has the following aims:

1. You will explain the function of management accounting and how costs are classified based on output, activity level, and decision-making.

2. You will prepare overhead cost statements to determine the total costs of products, services, and activities.

3. You will apply break-even analysis in short-term decision-making.

4. You will understand the short-term decision-making techniques such as Make or Buy, Shutdown, Accept/Reject, and Pricing.

5. You will calculate simple variances for effective cost control.

6. You will develop essential analytical skills to evaluate financial information and make informed management decisions.

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Maths and Stats for Economics and Finance

(core, 15 credits)
No module details available

Political and Social Aspects of Economics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The Social and Political Aspects of Economics module integrates economic history and political economy subjects to form a coherent learning programme. The combination is adapted to first year (level 4) Economics students. Integrated approach means that you will be equipped to view issues in the real world from a variety of contrasting perspectives.
You will learn to distinguish key economic schools and their historic development. You will understand the timeline and reasons of the major global economic recessions of 20th and 21st century. Furthermore, you will study four industrial revolutions and will be equipped to understand the current industry 4.0 and its implications to future economic and social development. You will be introduced to modern economic theories on Economic Growth (such as Porter and Solow) and learn to relate to previous lessons on evolvement of economic schools, industrial revolutions (Innovation), and business cycles. You will gain understanding of the interactions between economic theory and political processes and the ways in which economics and politics are inescapably intertwined. You will be equipped to recognize the role of political & social institutions in economic growth.
Overall objective of the module is to obtain skills to apply Economic theory to the analysis of real-world events. Module complements Microeconomics and Microeconomics as it is designed to provide students with knowledge on how the theory learnt translated and can be used in the real-world cases. Module introduces key concepts of Economic History and Political Economy – with emphasis on economic recessions, business cycles and economic growth.

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Principles of Macroeconomics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module will introduce students to key themes and theories of macroeconomics, providing a secure foundation for students pursuing specialist degrees in Economics, Business Economics, Banking and Finance, Economics and Finance; Economics, Finance and International Business.

Students will be introduced to the main concepts of macroeconomic theory, national income accounting, simple macroeconomic models and policy issues. The module will look at the role of government in managing the national economy and explain the main determinants of economic growth, short-run fluctuations in economic activity and business cycles, inflation, unemployment, balance of payments and exchange rates. Reference will be made to key macro-economic variables and the relationships between these variables. The underlying theme of this module will be the application of macroeconomic principles and policies to contemporary macroeconomic issues, and the exploration of their relevance in the context of business and finance.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. communication skills, numeracy, research, analytical and problem-solving skills

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Principles of Microeconomics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module introduces students to key principles of microeconomics, providing a secure foundation for students pursuing specialist degrees in Economics, Business Economics, Banking and Finance, Economics and Finance; Economics, Finance and International Business.

The module covers the central concepts of microeconomic theory and explores the relevance of these to the operations of businesses including financial services firms. The main themes are the role of markets, individual consumer behaviour, and the operations of individual firms.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferrable skills of students, e.g. communication skills, teamwork, numeracy, analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills

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Understanding and Managing Data

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning
autumn semester - Monday afternoon
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday morning
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Friday morning
autumn semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

Data analysis is a top business priority. It drives the opportunity for performance improvement and, with advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever increasing rate. As such, it is not surprising business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers today. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of quantitative and statistical analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

The module introduces data-based decision making and performance measurement and provides students with the practical experience of using Excel to transform data into meaningful information. It further introduces students to forecasting, target setting and project management. As such, it provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making. In doing so, it provides the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance measurement.

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Applied Macroeconomics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module builds on the foundations of macroeconomic theory covered at level 4. It aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of key macroeconomic concepts, issues and policy alternatives that have been discussed and applied in the rapidly changing UK economy in recent decades.

The module will explore the key macroeconomic processes that determine equilibrium in the short-run, medium-run and long-run. It will examine the workings of financial, goods and labour markets, and relationships between these markets and the wider economy. It will also consider microeconomic foundations to macroeconomics in terms of consumption, saving, investment, productivity, and employment. It will proceed to the discussion on macroeconomic policies, and the competing and apparently conflicting policy goals pursued since the start of the new millennium. Public spending and taxation policy will be reviewed in relation to monetary policy, with an investigation into increasing pressures to return to expanding fiscal policy as a central tool of economic management in recent years. This is further developed throughout by considering the impacts of the global financial crisis, Brexit, Covid-19 pandemic, and other economic ‘shocks’ on the British economy.

In addition to the subject specific knowledge, the module aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication skills, subject research, quantitative and analytical skills.

