Economics and Management: University of Oxford

What is Economics and Management?

Economics is the study of how consumers, firms and governments make decisions that together determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics and the general workings of the economy has become increasingly necessary to make sense of government policy-making, the conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in economic systems which are occurring throughout the world.

Management is concerned with the effective use and coordination of materials and labour within organisations in the pursuit of the organisation’s defined objectives. The study of management thus encompasses understanding the various processes, procedures and practices that are used in running organisations. It considers the interrelationship and interactions between distinct parts of an organisation and between the organisation and its environment if it is to attain its objectives. Management studies includes the consideration of theories, models and frameworks to understand how managers behave and considers their role in the process of decision-making.

Economics and Management at Oxford

Economics and Management are ideal partners. The fundamental philosophy underpinning the course design is to adopt a rigorously intellectual approach to both subjects with the theoretical and the applied being welded together. The accounting course, for example, is not simply studied as a body of technical expertise but considers issues such as the impact on individuals and organisations of using financial measures to evaluate their performance.

The lectures and seminars are provided by the Department of Economics and the University’s Saïd Business School.

A typical weekly timetable

A typical week will involve attending six lectures and two tutorials. Prior to and after attending a lecture, students are required to undertake study to reinforce their understanding of the material introduced in the lecture. The tutorials involve discussing an essay with a tutor. Preparation for a tutorial will typically take up to two and a half days and will require extensive reading around the subject as well as the time to write the essay.

Admission requirements: see Entrance requirements table

Criteria for Admissions: http://www.economics.ox.ac.uk/index.php/criteria_for_admissions_em

Application procedure

Please note that the application procedure for Economics and Management has changed since the publication of the printed prospectus.

Candidates will no longer be required to submit any written work as part of their application.

All candidates will be required to sit a Thinking Skills Assessment test normally at their own schools/colleges, on 5 November 2008. This test will be similar to the test taken by candidates for Philosophy, Politics and Economics.  Please note that separate registration for this test will required and prospective applicants should refer to the test website for further information.

Course summary

1st yearCourses

Three courses are taken:

• Introductory economics
• Introduction to management
• Mathematics and statistics

Assessment

• First University examinations (preliminary)
• Three written papers

2nd and 3rd year Courses

Compulsory core courses:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Quantitative economics

Optional courses, of which at least two must be in Management. Choose from over 20 options papers including:

• Strategic management
• Finance
• Organisational behaviour
• Marketing
• Economics of industry
• International economics
• Development economics

Assessment

• Final University examinations
• Eight written papers or seven written papers plus a thesis

Departmental/Subject Open Days

• Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/....

Vocational and other qualifications

• Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_....

English language requirements

• Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses..