Overview
The BSc Business Economics degree blends elements from both the Economics and Business Management degrees. Students in Business Economics should have an interest using economic theory and thinking in applied business settings. This degree has less of an emphasis on using mathematics compared to a traditional economics degree and the programme fosters numerical skills through the use of up-to-date business applications.
Business Economics Degree highlights
The Queen’s Economics degrees ranked 2nd of all Russell Group universities for student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey.
Global Opportunities
- There is also the opportunity to study or work abroad, supported by schemes such as Erasmus and Study USA.
- The Study USA programme provides students with the funded opportunity to study for a year in a US university.
Professional Accreditations
- • Shaw Memorial Prize for best-performing second-year student in BSc Economics • Foundation Scholarships for best student in Economics Level 1 and Level 2 • KPMG Prize is awarded to the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree • McKane Medal is awarded to the best final honours student in Economics
Career Development
- Business Economics students may take an optional placement year after their second year. Recent placements from students studying economics and business economics include: PwC, KPMG, Citi, Oxford Economics, Belfast City Council, First Derivatives, and Tayto Group Ltd.
Internationally Renowned Experts
- Many of our staff are leading international experts in their fields of research.
- Queen’s is one of the 24 world-class universities that make up the Russell Group in the United Kingdom, and is the only Russell Group University in Northern Ireland.
Student Experience
- The Queen’s Economics group ranked 2nd of all Russell Group universities for student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey.
- Students can join the Economics Society, a student-run organisation which aims to educate its members on the use of economics in practice through guest speakers, field trips abroad and educational seminars. Students will also have access to specialist mathematical and statistical software, giving them the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to prepare them for careers in economics and business analytics.
“Business Economics allows you to gather a vast array of skills through the various different methods of assessments offered – assignments, group projects, presentations and research projects. As the course allows you to choose three out of six modules in second year, you are able to focus more on the topics you’re interested in and tailor the degree to suit your preference. During the first semester of my second year, I was able to secure a placement with the successful drinks company Diageo.”
Rhianna Donaldson, BSc Business Economics
Course content
Course Structure
| Course Content The emphasis of this degree is on those aspects of economics that are of most importance in a business setting. Students study both Introduction to Business Economics and Applied Economics in the first year, along with Accounting, Finance and Business Management modules. This is followed in Years 2 and 3 by modules in economics and modules related to business economics. With the flexibility in this ndegree, students should not only develop good numeracy skills, but also specialisation in quantitative aspects of the subject. |
| Year 1 • Introduction to Business Economics • Applied Economics • Quantitative Methods • Accounting • Organisational Behaviour Students will be able to choose an additional module from one of the following two options: • Financial Institutions and Markets • Marketing |
| Year 2 • Macroeconomic Policy and Performance • Managerial Economics • Data Analysis and Optimisation Students will be able to choose three additional modules from a range which may include: • Financial Decision Making • Financial Market Theory • Human Resource Management • International Business • Operations Management • The Digital Business |
| Year 3 Students should take at least three electives from: Economics modules: • Labour Economics • Economic History • Economics of Corporate Strategy • Public Economics • International Trade And up to three electives from Management modules: • Business Start-Up • Business Ethics • Supply Chain Management • Public Sector Management • Innovation Management |
People teaching you
Dr Chris Colvin
Programme Director, BSc Business Economics
Queen’s Management School
Chris Colvin is an economic historian with research interests in banking crises, corporate governance, cultural economics, and demographic change. His research mostly addresses issues in the business and financial history of the Netherlands in the early twentieth century, and the economic and social history of Ireland in the nineteenth century.
Contact Teaching Times
| Large Group Teaching 6 (hours maximum) hours of lectures |
| Medium Group Teaching 6 (hours maximum) hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week |
| Personal Study 24 (hours maximum) 22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc. |
| Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial 2 (hours maximum) hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week |
Learning and Teaching
On the BSc Business Economics programme we achieve these goals by providing a range of learning environments which enable our students to engage with subject experts both academic staff and industry guest speakers, develop skills and attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:
Adviser of Studies
To assist with the choice of modules at the beginning of each academic year
Computer-Based and Other Practical Sessions
These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
E-Learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.
Induction
Formalised induction for all undergraduate students. For Stage 1 students, this includes several half-day sessions the week before the programme begins to allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus and the degree programme. During Stage 1 there are a number of follow-up sessions throughout the year. Topics such as academic writing, referencing, plagiarism, communication skills, examination preparation and managing time effectively are all covered in these practical sessions.
Lectures
These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures are also delivered by employer representatives and staff from a range of organisations are involved in the delivery of workshops and more practical sessions. In addition to the academic content of the lectures and workshops, this enables employers to impart their valuable experience to QMS Business Economics students, introduces important local employers to our students and allows our students to meet and engage with potential future employers.
Peer Mentoring Scheme
Whereby students in second and third year of their degree programme volunteer to mentor Stage 1 students. Developing the programme themselves, with support from academic staff in QMS, the mentors organise informal meetings, regular contact and a series of events ranging from ice-breaker type events to employer-led sessions with the Stage 1 students.
Personal Development Planning
To encourage students to engage in independent learning.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Seminars/tutorials
A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
Student Support Systems
QMS has an active and co-ordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.
Work placements
The BSc Business Economics programme does not have a compulsory placement year. However, the School actively supports any student who wishes to avail of an optional placement year, between the second and final year of the degree programme.
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. Modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of: class tests, computer generated practical experiments where students have to manipulate economic-related data, case study research and analysis of a particular organisation and its business issue, academic essays exploring a specific economic issue such as the impact of inflation on a specific region, or the importance of environmental economics etc. and small group project and presentations whereby groups of three/four students work on a particular business economics related task.
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
Placement employer comments or references.
Online or emailed comment.
General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.
Facilities
Students have access to Bloomberg software, a market leader in financial news, data and analytics, which is used by many financial institutions. The Trading Room allows for an interactive and exciting learning environment which brings textbook theory to life.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/QueensManagementSchool/Discover/TradingRoom/
Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
A level requirements
ABB + GCSE Mathematics grade B
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics
Access/Foundation Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70%. GCSE Mathematics grade B or equivalent in Access Course.
Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance notes on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by Queen's University Management School. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
Applicants for the BSc Honours in Business Economics must be able to satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirement and in addition all applicants must have GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above. There are no specific subjects required at A-level. Offers are normally made in terms of grades rather than UCAS Tariff points.
Demand for places differs from course to course and for Business Economics past performance at GCSE level is taken into account when deciding to make conditional offers. The GCSE threshold may vary from year to year, but as a general guide, offers are normally made to applicants who have achieved 6Bs at GCSE. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial requirements.
Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered.
Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended Diplomas, Edexcel Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered.
The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants taking a BTEC Extended Diploma qualification or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
The current entrance requirements for applicants offering a BTEC Extended Diploma are successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with 120 credits at Distinction and 60 credits at Merit. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits.
For those offering a Higher National Diploma, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but, to be eligible for an offer, at least half of the units completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level and remainder Passes. Applicants must successfully complete the HND with Merits in all units assessed in the final year. Any consideration would be for stage 1 entry only.
Applicants offering Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies courses will be considered individually on their own merits and for last year the standard was an overall average of 70% in Level 3 modules including 70% in all Mathematics modules (which must be equivalent to GCSE standard).
In addition to the academic requirements above, the information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted, but these are not the final deciding factors as to whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking will not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day organised by Queen's University Management School, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University, to find out more about the degree programme of your choice, the facilities on offer together with a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FOUNDATION AND INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE PROGRAMMES
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
- Foundation
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
http://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-foundation-in-business-humanities-and-social-sciences. - International Year One
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
http://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-year-one-in-management-and-finance.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Careers
Career Prospects
Introduction
This degree prepares students for a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Graduates have been employed as professional economists or as managers or administrators. Depending on the choice of modules, this degree also prepares students for postgraduate studies in Economics and related disciplines.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk
Employment after the Course
Typical career destinations of graduates include:
Professional Economists
Accountancy
Managers and Administrators in areas such as market research, advertising, sales and personel
Education, health or government departments
Employment Links
Graduate employers include: PwC; EY; KPMG; Deloitte; BDO; Ulster Bank; Bank of Ireland, First Trust, Northern Ireland Civil Service, Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, BBC, National Trust.
Alumni Success
"I work directly for the Mayor of London, and have overall responsibility for all of Transport for London services – London Underground, London buses, Docklands Light Railway, Crossrail operations, London Overground, London Trams and the Emirates Air Line cable car! I am also heavily involved in the Congestion Charging scheme, road safety and schemes to boost cycling and walking.”
Mike Brown, BSc Economics, MVO Commissioner, Transport for London
Professional Opportunities
Those pursuing a career in Business Economics should be effective communicators and work well with people,
as they will have to analyse and interpret a range of information to meet the needs of different users, including managers and investors. Business Economists must be prepared to take on challenges and be able to adapt to a constantly changing and dynamic business environment.
Many of the skills that students will acquire during their studies at Queen‘s will be of great value in a range of different career and life situations. Core transferable skills include the ability to learn independently, problem solve, understand and interpret economic, financial and business-specific information and work productively as part of a team.
Students graduating with a degree in Business Economics from Queen‘s are well placed to secure a range of
employment opportunities in economics and management in the public and private sectors. In recent years, students have secured positions in economic analysis and appraisal with a range of government and other public sector organisations, careers in banking, as well as more generalist positions in business and management.
What employers say
“For many years Oxford Economics has recruited students from Queen’s Economics degree, both for industrial placement and graduate positions. The course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to hit the ground running in the workplace."
David Moore, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics, Northern Ireland.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards
Foundation Scholarships for best student in Economics Level 1 and Level 2
KPMG Prize is awarded to the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree
McKane Medal is awarded to the best final honours student in Economics
Shaw Memorial Prize for best performing second-year student in BSc Economics
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee rates for undergraduate students who first enrol at the University in the academic year 2019-20 have not been agreed. Tuition fees for 2019-20 will be based on 2018-19 levels, normally increased by inflation and these are set out below.
| Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,160 |
|---|---|
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,250 |
| Other (non-UK) EU | £4,160 |
| International | £15,550 |
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.
Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Business Economics costs
Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.
Scholarships
Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.
How and When to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/apply.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2019 from 1 September 2018.
Advisory closing date: 15 January 2019 (18:00).
Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/
After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions (www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions) which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
- Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2019. - Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more. - Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
Register your interest
Open Days and Tours
Visit our beautiful campus.
Our Undergraduate Open Days will take place from 6 - 8 September 2018, or book a campus tour.
Accommodation
Some of the most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in the city.