Economics and Geography BA (Hons)

On this module you will learn the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will develop an understanding of economic principles and techniques and learn how to apply them in business contexts. You will also investigate the different issues related to macroeconomic theories and gain insight into the impact of the macroeconomic environment on business decisions.

This module focuses on the changing nature and role of cities in the modern world. This includes the changing economic processes in cities, the nature and experience of urban life in various global contexts, urban regeneration and social/spatial inequalities within cities. You will also examine:

• Theories of economic development
• The changing geographies of production and consumption
• The nature and impacts of globalisation on economy, society and environment
• The relationship between the global and the local

On this module you will examine the nature of business enterprise and its relationship with wider society, focusing on what it means to be a responsible business. We will cover ideas including:

• Stakeholder theory
• The triple bottom line
• Corporate social responsibility
• Business ethics
• The role of the state

This module will develop your cartographic skills, as you design maps using both professional geographical information systems (GIS) software. As well as learning the principles of map design, you will consider the role and power of maps in society. The module also introduces you to the idea of ‘integrated geography’ by studying both physical and human geographical changes in York and the Yorkshire region.

This module explores the fundamental concepts and techniques of macroeconomic analysis. You will gain an understanding of quantitative techniques and modern macroeconomics. You will learn how decisions of the central bank and government affect inflation, consumption, economic growth and unemployment. You will also investigate contemporary economic events. This module is essential for obtaining The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) qualification.

On this module you will develop an understanding of contemporary economic geography. Central themes include:

• Globalisation
• The transnational firm
• The role of states and regulatory processes
• The geographical concepts of location, scale, space and place

You will learn how global linkages between cities, regions and countries influence their competitiveness. You will also study the causes of uneven economic growth.

On this module we will introduce you to key themes and debates in social and cultural geography, including important and innovative subfields of human geography. The module explores social and spatial inequalities, focusing on issues such as:

• Gender
• Age
• Class
• Race
• Disability

On this module you will examine the relationship between space and society. You will consider how space relates to social identities, as well as how these identities are both expressed in and produce, particular spaces. This includes spaces such as the home, the workplace, public spaces and virtual spaces. There is a focus on difference, inequality and exclusion and their implications within increasingly transnational global contexts.

On this module you will learn about theories of economic behaviour in the labour market and the nature of the labour market. You will test macroeconomic theoretical concepts and justify conclusions. You will gain core practical skills that are essential for a career as an economist, policy advisor or economic analyst. This module will help you to develop skills in analysing economic data and combine the results to form a discussion on societal problems such as wage inequality, the role of education and training and factors driving the demand and supply for labour.

On this module we will introduce you to the field of Industrial Economics, looking at why and how firms and industries behave and interact with each other. Understanding their behaviour is relevant not only to the firms, but also to the governments that design industrial policies in order to favour consumers without decreasing firms' efficiency.

On this module you will consider how the concept of landscape has changed throughout history, and learn how to read landscapes from different perspectives. You will examine landscape in symbolic and material terms, engaging with debates in visual cultural theory that have shaped the geographical analysis of the past 40 years. You will approach landscapes as expressions of power, identity and economic change.

Geography is an extraordinarily diverse discipline. In this module you will learn about the variety of methodological approaches that geographers use in their research, across human, physical and environmental geography. This includes paying attention to the very latest developments, as well as the ethical and political dimensions of producing geographical knowledge. The module prepares you for undertaking your own research later in your degree.

Organisations frequently require both an understanding of how and why data is acquired, and an ability to collect, analyse and interpret it. This module considers the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and allows you to develop skills in the collection, analysis and reporting of relevant data. You will develop your project planning and management skills as a way to manage the research process.

Enhance your future employability by experiencing the workplace. We have designed this module to help you develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in different areas related to your career. You will engage with issues such as:

• Career decision making
• The recruitment cycle
• Applying for jobs
• Interviewing

As part of this module you will embark on a work placement or business project in a group, or individually.

This module aims to develop you into a confident, enterprising and creative graduate who will be able to cope with the ever changing business environment, recognise opportunities and to take responsible and measured risks. This is a very practical module. Starting with an initial idea, you will explore and assess a business opportunity and present a feasible business concept. Working alone or in groups, you will develop skills in collecting, analysing and organising ideas and information.

International trade is extremely controversial. It is thought to be the engine of much worldwide economic prosperity. It is also blamed for inequality between countries and for the rise of populism and nationalism in some parts of the world. On this module we will investigate these controversies. This will help you understand the patterns of international trade, the forces that produce these patterns, and how they impacts different people. Ideas from economic theory, business strategy and political economy will help you to develop this understanding.

On this module we will examine some of the key environmental challenges of the 21st century, from local to global scales. Develop your understanding of environmental sustainability and its relation to social and economic sustainability. We will pay particular attention to the barriers to addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, food, water, waste and pollution. Key themes are action and agency, from global governance through to individual decision making.

This module is your chance to plan and conduct a piece of independent research. You will be able to choose from the following projects:

• Traditional dissertation: Plan and conduct a piece of independent research. Present your findings in a writing.
• Business Research Project: Complete a small scale piece of individual research work.
• Consultancy Project: Work with industry professionals and investigate a business project and produce a research based report.
• Business creation project: Develop a full business proposal and plan. Use primary and secondary research to support your work.

Prospective managers working in an international context require a clear understanding of key aspects of the contemporary economy.  On this module you will investigate business economics topics that address relevant contemporary issues, for example, the economics of large data driven tech companies.  You will learn about concepts within business economics using industry examples and news reports.

The focus for this module is the contemporary city, and particularly issues of democracy and participation in urban decision making. You will learn about urban transition through the lenses of post-colonialism, post-democracy and sustainability. Investigate how public space is shaped, understood and contested at multiple scales in a globalized world.

All business activity takes resources from the natural world and has an impact on the environment. On this module you will use concepts familiar from other modules, such as economic efficiency and market failure, and apply them in new ways. We will address some of the biggest issues facing the world today, including:

• Deforestation
• Traffic congestion and pollution
• Global climate change
• Renewable and non renewable resources
• Wildlife conservation

You will learn how economic theory can help to tackle these problems, and how this research can be translated into the practical policy advice which leads to real change.

On this module you will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate the connection between politics and economics on an international level. You will engage with key aspects of International Political Economy, with a focus on how differences in growth and development arise due to the unique circumstances that characterise specific regions around the world.

On this module you will examine a series of specific decision problems facing managers in modern organisations. These problems include:

• The appropriate use of economic information to inform decisions
• Decision making under conditions of uncertainty
• The management of risk
• The use of price and non price decisions as strategic options

You will use scientific decision frameworks and evaluation techniques to help solve managerial problems. You will also explore the practical limitations of applying economic logic to business decision making.