Economics of Business and Management

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(MSc) Master of Science
Economics of Business and Management
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MSC L1N212
24/11/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A 2.2 Degree in any discipline with some evidence of quantitative ability.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

IELTS overall score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Miss Maria Kyriacou

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 EC917-7-SP-CO Decisions, Markets and Information Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
02 EC916-7-SP-CO Quantitative Economics Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
03 EC918-7-SP-CO Industrial Organisation Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
04 EC986-7-SL-CO Capstone Project Preparation Compulsory 0 Optional Optional

Year 2 - 2024/25

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 EC986-7-AU-CO EC986-7-AU Capstone Project Core 40 Optional Optional
02 EC951-7-AU-CO Economics of Incentives Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
03 Option(s) from list Optional 60 Optional Optional

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

The MSc Economics of Business and Management is designed for students who may or may not have previous exposure to economics, but who would prefer a less theoretical curriculum with real-world applications to business and management.  As such, it provides ideal training for those seeking a career in a wide variety of industries.  The course will provide theoretical, technical, and communication skills in economics.  The course will also equip students with transferable skills such as the ability to develop and present an argument, and the ability to work independently and in groups.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Knowledge of core principles of economics used in contemporary economics

A2: Knowledge of core methods of analysis in economics, including theoretical frameworks and use of quantitative data.

A3: Understanding of the relationships between principles and real world applications of those principles, particularly in regard to business and management

Learning methods

Outcomes A1-A3 are acquired through lectures, classes, and related coursework. The development of the capstone project in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for the acquisition of outcomes.


Lectures are used to present material (e.g., ideas, data, and arguments) in a clear and structured manner. This clarity and structure will help ensure that the course is inclusive to all students regardless of learning style and needs. Lectures are also used to stimulate students' interest in learning.  Classes provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the content of the modules.  Preparation for assignments and for examinations further aids students in developing this knowledge and understanding.


Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course. Library resources are especially designed to be accessible to all students regardless of background and learning needs.


Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-A3 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.


The capstone project, which can take a variety of forms, provides a further opportunity to assess outcomes A1-A3.


The usual range of approaches will be taken to ensure that assessment is inclusive, including allowing for extra exam time where necessary and taking extenuating circumstances into account.


B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Logically assess particular economic problems and choose appropriate methods for their solution among basic tools of analysis.

B2: Exercise critical judgement in assessing different and competing theories and methods and appraising their merits

B3: Formulate a coherent argument

B4: Construct reasoned, informed, and concise descriptions and assessments of ideas

Learning methods

Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples and applications.


Student preparation involves the reading, interpretation, and evaluation of the relevant material including the relevant literature.


Teachers provide feedback on student work through comment and discussion.


In addition, teachers engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments, and email.


Inclusivity is ensured in the following ways: lecturers and other teachers are informed at the start of the term about students with special needs; student voice groups allow representatives to discuss issues surrounding learning for minorities.


Assessment methods

Skills B1-B4 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.


The capstone project, which can take a variety of forms, provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.


The usual range of approaches will be taken to ensure that assessment is inclusive, including allowing for extra exam time where necessary and taking extenuating circumstances into account.


C: Practical skills

C1: Identify, select, and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches

C2: Organise ideas in a systematic way.

C3: Present and critically assess ideas and arguments coherently in writing

C4: Use and apply the right terminology and concepts

C5: Learn use of appropriate software for quantitatively assessing the efficacy of economic policies

C6: Plan and undertake an independent though supervised piece of extended economic analysis

Learning methods

Skills C1-C5 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules.


Lectures also provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples and applications.


Skill C6 is acquired through the work that students do for their capstone project. The capstone project also provides an opportunity to develop C5 further.


Assessment methods

Skills C1-C5 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework, including the capstone project.


Skills C1 and C2 are also informally assessed by student's preparation for each module.


Skill C6 is particularly assessed through the capstone project.


D: Key skills

D1: Communication in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language: (a) the articulation of economic theories, (b) the description of economic evidence, (c) the critical assessment of economic arguments and policies, (d) quantitative assessment of policies.

D2: Production of word-processed coursework. Development of web-skills through online research.

D3: Use of mathematical techniques to manipulate economic models

D4: Application of logical reasoning to address issues in economics, with a focus on business and management

D5: Class material can involve group work in particular subjects

D6: Capacity to: (a) organise and implement a plan of independent study; (b) reflect on his or her own learning experience and adapt in response to feedback; and (c) recognise when he or she needs to learn more and appreciate the role of additional research

Learning methods

Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 through lectures, classes, and individual advice from teachers.


These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their modules and in the capstone project.


Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in classes for modules.


Assessment methods

Skills D1-D6 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of examinations and coursework, including the capstone project.



Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.