SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

B21969

For more information

www.reading.ac.uk/question

Innovative teachingFrom our exciting Model United Nations module to our weekly informal economics discussion meetings.1

Enriching learning environmentOur learning methods combine traditional lectures and seminars, simulation activities and online tutorials.

Staff expertiseOur staff are approachable, helpful and passionate about their research. As leading experts in their research, they often feature in the local and international media for their insights into global affairs. We have achieved excellent results in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF).2

Commitment to student employability We have a dedicated placement officer on hand to help you apply for placements, as well as an award-winning careers centre to support you before and beyond graduation.

An international perspectiveWe typically teach you in small, interactive groups with students from around the world.

A strong community Built from student societies, regular department socials and strong pastoral care.

Our School is an exciting and dynamic place to learn. We help you to explore contemporary world issues and understand the forces shaping our world today.We aim to equip you with knowledge of developments in the global economy and how these are linked with political changes at the national and international level.

1 These modules are provided as a sample of some of the modules that may be available on these courses.

2 Overall, 80% of our research impact was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent in the REF 2014 - Politics and International Relations.

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICSW

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? Innovative teaching and learningSmall group teaching and diversity of assessments in a friendly and supportive environment.

Innovative modules that relate to the real world are delivered through informal hands-on teaching, helping you learn, debate and challenge your thinking.

Guest speakers from outside the University bring subjects to life, keeping you in touch with the latest global developments and challenges.

Our flexible programmes enable you to develop your own interests and skills. For example, you can take modules offered by the Henley Business School or study a language.

A strong communityOur Department offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in our supportive student community; whether through our weekly economics ‘conversations’ events, by joining the active Economics Society.

Commitment to employabilityOur dedicated Placement Officer is on hand to help you search, for placement opportunities and build networks for your future.1

Our degrees aim to equip you with a valuable set of transferable skills, including analysis and problem solving, communication and presenting.

For more information: www.reading.ac.uk/question

1 Placements are subject to availability and eligibility criteria, and are fully dependent on students securing their own placement opportunities.

MA SUBJECT

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BA Economics BSc Economics BSc Business Economics BSc Economics and Econometrics BSc Economics and Finance

Year 1

Introductory Microeconomics

Introductory Macroeconomics

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1

Introductory Mathematics for Economics 1

Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance

Introduction to Economics Institutions & Policy

Globalisation and the History of Western Capitalism

Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 2

Introductory Mathematics for Economics 2

Introductory Securities and Markets

Introductory Finance/ Trading Simulation

Year 2

Intermediate Microeconomics

Intermediate Macroeconomics

Empirical Methods for Economics and Social Sciences

Economics of Social Policy

Intermediate Mathematics for Economics

and either:

Intermediate Econometrics

or:

Economic Theory

Business Economics

Intermediate Econometrics

Introductory Econometrics

Intermediate Mathematics for Economics

Corporate Finance

Portfolio Management

Year 3

Advanced Microeconomics

Advanced Macroeconomics

Money & Banking

Industrial Organisation

Econometric Methods

Financial Economics

Derivative Securities/ Trading Simulation III

Financial modelling/trading Simulation II/CMS

ALL

ALL

ALL

ALL

For more information: www.reading.ac.uk/question

Optional Modules

Each year you will complete a series of both compulsory and optional modules. Optional modules are both from within and outside of economics, allowing you to tailor your course to your own interests. Some of the choices in economics include, but are not limited to:

• Behavioural Economics

• Development Economics

• Economics of Climate Change

• Economics of Labour

• Economic Policy and Social Problems

• Economics of Social Policy

• History of Economic Thought

• Processes of Long Term Political & Economic Change

• Public Economics

• Urban Economics

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS COURSE STRUCTURE1

1 These modules are provided as a sample of some of the modules that may be available on these courses.

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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We offer three taught programmes, covering generalist and specialist economic areas, where the Department has established research expertise. Our programmes allow students to choose a specialised area or study flexibly across the pathways.

