Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this certificate, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- selected key concepts, ideas, methods and theories from the discipline of Economics from a pluralist perspective
- a range of contemporary debates in economics, particularly as they apply to our understanding of the contemporary social world
- an appreciation of how economic concepts, ideas, methods and theories are applied to analyse economic issues and the financial decisions of households.
- selected ideas and techniques of statistical data analysis and statistical modelling applied to a variety of topics with specific emphasis on economic data and issues
Cognitive skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- appropriately use selected economic concepts, theories and evidence to construct economic arguments
- compare different theoretical approaches that attempt to highlight and explain different aspects of the economy and society
- understand and manipulate information presented through primary and secondary sources
- appreciate how diagrammatic, mathematical, statistical and verbal analysis is applied to investigate economic issues
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- appraise, monitor and reflect constructively on your own personal progress, use skills to improve own learning and performance, including learning from feedback, and identify own strengths, weaknesses
- plan workload and meet deadlines over an extended period of time under increasing levels of pressure
- engage in collaborative activity with others.
Key skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Use and communicate selected economic ideas clearly and coherently
- Select, interpret and synthesise data from a range of sources, including qualitative and quantitative data
- Interpret economic and statistical data presented in tabular, chart and graphic form
- Use ICT applications, such as software for statistical analysis, websites, and interactive and multimedia applications.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired through published distance-learning materials, including specially written study materials, study guides and assignments; a range of multimedia material; specified work using computer software; self-assessment questions and exercises; email and online discussion forums; tutorials and revision sessions; and feedback from a tutor on assignments.
You will be taught a variety of theories, skills and methods in economics, personal finance, mathematics and statistics.
You will receive support and feedback from your tutor and in some modules you will collaborate with other students. 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 then gradually declining as students become more independent. Feedback on assessment is used throughout all modules to provide personalised support during your studies. You will also be able to receive support through online forums and other channels.
The strategy for assessment and feedback includes a mix of assessment methods throughout the qualification. Each module has its own assessment strategy, which usually include tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs), and either an end-of-module assessment or a formal examination. The range of techniques covered by these assignments is broad, often including essay questions, as well as more technical exercises.