Programme Specification. BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business. Valid from: September 2015 Faculty of Business

Transcription

1 Programme Specification BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business Valid from: September 2015 Faculty of Business

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Modes of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: External accreditation/recognition: (applicable to programmes with professional body approval) Faculty managing the programme: Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University, Oxford BSc (Honours) Economics, Finance and International Business Degree without Honours Diploma of Higher Education in Economics, Finance and International Business Diploma of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education DF LN13 BSc/DF N100 On Campus Full-time (3 years, 4 years with placement), Part-time (up to 8 years) English Economics (2007) Finance (2007) Not applicable Business February

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for/distinctiveness of the programme The key distinctiveness of this programme is in its international orientation. While it is designed to provide students with a broad based training in economics and finance, it achieves this through a strong applied focus on the international and global environment in which today s business organisations (both for-profit and not-for-profit) must compete. This environment has become increasingly turbulent and subject to dramatic change following in the wake of the recent global financial crisis and the ongoing uncertainty concerning the future of the Euro. This degree will provide you not only with the skills necessary to understand such developments but also to enter careers in business and government where you can help shape how these organisations can respond to and manage such changes 2.2 Aims of the programme to provide an intellectually challenging and engaging training in the disciplines of economics, finance and international business to enhance students lifelong learning capabilities and personal development so as to enable them to work with self-direction and originality and to be able to contribute to society at large to prepare students for entering careers in a wide range of national and international organisations and businesses or for entry to further study and research at postgraduate level SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge, understanding and skills: 3.1 Academic literacy 1. Demonstrate understanding of the core of economic and financial principles and policy from both national and international perspectives (also global citizenship) 2. Develop a holistic perspective recognising the links between business, economic and financial decision making 3. Abstract the essential features of economic and financial theories, models and behaviour to provide a framework for understanding, evaluation and prediction 4. Formulate and analyse economic and financial arguments through the construction of assumption based models (both quantitative and qualitative) and by the application of inductive and deductive reasoning (also research literacy) 5. Develop problem solving skills through practice in identifying the main features of a given problem and in devising strategies for its resolution (also research literacy) 3

4 3.2 Research literacy 6. Select and critically apply research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) appropriate to the study of economic and financial phenomena and be able to use such methods to develop creative solutions to a wide range of practical problems arising in the context of markets and organisations. 7. Apply the knowledge, understanding and disciplinary skills of the economic and financial strategist to the analysis of international business behaviour and the formulation of effective business strategy 8. Use economic and financial reasoning to evaluate the effects of government policies on business and to predict the consequences of alternative policy choices. 3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 9. Develop skills in self management through practice in planning and managing their own learning experience 10. Demonstrate an awareness of one s own strengths and weaknesses as a learner and be aware of how to improve the effectiveness of different learning strategies. 11. Work creatively and productively in different kinds of teams (formal, informal, projectbased, committee based etc.) (also global citizenship) 3.4 Digital and information literacy 12. Evaluate economic and financial theories and interpret business behaviour through the quantitative or qualitative analysis of empirical data (also academic literacy) 13. Select and be able to use appropriate information technology to describe and solve a range of economic and financial problems. 14. Express ideas and opinions, with confidence and clarity, to a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes (also global citizenship) 3.5 Active citizenship 15. Understand how business decision making is constrained by cultural and social contexts at both an international and national level 16. Recognise the context and limitations of the prevailing paradigms in economic, finance and business theory and the implications of these (also academic literacy) 4

5 SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: Year One (Level 4) compulsory modules U50007 Accounting and Financial Information S2 U51002 Foundations of Business S1 (if without A-level Business) U52001 Macroeconomics 1 S2 U52002 Microeconomics 1 S1 U52007 Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance I S2 U52008 Skills for Economic Enquiry S1 U58003 Global Business Communications S1 plus 1 recommended module (2 modules if student has A-level Business) Level 4 recommended modules U50003 Essential Information Skills U50013 Raising Individual Financial Awareness U51014 The Evolution of Global Business U55002 Foundations of Marketing U58004 Planning a Successful Event U58005 Creating Entrepreneurial Organisations Year Two (Level 5) compulsory modules U52031 Macroeconomics 2+ S2 U52032 Microeconomics 2+ S1 U52042 Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist+ S1 Year Two (Level 5) alternative compulsory modules + At least 3 modules from: U51037 International Business S1 U52022 International Finance S2 U52026 International Labour Markets S2 U52043 International Trade S1 plus 2 acceptable modules + Compulsory for Degree without Honours The following modules are compulsory for a Named Diploma of Higher Education: U52022 International Finance plus at least one credit from U52031 Macroeconomics 2 U52032 Microeconomics 2 and at least one credit from U52026 International Labour Markets U52043 Economic Integration+ S1 Level 5 acceptable modules U50032 Corporate and Business Law 5

