Course overview

This course is designed specifically for non-economics graduates who want a career where business economics skills will be important and for those who are currently working in business who wish to expand their range of skills and knowledge.

It concentrates on applied aspects of economics rather than the theoretical approach, and aims to provide you with the skills and competence to apply economic principles to solve business problems.

You will study eight taught units, followed by a dissertation, all within 12 months of the course. This course will enable you to understand the fundamental principles of economic theory and evaluate that knowledge in the context of individual, business and public-sector decision-making.

You will gain an understanding of business decisions and strategy, particularly in connection with corporate finance, pricing, product analysis and advertising. The principles of investment appraisal are also covered, as applied to investment projects in both the developed and developing countries.

Find out more

For further information, please contact our Admissions Team (details above). We also hold regular postgraduate and part-time open evenings at which you can see our facilities, enjoy a guest lecture and meet the academics and current students over drinks and canapés. Applicants will be interested to know that each year Portsmouth Business School offers a number of scholarships for self-funding students.

Course content

Our MA Economics for Business offers an exciting and enriching learning experience that will form the basis for lifelong learning throughout your career. By the end of this course you will have become creative and effective problem-solvers, capable of applying logical and critical thinking to a range of business problems.

This course comprises four taught units that you will study between September and May, as well as instruction in research methods during this period. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops that emphasise the acquisition of skills and development of confidence in communicating your ideas. The programme concludes with a written research project on a topic of your choice.

The units you will study are:

Principles of Economic and Quantitative Analysis: this unit provides those new to studying economics with the principles of economic theory before covering key mathematic 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: this unit considers 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 explores key facets of the modern-day business environment such as sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and business ethics. It considers the risks and challenges for commercial organisations posed by the external environment and identifies 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: all economics postgraduates 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 programme you will be ideally placed to develop their own research projects and work within professional research teams.

Dissertation: your dissertation engages you in economic research using the skills and judgement you have developed during your course. You will start your research training when you join the Department and we will help you develop a working proposal through to concentrating on your project after completing your taught units. You will be guided in this by a member of the Department through formal meetings and via our use of social media.

Teaching and assessment

We are committed to best practice in teaching and learning and several of us are involved in major collaborative projects to integrate new teaching technologies into the classroom. We maintain an ongoing programme of continuing professional development (CPD) that brings us into contact with scholars from other institutions and disciplines. This is reflected in approaches to learning, assessment and feedback that are varied and constructive, and help you to build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for fulfilling careers.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include business professionals, commercial, industrial and public sector managers, as well as many other jobs with responsibility for decision-making.

At Portsmouth Business School we have regular discussions with employers and professional bodies to help ensure that all our courses are relevant to their business and recruitment needs. Our Careers and Employment Service team can alsol support you in developing the skills needed to pursue employment opportunities in your chosen career area.

Facilities and features

You will attend lectures in the purpose-built Richmond Building, where an attractive Postgraduate Centre is located. It offers a computer drop-in and resource centre containing a wireless network access area, as well as printing and photocopying facilities.

The University Library is only a short walk away. Open from 8am until midnight every day in term-time, it provides a variety of information to help with study and research. Besides the law collection with key primary sources, journals and texts, there is also a European Documentation Centre and collection of Parliamentary Papers. The library has also heavily invested in the purchase of electronic sources, including electronic journals, which can be accessed across campus, from home or wherever there is an internet connection.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MA Economics for Business are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Portsmouth Business School
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8200
Email: pbs.postgradadmissions@port.ac.uk