BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a challenging and rewarding learning experience. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in both business and economics in the first year, explore the core theories and models of each discipline in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of business and economics, along with an interdisciplinary research project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging seminars incorporating economic and business case studies, opportunities for applying economic principles to business decision-making, and collaborative group work. A key element involves understanding how macroeconomic and microeconomic factors influence business strategy and performance. The program fosters a critical and analytical atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their expertise in both fields and their ability to connect these distinct yet highly relevant areas of study.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of core business principles alongside fundamental economic theories and quantitative methods. Core business modules typically cover areas such as management, marketing, and organizational behavior. Economics modules delve into topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative economics (including statistics and econometrics), and economic theory. As students progress, the curriculum increasingly focuses on the intersection of these two fields, exploring areas such as business economics, industrial organization, financial economics, international business and trade, and the economic environment of business. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, the application of economic models to business problems, and the interpretation of economic data. Students will engage in case study analysis from both business and economic contexts, apply economic theories to business scenarios, and undertake interdisciplinary projects that require them to integrate knowledge from both fields. The final year often includes advanced topics at the intersection of business and economics and a significant interdisciplinary research project or dissertation.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within both the School of Business and Management and the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries (housing Economics). Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as business strategy, organizational performance, microeconomic theory, macroeconomic policy, and applied economics. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings in both business and economics. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering critical inquiry and analytical skills relevant to understanding the complex relationship between business and the economy.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics program fosters connections with relevant organizations in both the business and economic sectors. The program may facilitate guest lectures by economists working in government or private sector roles, as well as business leaders who utilize economic analysis in their decision-making. Workshops on economic forecasting, market analysis, and business strategy may also be organized. Students may have opportunities for internships or placements with businesses that employ economic analysts, financial institutions, or government economic departments, providing valuable insights into real-world applications of their interdisciplinary knowledge. The curriculum often incorporates case studies and scenarios that reflect the practical challenges and strategic considerations faced by professionals working at the intersection of business and economics.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management and Economics program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining international business environments, global economic trends, and the impact of international trade and finance on business operations. The curriculum may include case studies of multinational corporations, analyses of global economic issues, and discussions on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in different economic systems. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on business and economics. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international trade policy, global financial markets, and the impact of globalization on business strategy and economic development, preparing graduates to understand and navigate the complex global landscape at the intersection of business and economics.