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Applied Microeconomics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module enables students to acquire a systematic understanding and knowledge of intermediate-level microeconomics. It provides appropriate tools of analysis to examine contemporary consumer and producer theory, market structures, competitive behaviour and market failure. It allows students to develop an appreciation of issues and problems facing policy makers and a capacity to apply economic reasoning in a critical manner.

Students are encouraged to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and experiences during class discussions and in module seminar preparations.

Equality is promoted by treating everyone with equal dignity and worth and raising aspirations and supporting achievement for those students with diverse requirements and backgrounds.

The module aims to develop students' employability skills, in particular research; written and oral communication; data and quantitative analysis; analytical; problem solving and encourages self and peer assessment and reflection

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Labour Economics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module enables students to acquire a systematic knowledge and understanding of economic theory, applications, current issues, policies and empirical evidence in the labour market.

It explores how models and empirical analysis can be applied to evaluate labour market policies, such as the minimum wage, welfare and tax programmes and immigration restrictions.

It examines a wide range of labour market challenges such as gender differences in labour force supply and participation; gender and race pay gaps; discrimination; migration and the development of human capital. This enables students to develop a much deeper understanding of equality issues in labour markets.

It instils an appreciation of the economic dimension of wider social, political, national and international human resource issues.

In this module, equality is promoted by treating everyone with equal dignity and worth, while also raising aspirations and supporting achievement for those students with diverse requirements, entitlements and backgrounds

Students are encouraged to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and educational and work experiences.

A range of transferrable and subject specific skills are developed, in particular: self- assessment and reflection; written and oral communication; subject research; review and evaluation of available literature and evidence; data and quantitative analysis; critical thinking; thinking independently and problem solving.

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Principles of Econometrics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module provides a foundation in statistical methods and analysis and focuses on econometrics. It examines the theory and application of the Classical Linear Regression Model (CLRM), providing a firm grounding in the theory of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and an appreciation of its limitations. It provides a theoretical understanding of the causes, consequences and detection of, and remedies for, the violation of the assumptions of the classical linear regression model. It develops knowledge and skills to use standard statistical/econometric software packages (e.g. EViews) and apply techniques to economics, finance and banking problems and models.

The module provides students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate empirical work within economics, finance and banking.

A range of transferable and subject specific skills are developed, in particular: self- assessment and reflection; peer assessment; written; IT; subject research; problem solving; data and quantitative analysis; analytical and critical thinking.

Equality is promoted by treating everyone with equal dignity and worth, while also raising aspirations and supporting achievement for people with diverse requirements, entitlements and background.

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Principles of Finance

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Tuesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module is designed to introduce students to the basic theory of finance and to apply the theory to the selection and management of financial and investments portfolio. The module will help students to understand theories of finance to develop the skills of valuing investments and critically evaluate the frameworks for pricing securities, risks and reward relationship.

Furthermore, you will be introduced to various aspects of finance such as financial markets, instruments, concepts, and the institutional arrangements relating to the issuances and trading of various capital market securities.

This core module aims to enable students to:

1) understand the basic theory of finance and develop the skills of valuing investment
instruments;

2) critically evaluate the conceptual frameworks for pricing securities;

3) undertake a written critical review of contemporary theories in finance.

4) calculate risk and return and establish the relationship between risk and return.

5) recognise the investment environment and for making investment decisions.

The module also aims to help students in the development of the following skills:

. academic writing;
. researching
. critical review of empirical data
. analysis of economic financial data;
. problem solving skills and decision making
. quantitative problem-solving and decision-making;
. self-assessment and reflection.

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Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas.

The module offers an opportunity for students to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake a final year project / dissertation module.

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Creating a Winning Business 1

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday
autumn semester - Thursday
autumn semester - Friday
spring semester - Friday

(alternative core, 15 credits)

The University has a policy that undergraduate students must, take a Work Based Learning (WBL) module i.e. a module which requires them to directly experience and operate in the real world of work and to reflect on that episode in order to identify skill and knowledge areas that they need to develop for their career.

This module challenges students to be creative in identifying a new business opportunity and in examining the viability of all aspects of the idea in the real-world context e.g.

• Supporting an existing small business to understand how a business runs
• Respond to small business’s client briefs
• Testing potential customers’ views.

As a result of client brief and feedback, business concepts and/or ideas will develop over the duration of the module.

The QAA Benchmark on Business and Management (2019) emphasises the attribute of “entrepreneurship” and of “the value of real-world learning”. In terms of promoting work related skills, the module specifically focuses on practical techniques for responding to client briefs in evaluating and developing business ideas and so develops creative yet practical thinking.