6 U50033 Corporate Finance U50034 E-Business U51056 Environmentally Sustainable Business U51069 Independent Study Community Engagement U52025 Financial Markets & Institutions U52030 Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance II U52041 Regional Studies - Asia, Africa or Europe U58023 Ethics in Business U58024 Introduction to People Management U58030 Skills for Placement Search U58065 Placement Plus not more than 2 credits from: U61512 French B1 (1) U61513 French B1 (2) U61514 French 4A U61515 French 4B U61520 French 5A U61521 French 5B U62012 German B1 (1) U62013 German B1 (2) U62712 Mandarin Chinese 2A U62713 Mandarin Chinese 2B U63012 Japanese 2A U63013 Japanese 2B U63512 Spanish B1 (1) U63513 Spanish B1 (2) U63514 Spanish 4A U63515 Spanish 4B U63528 Spanish 5A U63529 Spanish 5B U70923 Academic English for Business Purposes U70924 Higher Academic English Language Skills Year Three U58065 Placement (optional) Year Four (Year Three if no placement is undertaken) (Level 6) compulsory modules U52070 Contemporary Issues in Economics S1 U52074 Economics, Finance and International Business Synoptic [double module] S2 U52080 Contemporary Issues in Finance S1 plus at least 2 Level 6 acceptable modules plus no more than 2 Level 5 acceptable modules Level 6 acceptable modules U52071 Econometrics U52072 Environmental Economics U52073 Finance and Development U52075 Political Economy of International Trade U52076 Economic Growth U52077 Industrial Organisation U52081 Advanced Financial Management U58088 Independent Study 4.2 Professional requirements Not applicable. 6

7 SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Academic literacy requires students to have a firm grasp of the theories and methods that form the fundamental toolbox of economic enquiry and is the focus of Level 4 modules such as Micro I, Macro I and Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance I. Key to the learning experience in these modules is the weekly in-class practice of problem-solving exercises. Development continues at Level 5 in Micro II and Macro II, with increasing emphasis on encouraging recognition of the limitations of different theoretical perspectives and on developing an appreciation of alternative approaches to modelling economic problems. At Level 6 Current Issues in Economics and in Finance enable demonstration of academic literacy through encouraging application of relevant theories to practical problems of the international financial system and to analysis of fundamental problems such as poverty and inequality. Two skills-based modules are primarily dedicated to developing Digital and Information Literacy, Critical Self-awareness and Personal Literacy and Research Literacy. Substantial use is made of outside practitioners such as professional actors and financial journalists to develop presentation and investigative and research skills. Skills for Economic Enquiry focuses on skills of information sourcing, data selection and presentation. Development of Research Literacy is accomplished through both the approach to learning and through the assessments. This module has a strong focus on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) which enables students to undertake research on their own rather than as passive absorbers of content. Assessment on the module involves students in preparing research proposals and tests abilities to select appropriate methodologies, understanding of the purpose of research as well as skills in information sourcing and problem identification. Ability to become a critical consumer of research is developed though assessments which involve evaluation of video presentations by students on the second year module Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist. Both the video production exercise and the assessment in the latter module creates an innovative opportunity for developing collaborative work skills. Level 6 provides further opportunities to develop literacies related to research, IT and critical selfawareness and personal development. As part of the assessment on Contemporary Issues in Finance students produce a news web-site as a wiki with critical assessment of choice and quality of sources used in its construction. Finally, the Synoptic in Economics, Finance and International Business has a team based research assessment project and requires a significant element of self-reflection on the learning process. Internationalisation of the curriculum enables the attribute of Global Citizenship to be developed progressively across successive years of the programme. An understanding of diversity begins in year one in Global Business Communications with a focus on intercultural issues in communications. Appreciation of cross-cultural understanding is then further embedded in the international Level 5 compulsories, for example by looking at differences between the cultures of various national labour markets and financial systems. A major focus of International Labour Markets is developing awareness of issues relating to inequality and discrimination. Critical engagement with the welfare implications of these issues is then further developed in the final year compulsory Contemporary Issues in Economics. The final year is completed by a capstone Synoptic module which involves collaborative work with students at Burgundy Business School. The majority of staff contributing to the programme are research active and their work is actively integrated within a number of modules, for example on Contemporary Issues in Economics and International Labour Markets. Learning is further enhanced through exposure to a diversity of teaching methods including traditional lectures, seminars and workshops. PBL is common across a range of modules, including Macro II and Contemporary Issues in Finance. Students participate 7

