Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

The module aims to build upon your understanding of microeconomics. It introduces intermediate level microeconomic concepts and provide examples of their real-world applications. In particular, the module will enable you to define and critically apply various analytical methods to complex problem solving in terms of firms, government, and individual decision-making. By considering the relevance and limitations of intermediate microeconomic theory as applied to labour economics, behavioural economics and industrial organisations, it provides the underpinning for subsequent study in economics.

Compulsory

This module aims to deepen and widen your understanding of macroeconomics at an intermediate level. It provides you with a thorough grounding in intermediate principles of macroeconomics as well as an appreciation of the potential applications of the analytical techniques, their limitations, and critiques. 

Compulsory

This module introduces you to data analysis using econometrics with a particular emphasis on principles and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and violations of its underlying assumptions. The module introduces you to practical, real-world applications of regression analysis methods, and provides the necessary knowledge and skills required for those wishing to take Applied Econometrics in the final year. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to analyse the nature and functions of financial institutions, to equip you with the necessary tools and concepts to be able to explain and interpret the process of financial intermediation, and to understand the system of regulation in financial markets. The module also examines the underlying principles and characteristics of money and banking that are the foundation for understanding their role in the economy. 

Compulsory

The module will provide a comprehensive introduction to the financial services sector, with particular emphasis on the UK financial system. After completing the module, you will have a solid foundational knowledge of the structure and operation of financial institutions and markets in the real world. The module focuses on intermediary institutions and credit markets, and their role in generating economic growth as well as financial crises. Basic economic theories and models developed to understand these phenomena are covered, and the theoretical analysis is complemented with both historical and contemporary perspectives. In addition, you will have an opportunity to learn how to critically discuss the merits and limitations of financial market regulation and its scope to mitigate or prevent economic and social costs of market failure. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to identify current or global challenges in the environment and present ideas to address those issues in a proactive manner. You will develop an awareness and a critical understanding of key research methodologies within your chosen area of study and design a proposal for researching the relevant contemporary issues. 

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Portfolio management is important for all investors to minimise risk and maximise growth potential. It refers to the art of selecting an appropriate mix of investments (stocks, shares, bonds, cash), balancing risk against performance, matching investments to goals, and allocating assets for institutional and individual customers. This module examines how portfolios are structured, monitored and managed for maximum effectiveness. It   develops your understanding and ability to apply asset allocation, portfolio strategies, international diversification and performance evaluation techniques. 

Compulsory

This module covers the analysis of financial intermediation from an economic perspective. It will broaden, and selectively deepen, your understanding of financial intermediation, building on your existing knowledge of financial institutions and markets. The module will cover a range of topics, with both a theoretical and an empirical emphasis. After completing the module, you will develop a good knowledge of major drivers of value creation through financial intermediation and the implications for competition and risk. 

Compulsory

This module will provide you with the opportunity to apply and develop your research skills and to extend your knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse a topic in a specialist area of interest. You will choose a research topic related to your programme of study and apply critical analysis skills acquired through this and other modules to research the topic in depth. 

Compulsory

You can choose two modules from the list of optional modules below: 

• Behavioural Economics – 20 credits 
  This module introduces you to the field of behavioural economics. It examines the theoretical and empirical evidence and subsequently critically assess the usefulness of this sub discipline in interpreting consumer choice and behaviour. You will learn how to apply behavioural principles and employ experimental tests in analysing both economic and non-economic problems. 
• Applied Econometrics– 20 credits 
  This module aims to strengthen your understanding of econometric models and techniques relevant to empirical analysis and policy evaluation applied to a wide range of economic and finance problems. The module will look to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills to design, undertake, and evaluate quantitative empirical work within economics, finance and business.  
• Labour Economics – 20 credits 
  Labour economics is very broad and covers many of the economic topics that are of concern in modern economies such as labour supply shortage, pay and incentive mechanisms and discrimination in the workplace. This module builds on the principles and techniques of microeconomics and macroeconomics and applies them to the labour market. 
• Monetary Economics – 20 credits 
  This module provides an overview of the role of money in the economy, including the nature and functions of money, theories of the supply and demand for money, the effects of money on the wider economy (neutrality vs. non-neutrality) and issues related to monetary policy. Teaching on the module uses numerous real-world examples of contemporary monetary policy interventions and their implications in the wider domestic and international economies.   
• Topics in Development and Environmental Economics – 20 credits 
  This module provides you with an opportunity to critically study a variety of topics drawn from the fields of development and environmental economics and issues that arise at the intersection of the two. On completion of this module you should be able to appreciate relevant theories, evaluate them and be able to apply them to practical economic issues and policies.  
• Topics in Public Sector and Health Economics – 20 credits 
  This module critically investigates the development of the market-based model of public services provision and the changing role of governments in the public economy, with a particular emphasis upon healthcare. To achieve its aims, the module introduces, applies and evaluates essential welfare economic concepts and principles. Topics include a critical assessment of the optimal scale and scope of public services, the impact of the public management model on performance assessment, the evaluation of healthcare outcome assessment methods, comparative analysis of international healthcare systems, the macroeconomics of health, medical tourism, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Optional