In addition, it requires students to examine market potential and prepare a presentation of their findings assuming the role of a business consultant. The module requires a high level of self-reliance to explore the business idea based on a client brief. Students develop an understanding of the role of business start-ups, business growth and development.

These skills and techniques are of practical relevance to anyone considering developing a business, working for a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a larger organisation where the business environment is constantly evolving and producing new challenges and opportunities.

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Empowering London: Working within the Community

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Friday morning
all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

A new innovative module combining work based learning and a radical model of critical and transformative citizenship. This module has been developed to allow you to work intensively with a London community project/organisation in order to identify (in partnership with them) a challenge they are faced with and work towards positively addressing this challenge This innovative module is an exciting opportunity to work at a grass-roots level to effect change and to learn about the key issues currently affecting London and other large cities.

We live in the sixth wealthiest economy in the world, and London produces 22% of all Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, we also have a significant problem with inequalities and wealth distribution. The current poverty rate in the UK is 22% and in London this is even higher at 28%.

As of July 2020 there have been 79,437 violent crimes in the last year resulting in injury in London and 152 homicides. Included within this, there has been a steady increase in incidents of serious youth violence, with latest figures showing 8,151 young victims. This is despite concerted efforts to better support young people. The COVID-19 lockdown raised awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence, however, even before lockdown London was seeing a steady increase with reported cases rising from 75,159 in April 2016 to 91,226 in June 2020.

London's health inequalities are created by social, geographical and biological factors. The difference between highest and lowest healthy life expectancy in areas of London is 15.7 years based on Public Health England data. Contributing factors include infant mortality, excess weight, physical activity, smoking, homelessness and disease.

We are facing a global climate and ecological crisis, and London is a case in point. As the capital’s population grows to 11 million by 2050, addressing problems of polluted air, water stress, poor access to public greenspace, and the effects of climate change, such as overheating and flooding, will become increasingly urgent. London therefore has ambitious targets to meet WHO air quality guidelines by 2030, become carbon neutral by 2050, and become half greenspace and have 12% more tree cover by 2050.

However, at the same time the scope for local authorities to address these issues has been reduced by heavy pressures of austerity and a neo-liberal policy agenda. Many local community voluntary organisations are left with a vacuum to compensate for.

As a university and ‘anchor institution’ to the London economy, we believe it is our role to help ‘Empowering London’. This module has been designed to empower you as our student by learning about some of the challenges facing our city and to contribute to addressing this via work based learning. Our fundamental aim is to help you become a values driven graduate who can make a positive difference to society. This module will provide you with some of the tools to achieve this goal.

The module is designed to enhance your wider personal and professional development. It will facilitate application and progression of knowledge gained via your studies and wider life experience. The module includes values-driven, professional training and work experience to assist in preparing you for your individual future career. Through work based practice, you will positively contribute to a key part of the University’s Strategic agenda, addressing current social and economic issues facing London communities. This unique module allows you to be challenged by contributing to current, real world projects, working with the University and students from other professional disciplines to make a positive difference to society.

The initial stages of this 15 credit, year-long module will introduce you to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment as a values-driven graduate within inclusive work environments; becoming an ethical leader; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

You will then be introduced to employment experience opportunities supporting organisations and/or individuals in the local community. This could include working with communities and organisations towards programmes aiming to address collective identity and civic agency in neighbourhoods. The London Met Small Business and Charities and Social Enterprise Clinics, will additionally provide suitable opportunities for placements. You will work individually or in teams, in partnership with community institutions to support the activities of one of London Met’s strategic priorities - the Empowering London initiative. Your practice will positively contribute to addressing the challenges facing London which impact everyone’s lives.

The module has been co-created with students and ongoing feedback will be sought from a range of students on an ongoing basis.

The module aims to enable you to:
● Effectively express and understand your current skills and abilities in relation to your career values and goals
● Practically apply the knowledge gained through your course programme to a work/neighbourhood environment
● Make a positive contribution to the challenges of current social and economic issues facing the University’s local communities and consider these from national and global perspectives
● Gaining unique insight of current challenges facing cities in the areas of social wealth; the environment; discrimination; health; poverty and deprivation and crime and partner with community institution to design potential solutions
● Gain understanding and direct experience of the graduate level skills, knowledge and insights required for inclusive practice and problem resolution within institutions to enable you to become an inclusive leader in society
● Recognise your personal and professional development through your work based practice and how to apply the experience and knowledge gain to your future goals

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Learning through Work

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(alternative core, 15 credits)

