Teaching and Learning
The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer laboratory classes.
Teaching
You will normally have around 12 contact hours each week in year one, including eight to 10 hours of lectures.
Outside taught hours, you will be expected to spend time reading and researching for written assignments. Independent study is a fundamental part of an economics education.
Assessments
At the end of each semester you will be examined on the modules you have taken. All modules have some exam-based assessment, with the exception of a dissertation in the third year, and some modules also contain seminar or essay-based elements. The final degree classification is based on marks gained for the second and subsequent years of study.
Exams
Most exams consist of compulsory and optional questions. Compulsory questions allow you to write for either 15 or 30 minutes on a particular topic, briefly defining or explaining a concept or theory. Long answers allow you 45 to 60 minutes (depending on the module) to write an essay on a particular issue.
Workshops
The school operates a system of workshops for quantitative modules. These are generally larger in size than tutorial groups (typically 18 students) and are intended to act as a means of working through set exercises and problem sheets with your module tutor.
Learning
We aim to provide a learning environment that will enrich your life and live up to the ideal of a global education. You will engage directly in our common pursuit of cutting-edge, policy relevant and curiosity-driven research.
Economists study the world around them by applying both mathematical and statistical methods. You will be required to learn both to ensure you have the most up to date skills. Our courses offer a choice of quantitative pathways, which differ in their level of mathematical difficulty.
For those with A level maths we recommend the Mathematical Economics and Econometrics, or Mathematical Methods and Statistical Methods modules in year one. For those without we recommend the Quantitative Economics module. For single honours students, in your second and third year you will also be able to tailor your degree to your interests by selecting from a range of optional modules reflecting the specialisms of our academic staff.
The final year dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Under the guidance of a dissertation tutor, you will gain experience of the research process and a range of skills that will enhance your academic profile and CV.
Extracurricular opportunities
We encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities open for the study of economics at Nottingham. The Nottingham Economics and Finance Society provides you with a great way to get to know the people around you through events, socials and sports teams. They also organise career-related presentations and workshops on campus.
You can also get involved in a dedicated PPE Society and a student-produced magazine, the Nottingham Economic Review.
The School of Economics runs a regular public lecture series where you can hear from guest speakers and high-profile figures in the world of economics and finance.