BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics with Journalism

Course Outline

The undergraduate programme in Economics with Business Journalism, one of very few to be offered by an English university in these two key areas, gives students of Economics the vocational training necessary to undertake fascinating and rewarding careers in Journalism.

During the course of the programme, students are able to apply their developing theoretical and IT skills to the exploration of modern media practices; small group, Oxbridge-style tutorials offer opportunities for rigorous discussion and debate in a familiar, informal and stimulating environment. The extremely international nature of the student body, and the uniquely personalised teaching conditions which Buckingham favours, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to explore new ideas and to develop individual writing skills, always within the framework of a wide-ranging syllabus, including courses in Broadcast Journalism, Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Investigative Journalism, Online Media and Business Journalism. A programme of Visiting Fellowships at the University of Buckingham, generously funded by the Wincott Foundation, attracts practising business and financial journalists who will give students on the Economics with Journalism courses the benefit of their experience in a series of lectures and seminars / workshops. In addition, the guaranteed external work placement, an innovative and integral part of the course, provides unique opportunities for students to experience the real world of business journalism as well as allowing them to interview potential employers

Teaching Method

The Department employs a variety of teaching methods in different modules. Lectures and small group tutorials form the backbone of the teaching. Personal contact with members of the academic staff is considered to be essential if each student’s personal enthusiasm for their studies is to be stimulated. A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the module. Some modules emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas – for example the module in Microeconomic Theory. Occasionally we use game playing to encourage discussion and understanding – for example when competing groups of students try to control a computer model of the economy in Principles of Macroeconomics. Other modules place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces (Welfare Economics) or longer more discursive papers.

The Media minor programmes at the University of Buckingham offer students small student: tutor ratios (8:1) with a dedicated media lab at their disposal. The work is production-based, allowing students to graduate from the programme with a portfolio to present to potential employers.

This can include press journalism (news stories, features, interviews), a website (created by the student as part of the Online Media module), video and sound packages for Broadcast Journalism (for Journalism minors) or an advertising campaign (Media Studies minors).

Students also learn to use industry-standard software including QuarkXpress, CoolEdit and Photoshop, as well as DV cameras and digital still cameras.

A dissertation on an approved topic may be substituted for a written examination in ONE Second-year elective with the approval of the lecturer concerned and the Head of Department.

*Flexible Entry

All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications, if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.