Economics with International Finance and Banking BSc (Hons)

First half of Year Two - Core Modules

Intermediate Macroeconomics

This module looks to develop students understanding of macroeconomic theory. It will provide students with the necessary conceptual foundations to appraise alternative perspectives on key controversies in macroeconomics. In looking consistently to draw potential policy implications its focus will be on both the short- term dynamics of economies frequently buffeted by economic shocks and the longer-term drivers and influences on economic growth and development.

Intermediate Microeconomics

This module aims to deepen and widen students understanding of microeconomics by building upon the foundations students acquired from the Principles of Microeconomics module. This module will explore the complex interconnectedness of individual decisions, which arise because of rival demands on globally scarce resources. Additionally, this module will introduce students to some of the controversies associated with alternative theoretical approaches.

Economics of International Banking

This module analyses the activities of banks both in a national and an international context, assessing their economic role and impact on wider economic activity. You will develop your competency in analysing the performance of banks and risk management.

Second half of Year Two

You can either select one of our unique opportunities initiatives or continue with your taught modules.

Option 1 – study abroad

Experience life in another country by studying at one of our partner universities. Choose from a host of countries in Europe or go further afield and study in the USA, South America, Australasia and South East Asia. This is a great opportunity to develop your independence and explore another culture.

Option 2 – enterprise project

Explore your entrepreneurial side and start to develop the meaningful and practical skills needed to run your own business. Supported by NTU Enterprise, NTU's centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, during this opportunity you'll work alongside other young entrepreneurs and a dynamic network of mentors and advisors, to develop your own ideas into a live enterprise project.

Option 3 – internship

Get a taste of the working world and gain some essential industry insight with a 16-18 week work placement. The experience will allow you to put your learning in to practice, with the experience gained improving your future career prospects, and sharpening your interpersonal and professional skills.

Option 4 – continue with taught modules

If you didn't fancy doing any of the above options then you can continue your studies at university. With a mixture of both compulsory and optional modules, the first will enhance your knowledge and skills set in your area of study, with the later allowing you to tailor your learning experience.

Students on Sandwich courses are eligible to choose the Enterprise project or continue with taught modules in the second half of their second year. They are not eligible for options 1 and 3. However, they are able to use their sandwich year to study or work abroad.

Core modules:

Applied Professional Development

Following on from the Personal Development module in Year One, this module supports you to build upon and reflect on your personal and professional skills, attributes and behaviours. You will attend a conference with a varied programme of events focused on the future of work, and later in the module you will immerse yourself in a period work or work-like experience to develop a range of skills designed to enhance your employability.

Financial Market Dynamics

Financial markets enable the transfer of funds from those who want to save to those who want to borrow to invest in productive activity. This module deepens the analysis of the major markets, participants and instruments in a global context.

Optional Modules

Econometrics

This module will develop further the tools and techniques that enhance your ability to use quantitative data to evaluate economic and business decisions. It will help you to build and test models of economic phenomena and introduce you to forecasting and hypothesis testing.

Survey Research and Analysis for Business

This module draws on conceptual material in the area of Survey Methods widely used in business and the application of analytic methods to the data generated. One of the primary focuses of this module is to help you understand how to plan and conduct surveys but also interpret the results within the appropriate business context. With the aid of appropriate professional statistical software you will be encouraged to apply statistical methods of analysis to data. The module is designed to allow you the opportunity to analyse and interpret “real data” from various areas of the business world. In studying this module you will develop your knowledge and skills in conducting survey research within business.

You will be given the opportunity to plan and execute a survey; design and implement a survey instrument; analyse survey results using applications software; and interpret and communicate analytical findings.

Placement Year

In year three, you have the option to take a placement year. This time spent working in business provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. We have links with a wide range of sectors, firms and organisations that offer student placements. If you have decided to undertake a placement year then this will last for a minimum of 48 weeks during your third year.

Our Employability Team is here to inspire and enhance every stage of your career planning and as a graduate of NTU, you will be able to access their services for three years after your course has finished.

Services they provide include:

• Finding placements, internships and part-time work
• Pursuing self-employment
• Taking gap years and time out
• Getting into volunteering
• Providing advice on further study.

Or;

Taught Modules

If you have decided to continue with your studies please view the 'Final Year' tab for your list of modules.

Developing Professional Impact

This module is designed to expand your horizons and challenge your attitudes and behaviours both in relation to subject specific issues and wider business concerns such as global citizenship and sustainable business practices. It will encourage you to build on your strengths and explore a range of possibilities as you embark on your next steps.

Developments in Economic Theory

The module builds on the micro- and macro-economic theory developed previously on the course, providing a critical analysis of economic theories and principles which affect individual, government, business and managerial decision-making. You will apply both microeconomic and macroeconomic ideas to analyse a range of contemporary issues of concern to decision-makers.

Money and Risk

On this module you will be introduced to the concept of information efficiency in traditional and non-traditional financial and speculative markets, and associated theory and evidence. You will also explore the theory and applications of financial risk management, including analysis of the use of derivative contracts.

International Finance and Banking

This module builds on work earlier the course so as to develop a more critical understanding of international finance and banking markets. As well as analysing international capital flows, the determination of interest rates and exchange rates it takes a critical perspective on the origins of the financial crisis.

Plus one optional module from:

Applied Business Research Project

This module will see you undertake an individual in-depth study of a topic related to economics. During the project you will develop your skills to independently manage a major piece of work. The work will be written in the style of an academic article giving you the chance to practice writing for an academic audience.

Sustainability in Enterprise Project

This module is designed to give you a deeper understanding of sustainability issues affecting firms. It incorporates a live consultancy experience, where you are required to apply your knowledge to critically review aspects of enterprise practice and infrastructure and recommend ways to reduce carbon emissions. You will learn how to critically review sustainability issues presented by an enterprise and analyse evidence, arguments, concepts and data to formulate sustainability and carbon management recommendations for an enterprise.

Plus one optional module from:

Contemporary Economic Perspectives

This module will provide you with a critical perspective on the methods and analysis of economists. You will compare the different interpretations of contemporary economic issues and events and the lessons that can be drawn. The module adopts a pluralistic approach enabling a critique of mainstream economic thinking.

Investment and Portfolio Management

This module examines appropriate Investment and Portfolio Management theory. You will have the opportunity to put this theory into practice principally via the construction and running of a portfolio of equities.

Econometric Methods

This module build on the econometrics from earlier in the course to develop your ability to use appropriate statistical methods to test economic and financial theories to aid the evaluation of government, business and investments policies and strategies.