5 reasons to study Economics at Ulster University

07 Mar 2017

As something that impacts every aspect of our daily lives, Economics is undeniably a fascinating discipline. On top of giving students a general understanding of the world and how our choices influence us on a day-to-day basis, you’ll learn what happens in global financial markets as you examine policy options, and explore the figures that embody the world’s economical state.

At Ulster University Business School, students have the opportunity to learn more about the practical application of economics in policy making, management and business. Pursuing an Economics degree here will give you the chance to dig deeper into the study of Macroeconomics, which involves the supply and demand decisions of companies and individuals, and Microeconomics, which deals with the outcomes of a nation’s entire economy.

One advantage of studying Economics is the transferable skills that students gain along the way, like various analytical and quantitative techniques that are needed to reject or verify theories, or even statistical skills that can be used to formulate models, estimate economic relationships and develop detailed forecasts. Apart from these subject-specific skills, you’ll also learn to recognise and solve complex economic issues, to be more tech savvy and have excellent communication and presentation skills.

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Keen to know more? Here are 5 more reasons to study Economics at the Ulster University Business School…

1. An innovative and comprehensive degree

Established almost 30 years ago, Ulster’s Economics programme is still relevant and reflective of what employers seek in potential candidates. Its unique combination of theory and practice has been praised by stakeholders and external examiners, especially for its innovative set up and extensive module catalogue. The degree has also earned an impressive overall score of 100 percent for satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS). For students who hope to gain knowledge outside of traditional Economics there’s the BSc (Hons) Business Economics programme, also with a 100 percent of satisfaction in the NSS, giving students the chance to directly apply what they’ve learned to the fast-paced world of Business with Accounting and Management modules.

2. Consistently produces industry-ready graduates

What makes the course even more appealing is its practical aspect, giving students the chance to apply economic models and principles to a wide range of real-world issues, and to understand the force that shapes economics and public policy. You’ll also get to nurture problem-solving skills and as you become adept in information technology, numeracy and the use of statistical methods.

At Ulster University Business School, students can opt to pursue a funded placement or study abroad opportunity during their third year, providing a link between the subjects studied and their application to real-world settings. This allows students to further develop their personal profile and business-focused knowledge base. And the structure has certainly proved to be effective as 95 percent of all students across Economics and Business Economics have found professional employment within 12-months of graduation.

3. Top-notch facilities

The School’s Economic Policy Centre brings theory and research together, an independent research centre that produces evidence-based research to inform policy development and implementation. Besides working on core economic research, policy advice, and commercial economic consultancy projects, the centre is heavily involved in the teaching of economics across the business school. The Economics Policy Centre staff teach on all three years of the degree, helping to develop and apply market relevant skills in the first two years of the programme which are gathering, interpreting and presenting information while in the final year, the focus becomes developing this skill set to ensure it’s directly applicable to the complex labour market.

4. In-depth study into the world of Economics

At the Ulster Business School, courses are consistently reviewed to ensure the Faculty can implement new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Among the modules covered in the course are:

Regional Economics – reviewing economic thinking in the area of regional policy and developing it into a practical examination of the UK regions, their cities, and how it should be analysed, modelled and forecast.
Economic Policy – focusing on the use of economic technique in policy making, particularly in business case appraisals.
Industrial and Regulatory Economics (Understanding and Regulating Markets) – exploring the workings of markets and industries using techniques of economic analysis, examining whether the state should intervene in markets and how it should go about doing so, paying particular attention to the UK and International regulatory experience.
International Economics – allowing students to develop an understanding and appreciation of major trade-related issues in the developed and developing world, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to analyse real-world problems with the help of appropriate analytical tools and a sound theoretical framework.
Economics of Globalisation – where students develop a clear understanding of how the forces of globalisation have affected the economic milieu within and between nations, on the grounds that this understanding is essential for successfully undertaking both private business and public policy.

5. Excellent career prospects from a reputable school

With approximately 140 academic staff and more than 6,000 students, the Ulster University Business School is one of the largest providers of accredited business and management qualifications in Britain and Ireland. The School also prides itself on having developed relationships with a variety of businesses and organisations that provide an extensive range of opportunities across all aspects of business. Previous Economic students have been hired by some of the region’s biggest companies, including Citi, Deloitte, Northern Ireland Civil Service, OCO Global – Mintel Ireland, Oxford Economics and PWC.

Image courtesy of Ulster University

From its solid degree programmes, to its committed faculty members and excellent placement opportunities, Economics at Ulster certainly has it all. So, if you’re serious about pursuing a career in this prolific field, there’s no better place to start then at Ulster University Business School.

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