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BA (Honours) Economics and History - Learning outcomes

Educational aims

This degree aims to give a good grounding in both economics and history, as disciplines in their own right and in an interdisciplinary context.

In economics you will learn a range of analytical skills that can be applied in a range of contexts, engage in economic debate and assess different kinds of evidence and their usefulness in relation to economic theories.

In history, you will learn to analyse, synthesise and communicate clearly, using both historical and contemporary materials, and will have the opportunity to complete an extended piece of independent study at Stage 3.

You will develop a set of graduate skills which will equip you well for further study and the workplace.

 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

  • key concepts, ideas, methods and theories from the disciplines of economics and history
  • history as a systematic and reflective discipline producing bodies of knowledge about the past, these being constantly subject to controversy, debate, refinement and correction
  • a range of debates in economics, particularly as they apply to our understanding of the contemporary social world
  • aspects of national and global economics and history drawn from the period since 1500.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

  • define and apply key concepts, abstract models and theories from economics and history to study the historical and contemporary societal processes and outcomes
  • critically compare and evaluate competing ideas, arguments and theories and approaches used in historical and economic analysis
  • understand, evaluate and manipulate information and ideas obtained from a variety of sources, including written and visual sources, and statistical analysis  to develop detailed, reasoned arguments
  • plan and undertake a piece of personal research in the area of economics, making use of appropriate documentary, statistical or field based sources and utilising appropriate methodologies.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

  • work independently to analyse a research question, seeking out, collecting and selecting relevant information in a systematic manner using information literacy and using quantitative or qualitative data
  • express and present complex ideas succinctly and clearly in written form in a coherent and organised manner to develop a logical, substantiated and sustained argument, with sources referenced appropriately
  • perform basic numerical operations and interpret the results of statistical analysis presented in tables, graphs, diagrams and the output of regression models, showing awareness of the range of interpretations they might be used to support.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

  • communicate your ideas effectively both orally and in writing in ways that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of economics and history
  • collaborate with others and participate in group discussion on a complex subject
  • study and learn independently, including planning and executing a study programme
  • seek and use feedback, and improve performance in the academic context through reflection and self-assessment
  • search for information independently, often using IT tools, and integrate this information/data within established understandings, or show how it challenges them
  • interpret economic and statistical data presented in tabular, chart and graphic form, undertake data analysis and interpret the results.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Assessment is designed to include a range of formative and summative tasks appropriate to the stage, including written assignments, oral presentations, collaborative work, online activities, examinations, independent study and project work.

The University operates a blended tuition policy across all undergraduate qualifications, with the number of tuition hours and the proportion of face-to-face tuition being considerably higher in the key introductory module and gradually declining through Stages 1, 2 and 3 as students become more independent.