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

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Investment

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday afternoon
spring semester - Friday morning

(option, 15 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide rigorous training in the modern theory of investment and capital markets and a good understanding of their central concepts.
This module provides a theoretical and practical framework for understanding the relationship between markets and corporations and the interactions between them. The module critically explores the current theoretical perspectives and specifically considers their practical application in relation to investment strategies and corporate decision making.
The contents of the module cover financial markets and instruments, financial investment strategies, the valuation of securities and derivatives, bond portfolio immunisation, risk and return, and the evaluation of investment performance.
Analysis of theories in finance and investment and financial models includes the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Portfolio Theory, the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Arbitrage Pricing Theory and the Dividend Valuation Model.
The module provides a thorough knowledge of investment and guides students on assessing risks and managing risks for businesses and investments. The module builds up the strong quantitative, written, critical and analytical skills required for employment in the finance industry.
A blended teaching and learning approach may include the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions in seminars.

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Sustainability, Business and Responsibility

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday morning
spring semester - Wednesday morning
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

This module will address the critical issue of how current thinking on climate change and sustainability will impact on businesses and organisation. The need to create more sustainable organisations and businesses is fundamental to current and future organisational development strategies. It is necessary for students to understand the growing influence of the sustainability agenda on industry. This influence takes on many forms, from government policies and international agreements to the measuring the impacts of organisational practices on the ecology and communities. In the future, organisations, businesses, communities and individuals will be expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental and social impacts. This module will examine the current and future challenges. It will equip students to deal with the challenge of creating sustainable forms of business that operate within ecological and socio-economic limits.

It will explore the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles.

The overarching aim of the module is to ensure that students develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles and how these principles are applied. It will explore the varied tools and techniques used to apply sustainability principles, by governments, business and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present. Such appreciation will be developed progressively via more specific aims which are:

1. To engage with the growing international debate and practice around sustainability, business and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
2. To evaluate how this will challenge organisations and business.
3. To examine tools and techniques for evaluating and implementing of sustainability
4. To analyse the evolving policy frameworks within which business operates.
5. To understand how changing environmental realities may affect business practice.

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
1. Academic reading
2. Researching
3. Problem-solving and decision making
4. Critical thinking and writing
5. Application of knowledge and presenting data
6. Academic writing

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Development Economics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday morning

(core, 15 credits)

This module enables students to acquire a systematic knowledge and understanding of the main theories, policies, issues and evidence in economic development with particular focus on emerging economies.

It develops students’ ability to apply economic principles and analysis in a variety of contexts in economic development and policy formulation.

It fosters an appreciation of the economic, social and political dimensions of development issues in an interdependent globalised world.

The module examines different perspectives on economic development and theories of economic growth and development. A range of sustainable development issues will be discussed: poverty, inequality, education, climate change, foreign aid, informal finance. Trade and comparative economic development in selected countries such as Russia, India and China are also examined.

It addresses gender inequality and inequality in terms of income, gender, access to education, health, finance, credit and employment.

Internationalisation is addressed when examining poverty, inequality, foreign aid, trade, climate change, environment and economic development of selected emerging economies.

Students are encouraged to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural
backgrounds and experiences.

Equality is promoted by treating everyone with equal dignity and worth, while also raising aspirations and supporting achievement for people with diverse requirements, entitlements and backgrounds

A range of transferrable and subject specific skills are developed, in particular: subject research; critical thinking; problem solving; written and oral communication; data and quantitative analysis.

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Dissertation

This module currently runs:
all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon

(core, 30 credits)

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

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Financial and Economic Modelling

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

The module develops the students’ understanding of financial and economic modelling using the foundations of econometrics and financial data analysis introduced within the teaching at earlier levels. It provides an in-depth understanding of a wide variety of financial and economic models and their implications by using statistical and econometric software such as EViews. The knowledge and skills embedded within the module are designed to assist students in their efforts to design, undertake and evaluate empirical studies within the field of banking, finance and economics.

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International Trade and Finance

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of the theories of international trade and finance, policy analysis and the controversies that surround these activities. It will examine the costs and benefits of these two fundamental activities in the global economy and consider the extent to which government policies in these areas can improve economic outcomes. The module will draw on up-to-date analyses and empirical studies and will examine theoretical and contemporary policy issues in this regard in the international economy.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. oral and written communication skills, research, quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Issues in Labour Markets

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon

(core, 15 credits)

This module enables students to acquire a systematic knowledge and understanding of economic theory, applications, current issues, policies and empirical evidence in the labour market.

It develops the ability to think independently about labour market issues; apply economic principles and analysis in a variety of contexts in the labour market, business and government and drawing on the models and tools developed.

