Module BIC-0019:

Module Facts

Run by Marketing: Bangor International College

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 3


Overall aims and purpose

The aims of the module are to provide students with a basic introduction to the study of introducing them to relevant economic theories, concepts and terminology. The module acquaints students with the main features of the UK economy and of the UK government’s economic policy. The module further aims to introduce students to the key macroeconomic indicators, for example, GDP per capita, price indices, balance of payments and to consider government aims expressed through fiscal and monetary policies, the desire for economic growth and how policies affect and are affected by rates of inflation, deflation, and unemployment/figures. National goals are viewed in the context of broader economic groupings such as the EU, and the impact of the development of a global market.

Course content

This module adds to the knowledge acquired through Microeconomics to provide the appropriate foundation in economic theory and its impact on the policies of national governments in a global environment to enable students to be successful in business-related undergraduate studies.

The main topics covered are the development and main features of the UK economy, the UK government’s current policies in the wake of international crises in the financial sector and the burden of government indebtedness. The module also considers the external influences on government policy, including membership of the EU and explains key economic indicators and their significance in shaping government policy, GDP, RPI, levels of inflation and unemployment, balance of payments.

The module also looks at the drive for economic growth and the role played by fiscal and monetary, demand and supply-side policies and considers the constraints on government freedom of action and interaction with other economies in a global context.

Assessment Criteria


Student has demonstrated a sound, basic knowledge of the subject and achieved a strong enough pass to show a clear ability to cope with the demands of an undergraduate degree programme.


Student has engaged effectively with most of the topics and material associated with this module and has achieved a highly commendable level of achievement, showing the clearest ability to cope with undergraduate level study.


Student has shown sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Macroeconomics studied to achieve a minimum level of pass and so show suitability to engage with study at undergraduate level

Learning outcomes

  1. Explain the operation of the key macroeconomic indicators in informing and shaping government policies at a national level

  2. Describe and explain the constraints upon a national government’s freedom of action through membership of regional or global organisations such as the EU, G8, WTO

  3. Describe and explain the main features of the UK economy and of the UK government’s current economic policies

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of key economic theories, concepts and terminology studied

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
interim test 40
coursework presentation 30
coursework report 30

Teaching and Learning Strategy


50 hours in seminar style classes – 5 hours per week through a 10-week term

Private study

reading time, preparing and taking assessments


Transferable skills

  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: