Economics and Marketing

Course description

What causes inflation? How can unemployment be reduced? Can taxes ever be fair and efficient? How do energy and environmental markets work? How can economics inform and appraise public health policy? Big questions, looking for big answers – do you think you are up to the challenge? Almost every decision taken in our fast-moving social, commercial and technological world is dictated by economic imperatives at regional, national and global levels. In the current economic climate the role of the economist is becoming more crucial with the welfare and prosperity of nations dependent upon accurate interpretations and responses to continually shifting economic realities. Every business has end users – or customers – and every successful business correctly identifies its customers and strives to deliver what they want, in order to keep them. Marketing is at the centre of what businesses do. It helps organisations work out how they can identify and satisfy customer needs using strategic thinking, business acumen and carefully designed communications. As you progress through your Marketing degree, you will have the opportunity to develop the following practical skills and attributes that are much sought after by prospective employers:
Communication – the various essays, reports, examinations and presentations required throughout your studies will develop your ability to communicate effectively in a business setting. Team work – working in a group is an essential part of your Marketing degree, both during business simulation activities, as well as group debates and undertaking ‘live’ research projects for local businesses. This also builds on successful negotiation and influencing skills. Research and analysis – these skills develop as you progress through each year of your course, culminating in a significant piece of research for your Honours dissertation. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to write marketing research proposals for both commercial and academic purposes. Business/commercial awareness – through case study analysis, guest lectures and live projects with local employers, you will develop an understanding of what is going on in the business sector and the wider environment that organisations operate within. Assignments are designed to enable you to draw on your personal experiences and apply your learning directly to the business world.
Time management – you will learn how to manage your time more effectively through your active involvement in group projects as well as by successfully juggling your weekly workload in order to meet your (sometimes conflicting) deadlines for coursework along with other University and extra curriculum commitments. Self-confidence – participating in every aspect of your degree will help build your confidence, both personally and professionally.

Subjects

• Economics
• Marketing