It examines a wide range of labour market challenges such worker recruitment, retention, pay, reward, wage differentials, income inequality, gender and race pay gaps, unemployment and trade unions.

It instils an appreciation of the economic dimension of wider social, political, national and international human resource issues.

In this module, equality is promoted by treating everyone with equal dignity and worth, while also raising aspirations and supporting achievement for those students with diverse requirements, entitlements and backgrounds Students are encouraged to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and educational and work experiences.

A range of transferrable and subject specific skills are developed, in particular: self- assessment and reflection; written and oral communication; subject research; review and evaluation of available literature and evidence; data and quantitative analysis; critical thinking; thinking independently and problem solving.

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Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Business

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Friday morning
spring semester - Thursday afternoon
spring semester - Thursday morning
spring semester - Friday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The business world is currently undergoing profound technological change. Digitalisation has reached new heights and new technologies are helping tackle ever more tasks that are complex. This trend is driven in particular by the availability of large quantities of data – big data (BD) – and by the improved opportunities for using this data through artificial intelligence (AI). The relevance of BDAI is growing as technology, companies, and consumers interact. First, current technological progress facilitates the extensive and practical use of BDAI. Second, companies are increasingly relying on data and the value they extract from it to optimise their business models and processes. Third, consumer behaviour is increasingly shaped by digital applications, which in turn boosts the generation and availability of data. As such this module focuses on the relevance and management of BDAI in business context. This module also focuses on how to lead successful BDAI initiatives by prioritizing the right opportunities, building a diverse team, shaping the strategies and strategic experiments and continuously managing business solutions to benefit the organizations as a whole.

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Financial Engineering

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon
spring semester - Monday morning

(option, 15 credits)

The aims of this module are to provide students with the use of a wide range and in-depth knowledge of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial instruments to construct financial products and manage financial risk.

The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation, terminologies and application of financial innovation to create the structured products in derivative markets.

Students will further develop an understanding of the use of the financial instruments as investment vehicles, hedging tools, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments. Students will further develop skills for data collection and analysis utilising software systems such as Bloomberg and spreadsheets.

A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions.

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Financial Instruments

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning

(option, 15 credits)

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the trading of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial products and develop an understanding of their use as investment vehicles, hedging tools, engineered products, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments.
The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation of the fundamental instruments, terminologies and contract specifications for the trading of those financial instruments in both cash markets and derivative markets. The module evaluates the relationship between cash instruments and financial instruments, identifies the risk exposure on investments and explores the use of financial derivatives for risk hedging.
Students will also develop skills for data collection and analysis which may include the use of Bloomberg and MS Excel spreadsheets.

A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
The financial market Lab Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions.

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International Banking

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(option, 15 credits)

The module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and applied issues in relation to the activities of international banks. The module focuses on main theories of banking and provides an overview of the crucial operations in the context of international banking. It also seeks to provide students with a critical awareness of different approaches of assessing bank risk and performance and how they are used in practice by shareholders, investors and financial and banking experts.

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Professional Experience Year Placement

This module currently runs:
all year (September start)

(option, 30 credits)

The Professional Experience Year Placement is a Work Based Learning module designed to intensively develop student employability and increase career prospects upon graduation. The placement year requires learners to undertake a minimum of 44 weeks full-time employment relating to their studies and career goals. This comprehensive experience will facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the degree programme any previous employment and wider life experience.

This ‘Year in Industry’ work based learning module is undertaken as an additional 30 credits between Levels 5 and 6, extending undergraduate course programmes to four years. The module provides an additional 30 credits to a degree programme, commencing in the summer following completion of Level 5. Students will retain student status during the year and complete their final, fourth year of study following the placement year.

Pre-placement preparation support over six months prior, will guide and assist students in their search for an appropriate placement role. Careers Consultants will provide guidance prior to the module to assist decision making in considering placement options and post placement, for career planning post-graduation. Students will only register on the module once they have secured a placement.

During the placement year, students will be supported remotely by Placement Tutors who will provide guidance on application of theoretical knowledge in a practical context, analysis of business problems and proposing solutions; identifying and articulating transferable skills and knowledge developed to meet the assessment requirements. Students will be expected to demonstrate improved understanding of their abilities and career goals, knowledge of the workplace organisation, co-operative and collaborative working and professional awareness through reflective learning.

It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them. The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements. Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet their visa requirements. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:

• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a related work environment.
• Gaining comprehensive insight into a work environment.
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practices.
• Recognise their personal and professional development gains and apply to their future goals.

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