MA
Economics for Business
Apply economic principles to business-related issues
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course offers a concentrated approach focusing on the applied, rather than the theoretical, aspects of economics. You will gain an understanding of business decisions and strategy, particularly in connection with corporate finance, pricing, product analysis and advertising.
The primary aim of our course is to ensure you acquire the skills and competence needed to apply economic principles to solve complex business problems.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Use the University’s Bloomberg terminals to monitor and analyse real-time financial market data movements and trade
- Receive guided support and mentoring from staff through formal meetings and via our use of social media
- Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
What opportunities might it lead to?
If you are a non-economics graduate wanting to enter a career where business economics skills are important or if you are currently working in business and wish to expand your range of skills and knowledge, then this course is ideal.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- the government sector
- commercial banks
- insurance companies
- regulatory bodies
Students have access to an amazing amount of data and information about companies around the world and to the Bloomberg suite, which monitors real-time financial market data movements and trade virtually.
Alisa-Elena Lature, economics student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time
- Entry
A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in all individual components, or equivalent.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £5,000*
International full-time students: £11,000*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- pbs.postgradadmissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8200 - Department
- Portsmouth Business School
Structure & Teaching
You will study a total of five units which incorporate a range of topics such as principles of investment appraisal and how they are applied to investment projects in both developed and developing countries. We will also guide you in applying sophisticated forecasting techniques to help you understand and anticipate business trends, and with our guidance you will learn how to design and deliver research to the highest standards. The course then concludes with your dissertation where you’ll engage in economic research on a topic of your choice.
Here are the units you will study:
Principles of Economic and Quantitative Analysis: This unit provides those new to studying economics with the principles of economic theory before covering key mathematical and statistical concepts, and concluding with an introduction to econometric modelling techniques. On completing this unit you will be able to develop solutions to business problems using conceptual and statistical techniques. Topics covered include:
- markets and theory of the firm
- macroeconomic policy
- statistical analysis
- introduction to econometric modelling techniques
Economics in Business: International trade and finance are central issues to business communities and this unit will introduce you to the key theories of trade and finance, as well as demonstrates their relevance to global economic issues. On completing the unit, you will appreciate arguments relating to efficiency in international markets and the operation of various international institutional arrangements for government and business. Topics covered include:
- growth and development
- balance of payments and exchange rate determination
- economic integration
- the international monetary system
Finance and Appraisal: On this unit you will consider key techniques of project appraisal. Specific reference is made to investments within the private and public sectors. It explains the role of the financial markets and how firms raise finance via equity and debt. You will also consider the valuation of non-market goods through implicit valuation, contingent valuation and hedonic pricing. Topics covered include:
- equity and debt finance
- project analysis under risk
- economic pricing
- valuation techniques for non-marketed goods
Business Environment: This unit gives you the chance to explore key facets of the modern-day business environment, such as sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and business ethics. You will consider the risks and challenges for commercial organisations posed by the external environment, and identify strategies for their resolution. Topics covered include:
- stakeholders, social capital and trust
- environmental and social impact assessment
- corporate social responsibility
- fair trade and ethical business
- crisis management strategies
Research Methods and Dissertation: Students on all of our economics postgraduate courses complete a scheme of independent research. We offer comprehensive training via lectures and workshops throughout the year to develop skills commensurate with standards of good research practice. On completing this course, you will be ideally placed to develop your own research projects and work within professional research teams.
Teaching and Assessment
We use a combination of teaching methods from lectures, seminars and tutorials to student presentations, in-class exercises and practical sessions in our Bloomberg Suite. We are committed to best practice in learning and aim to integrate new teaching technologies into our economics classrooms.
How are you assessed?
You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.
Facilities & Features
Bloomberg Suite
You too can virtually access the same data, analytics and software used by city traders in the Bloomberg Suite
Computing
Great working spaces with high-spec PCs, Macs and printing facilities
Maths Café
Maths Café - drop in any time and get one-to-one help
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Bloomberg Suite
You can use this essential business research tool and gain real-life financial experience. Created by the Mayor of New York, Mike Bloomberg, the system is used by over a quarter of million finance professionals globally. You too can virtually access the same data, analytics and software used by city traders via one of our Bloomberg terminals.
Computing
We have invested heavily in open access computer suites across campus. Great working spaces with high-spec PCs (multimedia and CAD), Macs and printing facilities. There is also more specialised software and equipment available such as large format printing, audio-visual equipment and language laboratories. Should you need any assistance, there are specialist technicians on hand to support you in using the facilities.
Maths Café
Drop in any time and get one-to-one help with that tricky maths or stats problem. With handouts on key topics to take away and computer-aided learning packages, we can get the problem solved and help you improve your numeracy skills.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
An economist’s perspective is always valued in many areas of business and you can be successful securing work in a variety of roles. Opportunities include business professionals and commercial, industrial and public sector managers, as well as many other jobs with responsibility for decision-making. We liaise closely with employers and professional bodies to ensure that all our courses are relevant to their business and recruitment needs. Our overall aim is to help you find a fulfilling and financially rewarding job once you graduate.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- financial analyst
- account manager
- trader in financial assets
- purchasing and acquisitions officer
- econometrician
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.