This module introduces students to the application of economic analysis and the role of professional economists within the real-world economy. It exposes students to the main fields of activity that require the involvement of economists, to the institutions involved in these fields, their responsibilities, and the types of economic problem that are addressed. It also provides them with opportunities to contextualise their learning of conceptual economic ideas and issues, and to apply their knowledge and understanding to practical everyday issues.
Training to become a professional economist requires students to learn and develop a variety of different skills, many of which go beyond an understanding of the concepts of economic theory or statistical analysis. These skills include the ability to abstract and simplify complex economic behaviour, to adapt the general concepts of economic theory to the particular case of investigation, to think through and present logical arguments, to communicate ideas effectively both verbally and in writing, to engage in critical analysis of arguments and, more generally, to problem-solve, make decisions and organise work.
Module content is organised thematically around a series of both microeconomic and macroeconomic topics. These topics are diverse and updated in line with contemporary issues and developments in the field. Each topic is examined in the context of how professional economists put into practice economics across a range of different institutional settings such as the Government Economic Service, regulatory authorities, private sector consultancy and academia.
Private Study: 127 hours
Contact Hours: 23 hours
Total: 150 hours
This module is optional for all students studying single and joint honours degree programmes in Economics.
This module is not available to students across other degree programmes in the University.
Main Assessment Methods:
Group Outline 1 (approx. 500 words) (20%)
Group Outline 2 (approx. 500 words) (20%)
Group Presentation (10 Minutes) (30%)
Individual Take-Away Precis (500 words) (30%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand and abstract the essential features of an economic issue, problem and system
2 Synthesize and critically compare different economic analyses of an economic issue
3 Apply analytical skills to a range of economic concepts, problems and issues
4 Interpret data in the context of economic theory and policy
5 Analyse reports and papers to support their understanding of economics.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