MSc in Business EconomicsThis degree programme exposes you to business economics chiefly at the level of the industry and the firm but also with some coverage of theories of the entrepreneur. The core modules provide up-to-date introductions to business economics and research methods while optional modules in areas such as international business, the economics of development, the economics of financial markets, and the economics of public policy provide you with the opportunity to develop your expertise in more specialised fields.This truly international course provides techniques and evidence to understand industry structures and firm behaviours. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a project with an external organisation.

MSc in EconomicsThis degree programme equips you with the fundamental tools of a professional economist, providing the ability to assess a wide range of theoretical, empirical, and policy issues.Taking a systematic approach, your studies take you from micro-principles of economic behaviour to macro-outcomes of national and global importance, combining methodological, theoretical and applied issues in the study and practice of economics and economic policy.

Incorporating interactive learning, for example using software to research the core areas of economics, your course provides opportunities to specialise with optional modules such as: international business; the economics of development the economics of financial markets; advanced macroeconomics and finance; and the economics of public policy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a project with an external organisation.

MSc in Economics and FinanceThe course is designed to prepare graduates to work as economists in the investment banking industry and other international or government organisations or in research related roles. It is delivered jointly by the ICMA Centre and the Department of Economics. Students admitted to the programme will therefore benefit from rigorous training in both economics and finance and benefit from range of specialist modules offered by both departments. The programme is structured with a strong emphasis on the combination of theory and practice. Students learn how to apply and use models but also the theoretical foundations behind the models. They also study micro and macroeconomics and acquire solid understanding of corporate finance and financial economics, which will equip them with strong practical and analytical skills for financial services, investment analysis and research.

For more information: www.reading.ac.uk/question

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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RESEARCH IN ECONOMICS

Interdisciplinary and Applied Research

Economics at Reading is highly interdisciplinary not only explaining areas of pure economics like unemployment and inflation or how industry operates, but also working with psychologists, political scientists, sociologists, geographers and historians.

We have research strengths in the following areas:

• development economics

• behavioural economics

• wellbeing

• business

• economic history

• big data analysis

In addition to the conventional concerns of macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics, much of our research is directed towards the economics of social policy issues, particularly:

• inequality and poverty

• international development

• the environment

• housing

• health

• education

• gender issues

We are currently working on a number of public policy-related research projects: • Our economists are heavily involved in providing analysis to

guide housing policy at the Department of Communities and Local Government and we provide a Specialist Advisor to the House of Lords Economics Affairs Committee.

• The Department has a team of development economists working closely with international agencies such as the World Bank and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

• The Department is involved in different aspects of migration research, including at a local level, an analysis of social cohesion amongst migrants.

We strengthen andexplore our researchthrough an active andexciting programme of regular events andseminars giving you the opportunity to discuss cutting edge research withleading academics andexternal experts.

The University of Reading Economics Department focuses on applied economic research directed towards improving the quality of life in the UK and around the world. To be at the forefront of the discipline, you need to be taught by staff working at the cutting edge of new research, enabling you to understand and apply what you learn.

For more information:

www.reading.ac.uk/question

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICSPL

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S Placements are a great way to put your academic skills into practise, gain valuable work experience and develop personally and professionally. In Economics, there are a variety of placement options to choose from. Whether you want to take a year in industry, complete a placement over the summer or integrate it into your studies as a two week ‘taster’, there are plenty of ways to enrich your learning.During your studies, we also provide support from our dedicated Placement Officer, who can offer you advice and support in looking for a position. The University Careers Centre is also available for one to one and group support, to help you take the next step in your career.1

Students in our Department have worked in a variety of organisations, including:• The Home Office

• The Office for National Statistics

• Lloyd’s Bank

• PricewaterhouseCoopers

• Disney

I would definitely encourage otherstudents to apply fora placement... The development opportunities, the chance to actually use economics at work, and the great student community, make the Department for Work and Pensions a fantastic placeto work!

Chris Tucker (BSc Economics and Econometrics)

The department I worked in was veryimpressed with my reports and will publish them within their own annual reports... The development opportunities and the social events between students were fantastic and I enjoyedmy summer!

Saad Mohammad Monaaf (BA Economics)

For more information: www.reading.ac.uk/question

1 Placements are subject to availability and eligibility criteria, and are fully dependent on students securing their own placement opportunities.

