Business Economics, BSc

​​Welcome Week is a crucial first step in your university journey. During this week, you'll attend essential sessions that will help you settle into university life, understand what to expect from your studies, and meet the people who will support you throughout your time here.

We strongly encourage you to attend all Welcome Week activities, as they're designed to help you feel confident and prepared for the exciting year ahead.

​You will be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who will be your key point of contact throughout your time here at CCCU.

Your PAT will support you academically and pastorally, helping you navigate university life, set goals, and address any challenges that arise. You'll meet with your PAT regularly, starting during Welcome Week, and they're there to ensure you get the most from your university experience.

Your Course

During your first semester you will study the following modules:

• Applied Business Statistics – This module introduces you to statistical methods essential for analysing business and economic data. You'll learn to interpret data, test hypotheses, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Financial Accounting – This module provides a foundation in accounting principles, financial statements, and how businesses record and report their financial performance.
• Success Modules (3 x 15 credits) – These modules are designed to develop your academic skills, critical thinking, and professional capabilities to ensure your success throughout your degree.

Your module leads will be confirmed during Welcome Week, and you'll have the opportunity to meet them during your induction sessions.

Your teaching will consist of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures introduce key concepts and theories, while seminars provide opportunities for discussion, problem-solving, and applying what you've learned to real-world scenarios.

Both are essential components of your learning, and attendance is expected at all sessions. You will also have the opportunity for personal learning.

During your first few weeks, we'll focus on building strong foundations in both economic theory and quantitative methods. You'll develop skills in data analysis, financial literacy, and academic writing.

These early weeks are about building confidence with core concepts that will support you throughout your degree. 

Blackboard

All your learning materials, lecture slides, reading lists, and assignment briefs will be available on Blackboard, our virtual learning environment (VLE). You'll be able to access Blackboard when you have set up your computing account and you will receive an introduction to Blackboard during Welcome Week. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the platform early because it will be your primary resource throughout your studies. 

To help you prepare

We strongly recommend completing courses from the Learning Skills Hub, particularly those on academic writing, mathematical skills for business, and effective notetaking. These will give you a head start and build your confidence. 

It might also be helpful to:

• Brush up on basic mathematics (algebra, graphs, percentages)

• Familiarize yourself with current economic news and business headlines

• Practice using Excel or spreadsheet software

• Reflect on why you're interested in Business Economics and what you hope to achieve

​​To help you prepare for your studies, we recommend the following resources.

Please note that there is no expectation to purchase every item listed; the university library (Augustine House) and online resources will provide access to most materials.

​Recommended Reading:

• ​Sloman, J., Garratt, D., and Guest, J. (latest edition) Economics. Harlow: Pearson Education: A comprehensive introduction to economic principles that will support your learning throughout your degree.

• ​Begg, D. and Ward, D. (latest edition) Economics for Business. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.
  Provides a business-focused perspective on economics, showing how economic theory applies in real-world business contexts.

• ​Atrill, P. and McLaney, E. (latest edition) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists. Harlow: Pearson
  An accessible introduction to accounting concepts that will prepare you for your Financial Accounting module.

• ​Swift, L. and Piff, S. (latest edition) Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
  A helpful resource for developing statistical and mathematical skills needed for Applied Business Statistics.

• ​The Economist (magazine) or FT.com (Financial Times online)
  Regular reading of quality business and economics journalism will help you understand current issues and develop critical thinking skills.

• ​Learning Skills Hub online courses (free via CCCU)
  Particularly recommended: Academic Writing, Numerical Skills for Business, and Excel for Business courses.

​Optional wider reading:

• ​Harford, T. (2017) The Undercover Economist. London: Little, Brown
  An engaging introduction to economic thinking in everyday life: perfect for developing your economic intuition.

• ​Levitt, S. and Dubner, S. (2006) Freakonomics. London: Penguin
  Explores how economic analysis can be applied to unexpected questions: entertaining and thought-provoking.

​Remember, your module reading lists will be available on Blackboard and will guide you to the most relevant resources for each topic you study.