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Q. What form will my study take?
A. From 2012 onwards, teaching will take place during two semesters: Autumn and Spring. Exams will be held two times in the academic year, in January and in May/June. In general, students take four modules per semester. Depending on the combination of modules, you will have a total of 8-12 hours of formal contact per week plus informal access to tutors during office hours. In addition you will be expected to undertake an appropriate amount of private study.
Our teaching methods combine the conventional and the innovative. Most modules are taught via a combination of lectures, classes, workshops or lab sessions. We encourage students to learn from each other as well as from the teachers and classes aim to encourage student participation. Student interaction is greatly encouraged at Sussex as a way of improving the learning process and developing forward thinking. Computer workshops are provided for modules requiring statistical software.
Students who enrol at Sussex are given personal access to the Study Direct database. This is updated regularly with all the information required for the duration of your degree, such as your timetable, exam dates etc. This is a great way for you to be able to keep on top of your work schedule and access any course material required, as well as providing general information for students.
For a better idea of the structure of each academic year, please download the syllabus quick checker 2012-13 [PDF 213.60KB].
Q. How will I be assessed?
A. Modules are assessed with a combination of exams and coursework (eg essays, presentations, quizzes). All of your modules in the Autumn semester of the first year will be assessed by coursework. The use of exams as the assessment mode varies somewhat by module, but currently the assessment of the core Economics principles modules relies mainly on exams.
Q. What is your typical offer?
A. Please refer to the prospectus for our entry requirments.
Q. Is it possible to transfer from one Economics degree to another?
A. Yes, you can do this until the end of your first year.
Q. How much Maths will I need?
A. Our students begin their studies with varying Maths skills. Some have done A-level Maths, some have not looked at Maths since their GCSEs. You will take a Maths module in your first term, which teaches the skills that are essential for Economics, in particular how to use Maths as a tool in Economics. There are separate modules for students with A-level Maths and students who have not done Maths for a while, or do not have A-level Maths. Even if you have a strong background in Maths, you will learn how to apply Maths to understand more about Economics. If you find Maths challenging, the module will teach you the core skills required and we provide additional support. You will then have the skills required to proceed further in your Economics studies and be able to take further quantitative modules.
Q. What support is available for me?
A. All lecturers and tutors hold an office hour during which you can drop by to ask questions about their course. Each student is assigned an academic advisor. The advisor is a member of Economic faculty and can help you with academic issues and concerns, as well as discuss career options once you get to this stage. You will meet with your academic advisor regularly in the first term of your first year to discuss your essays for the Contemporary Economic Issues module. If you encounter financial, personal or housing problems that affect your studies, there are professionally trained student advisors to support you. In addition, current students can assist you with academic or other concerns in their role as student mentors.
Q. Can I do a work placement? What career support is available?
A. A work placement is not a formal part of the Economics degrees, but students can and do take time off to work as it gives them valuable experience. Economics students have done summer placements for example in government departments or international organisations and some have taken more time off to work for instance in investment banks. We encourage our students to find work placements and internships. Economics faculty members have contacts for organising placements and the Careers and Employability Centre also provides support. The Economics department also organises an annual and popular Careers Speed Dating event, where former students come to share their career experiences with current students.
Q. Can I study abroad as part of a degree in Economics?
A. Yes, this is possible; please see the University's Study abroad pages for further information.
Q. How else can I get involved?
A. The Economics students run an active society that invites guest speakers and organises events. Students also elect representatives to attend departmental meetings and put forward their views. There is a wide range of societies for students to join - see the Student Union website for more information.