Undergraduate studies
General information
Economics examines some of the profound problems of the modern age as well as many aspects of everyday life: economic growth, unemployment, inflation, environmental degradation, poverty, economic and monetary union in Europe, transition in Eastern Europe, corporate and industrial performance, aid to poor countries, currencies and the balance of payments, the impact of minimum wages and the problems of global economic change.
When you study Economics at Kent, you will have the chance to learn about these and other issues from economists who are highly regarded within the profession for their practical approach to the subject. A central feature of Economics at Kent is the way we emphasise the practical application of economics to the modern world.
Studying economics at Kent can give your career a headstart with a degree that combines modern theoretical and applied economics, taught in exciting and innovative ways. We offer a variety of single and joint honours degree programmes that enable you to specialise in economics or combine your studies with an additional subject of your choice.
Degree flexibility
Here at Kent, we realise that it is not always the case that the degree pathway you decide to take when you arrive is the one which is really for you. When you have studied a subject for a year you may feel that you wish to specialise in one particular area and we try, wherever possible, to give you the flexibility to re-organise or change your degree for your second and final year.
Teaching
Kent is committed to the provision of high quality teaching and research. All of our modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group sessions which include seminars, computing practicals, problem classes, role-play, and debates. On average you have ten to twelve hours of teaching (lectures and classes) per week across all modules. All modules require a substantial amount of individual study in addition to class contact hours.
Assessment
Most modules have an end-of-year examination which counts for 80% of your final module grade. The other 20% for each module comes from continuous assessment of coursework throughout the year, and in some instances, class-based exercises. Your final degree class is determined by the combined performance in your second and final year.
Skills
The School is committed to making sure that you leave Kent with much more than just a degree in Economics. In the course of your studies, you will acquire a range of transferable skills that will further prepare you for employment or continued academic study. Some of your classes and assessment will be IT intensive, using networked terminals in The School's computer laboratories. Others will focus on numeracy and problem-solving, oral presentations, essay and report writing, role play, and group work.