8 in activities such as group presentations, role-plays, analyses of numerical data, discussions of topical material (for example newspaper articles, videos and web-sites), and computer-based simulations. To encourage independent learning, face-to-face learning is supplemented by a range of activities undertaken outside class with emphasis on the use of e-learning self-study quizzes and diagnostic assessments. Participation in online discussion groups and work (as indicated above) in groups to prepare wikis and web-sites is a fundamental part of the assessment process on modules such as Contemporary Issues In Finance. In line with Brookes Assessment Compact, the assessment process is seen as a fundamental tool of the learning process and learning outcomes are achieved through allowing students to engage with a variety of activities including the construction of case studies, group presentations, written reports, self and peer assessment as well as the through the use of media such as web-sites and videos. Face-to-face feedback is a feature of a number of compulsory modules, for example on Macro II. The programme provides for a balanced assessment load with most modules using 50% coursework/50% examination but there are a small number of modules assessed wholly by 100% coursework or 100% examination. Each module involves 150 hours of study time (300 for a double module). Study time consists of time in formal classroom activities (lectures, seminars etc.) and for most modules this consists of 12 two hour weekly blocks (24 hours per single module). Thus, self-study (preparing for seminars, undertaking research for coursework and meeting to collaborate on group work etc.) takes up the majority of the time devoted to the module (126 hours). 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B2 Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations The Programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS 6.1 Entry criteria Entry Requirements A-level: BBC or equivalent IB Diploma: 30 points Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level at grade B BTEC National Diploma: DMM AS-levels will be recognised in place of a maximum of 1 A-level (may include 12-unit vocational A-level). Key skills are not required but would be a positive feature of an application, as would free-standing AS-levels such Critical Thinking. Specific Entry Requirements GCSE: Mathematics (grade B or above) and English (grade C or above) 8

9 English Language Requirements Please see the university's standard English language requirements. 6.2 DBS checks Not applicable SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins in the first semester, providing the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also introduces the philosophy of the programme, the rationale for its design and delivery, and provides insight into what is expected of students. People A number of people are available to support, guide and assist personal development during the programme. The Programme Lead and Programme Administrator work as a team to ensure the programme runs smoothly. The Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide academic tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. Each student is allocated an Academic Advisor from within the Department and is invited to regular and structured meetings throughout the programme to review progress and get help with academic development. The Student Support Coordinators can provide one-to-one support, advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as personal and family problems, disability or sickness, learning difficulties and money worries. They offer the opportunity to talk to someone who is not connected to academic studies and can refer students to other services available within the University, which include: Counselling, Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, Medical Centre, International Students Advisory Service, plus specific support for mature students. Study skills support is provided by the University s Upgrade service, which provides bookable tutorials and a drop-in service on all campuses plus an online directory of study skills resources. English language support is also available. Programme and Module Guides Handbooks are provided for both the programme and for each module. The Module Guide provides: Contact details of the Module Leader and Tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of required class preparation Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and deadlines. Work-placement and Careers Centre support The Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES) supports sandwich-mode students in applying for and securing a work-placement. During the placement year itself students are supported by an assigned placement tutor who remains in regular contact with the student and their line manager and conducts at least one meeting at the student s place of work, WAVES also supports students in identifying volunteering or internship opportunities. 9

10 The University Careers Service offers guidance on career planning as well as practical advice on CV writing, mock interviews and assessment centres, tutorials and careers counselling. Its online vacancies database Talent Bank details internship and graduate job opportunities plus volunteering and project work SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY The knowledge and skills gained by Economics, Finance & International Business graduates will equip them for a wide range of careers, notably working as economists in the public and private sector, working for financial institutions and in financial markets and using their more specialised knowledge in a more general business setting. The programme is explicitly focused around developing the skills to work in international organisations. Economics, Finance & International Business graduates will also be well suited for work in the `third sector of not-for-profit and voluntary organisations and in NGOs. The degree is further designed to provide a good basis for postgraduate study in areas such as economics, finance or business and management. SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS Visiting speakers from a range of organisations contribute to the programme. In particular practitioners with backgrounds in economics and finance play at central role in the delivery of the level 5 module Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist. Links with organisations such as the Government Economic Service are actively maintained to ensure students are aware of opportunities for summer internships. We have many links to employers such as Oxford Economic Forecasting, HM Treasury, IBM and Disney through the Work Placement Scheme. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a third-year placement and to register with the Placements office for advice on obtaining internships. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT Indicators of quality/methods for evaluating the quality of provision The reputation of the Faculty of Business is underpinned through programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs; professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group. The Faculty of Business's programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- Subject Committee meetings held once a semester to enable staff and students to feedback on the programme A rigorous annual and periodic review process to ensure the currency of the programme An external examining process that follows the university guidelines - Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation 10