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A degree in economics offers you outstanding prospects and can lead to a rewarding career working as an economist or in a range of roles across business, finance, investment or other areas. A degree in economics helps you develop specialist skills whether you want to focus on mathematics and statistics, or the social implications of economics, and it is a fantastic choice if you want to keep your options open, as it also provides you with skills valued by employers.

We place the development of your employability at the heart of everything we do. Studying Economics with us at the University of Reading, you can:• Gain guidance from our dedicated School Placement Officer,

who is here to advise and help facilitate the right placement for you and your development.1

• Benefit from our careers service by speaking with our experienced careers advisers who are on hand to offer you support on careers, job applications, CVs, mock interviews and more.

Our courses are tailored to developing your future career prospects:• Develop valuable knowledge and learn to apply it using

skills of analysis and problem solving, communication, time management and presentation skills.

• Practise crucial communication and team-working skills within the supportive environment of our weekly informal economics discussion meetings between students and staff, which help bring economics to life.

• Gain a taste of the different opportunities available to you after graduation through our regular series of events with a range of public speakers from the economic sphere.

For more information www.reading.ac.uk/question

1 Placements are subject to availability and eligibility criteria, and are fully dependent on students securing their own placement opportunities.

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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For more information: The International Foundation Programme email: ifpadmissions@reading.ac.uk The International Student Experience team web: student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/international

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The School of Politics, Economics and International Relations thrives on the lively academic environment developed from cross cultural collaboration, and both our student and staff community is made up of people from all around the globe. If you’re joining us from another country, we want to make your transition as easy as possible.

‘My interest in Politics and Social Science attracted me to mydegree. We have really passionate lecturers and academics, who arereally keen on helping us to expand our knowledge and give suggestions. As a student from China, I am far away from all my friends and familyat home. But I stayed in halls in my first year, and that made mefeel more comfortable. Also I tried to join many University societies, doing all different sort of activities with my new friends...Reading town provides us with a really peaceful, clean and sociableenvironment to live and study, with many options for shopping, foodand communication.’, which is really convenient.Wenni Gu, China, BA International Relations and Economics

The International Foundation Programme (IFP)The International Foundation Programme is an access course especially designed for students without British A-level qualifications or the equivalent. The IFP will provide you with the skills you need to start undergraduate studies in most degrees at Reading. If you’re planning on studying one of our courses, you have the option to choose modules in Politics and Economics as part of the IFP.

The International Student Experience teamAt Reading, a team of advisers are available to offer support to international students on issues such as; money matters, visa queries, accommodation, and even help with defining words which might be unfamiliar to you. You can also benefit from the Reading University International Mentoring Scheme, matching you with a current student mentor at the University.

SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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“WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

I have the University of Reading to thank for so much: for giving me the opportunity to study my passion, providing me with endless opportunities to continually develop, and, most importantly, for providing me with a set of incredible and unforgettable friendships.

Adam Neville

Reading is one of the few universities in the country where I had the opportunity to study something that I have been passionate about since I was very young... The best part about a degree in politics is the skills you learn that can help you get into all kinds of sectors when looking for a job.

Ollie Johnson

I was attracted to the course because of the wide range of modules and the ability to select my own interests to study. The mixture of lectures and seminars has been great in helping form – and sometimes change! – my opinions, learn from my fellow students and have lively discussions. I have had wonderful support from all of my lecturers who have encouraged and inspired me to reach my full potential throughout my time here, improving my confidence in my academic abilities considerably.

Yasmin Levy-Miller

The teaching and content has been wonderful and I have no doubt that it will have a profound effect on the shaping of my future.

Esther Hughes

Upon reaching the Whiteknights campus for the open day, I instantly knew that this was where I wanted to study my degree. With its beautiful green campus, friendly student atmosphere, and the engaging, passionate staff in the Politics and IR department, something about Reading just felt right, and still feels the same today.

Richard Hydes

Studying at Reading is everything I had hoped for and more. I have made some amazing friends and the staff are simply excellent. There are unlimited opportunities to get involved and develop your skills – from careers workshops, guest lecturers and society events… the list is endless! To put it simply, I cannot wait for my next two years at Reading.

Helen Bonney ”

ABOUT OUR COURSES

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