When looking for a uni, why should you look at modules?

I keep seeing people saying that you should look at modules offered when picking an institution to study higher education at rather than ranking, but I don’t really know what I should be looking for. For reference, I am planning on studying BSc Economics in September. Can any Econ students recommend me anything in particular or general idea of what I should be looking for? Maybe more statistical and quantitative modules? Do all unis offer different modules? Thank you

Reply 1

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Jrofflo17

I keep seeing people saying that you should look at modules offered when picking an institution to study higher education at rather than ranking, but I don’t really know what I should be looking for. For reference, I am planning on studying BSc Economics in September. Can any Econ students recommend me anything in particular or general idea of what I should be looking for? Maybe more statistical and quantitative modules? Do all unis offer different modules? Thank you

University isn't like School or Sixth Form where everyone who studies a subject has the same content (give or take a few small bits depending on the exam board).

Each university could cover completely different parts of economics. The reason you look at the modules is to see if they are modules which would interest you. No point studying something for three years and it doesn't interest you.

Reply 2

McGinger

20

As above, there is no set syllabus for degrees in Economics and they can all be very different.

This is why going to Open Days is important - a chance to listen to the subject/course presentations, ask questions, and generally get a feel for the 'flavour' of the course at that Uni.

If you really can't go to an Open Day, most Unis will give you info about the course structure and optional units either on the website or in course leaflets etc - and if you can't find this, email the Admissions team and ask.

For Economics, a course with any sort of placement or work-experience adds to your graduate CV and your understanding on Economics in context - a definite plus when picking your 5 choices.

Reply 3

Jrofflo17

OP

10

Original post by McGinger

As above, there is no set syllabus for degrees in Economics and they can all be very different.
This is why going to Open Days is important - a chance to listen to the subject/course presentations, ask questions, and generally get a feel for the 'flavour' of the course at that Uni.
If you really can't go to an Open Day, most Unis will give you info about the course structure and optional units either on the website or in course leaflets etc - and if you can't find this, email the Admissions team and ask.
For Economics, a course with any sort of placement or work-experience adds to your graduate CV and your understanding on Economics in context - a definite plus when picking your 5 choices.

Thank you for the response. Are there any similarities between universities that use the same course code? I noticed several unis use L100 for Economics and several others are used at different institutions such as LNC3. Is this something to look out for as well?

Reply 4

McGinger

20

Original post by Jrofflo17

Thank you for the response. Are there any similarities between universities that use the same course code? I noticed several unis use L100 for Economics and several others are used at different institutions such as LNC3. Is this something to look out for as well?

No - the UCAS course code means nothing significant and it certainly doesn't mean they are 'the same' course or have the same content. structure etc.

Reply 5

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by Jrofflo17

I keep seeing people saying that you should look at modules offered when picking an institution to study higher education at rather than ranking, but I don’t really know what I should be looking for. For reference, I am planning on studying BSc Economics in September. Can any Econ students recommend me anything in particular or general idea of what I should be looking for? Maybe more statistical and quantitative modules? Do all unis offer different modules? Thank you

Hi @Jrofflo17
Looking at the types of modules you can expect to study at a university is important, as an economics course at different universities may study different modules dependent on what specialisms the department might have. Try to select a university that has lots of module options that interest you the most.
However, there are also lots of other important factors when selecting a university like rankings, student satisfaction, whether you'd prefer a city of campus university, the location, so try to take these into account as well.
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 6

Jrofflo17

OP

10

Original post by Lancaster Student Ambassador

Hi @Jrofflo17
Looking at the types of modules you can expect to study at a university is important, as an economics course at different universities may study different modules dependent on what specialisms the department might have. Try to select a university that has lots of module options that interest you the most.
However, there are also lots of other important factors when selecting a university like rankings, student satisfaction, whether you'd prefer a city of campus university, the location, so try to take these into account as well.
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Hi, thank you for the response. Do employers look favourably upon different modules over others? For example, I have no idea what I want to do yet but I love economics so let’s say I wanted to go into finance, will employers prefer more mathematically challenging and statistical modules? Though I do enjoy these I also really enjoy political economy themes and globalisation-related subtopics, which I noticed several unis I’m interested in offer.

Reply 7

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by Jrofflo17

Hi, thank you for the response. Do employers look favourably upon different modules over others? For example, I have no idea what I want to do yet but I love economics so let’s say I wanted to go into finance, will employers prefer more mathematically challenging and statistical modules? Though I do enjoy these I also really enjoy political economy themes and globalisation-related subtopics, which I noticed several unis I’m interested in offer.

Hi @Jrofflo17

In my experience, I haven't heard of employers favouring certain modules, as they are typically more interested in seeing that you have completed an economics course overall. That being said, when I have personally applied for jobs and I feel that one of my modules is particularly relevant to the job or shows I have specific skills, I may mention this in my CV/cover letter.
Also bear in mind that the modules that universities offer for a course are sometimes contingent on the lecturers at the university, as the module will most likely be their specialism. If that lecturer leaves, the university may potentially stop running their module and replace it with something else. So, like Jasmine said, try to consider a range of factors in your decision!

Hope that helps!
Ariana (Student Ambassador)

When looking for a uni, why should you look at modules?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you