BSc Computing with Economics

This major/minor programme of study specifically aims to produce technically sound computing graduates who are exposed to basic concepts and practice of economics, providing them with IT and computing technical know-how as well as awareness of the principles of the application areas.The content of this fast-track programme is compatible with the UK QAA subject benchmark statement for Computing and with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The intensive nature of the programme requires motivation, commitment and above all good management of time.Intended learning outcomesAt the end of the programme students should be able to gain knowledge and understanding in:

roles of computer-based systems in modern societies.

fundamental facts, concepts, theories, principles & methodologies. Concepts and principles of economics.

use of the theoretical knowledge, methods & tools in modelling, designing, implementing and deploying usable computer-based systems and related management issues.

system architectures and related technologies.

state-of-art development of technologies and their applications ininteractive multimedia, information security, business and intelligent decision-making systems. Applications of IT in economics.

computer programming, together with relevantmathematical structures and concepts.

Ethical, professional, social and legal issues in exploiting computing technology in practice.

Modules available on this course

Introduction to Computer Systems (Level 4)

Introduction to Operating Systems (Level 4)

Introduction to Statistics (Level 4) (September entry)

Principles of Macroeconomics (Level 4)

Principles of Microeconomics (Level 4)

Problem Solving and Programming 1 (Level 4)

Study Skills for Science (Level 4)

The Economics of Europe (Level 5)

Microeconomic Policy (Level 5)

Microeconomic Theory (Level 5)

Multimedia Systems (Level 5)

Object-Oriented Programming (Level 5)

Principles of Computer Networks (Level 5)

Principles of Database Systems (Level 5)

Problem Solving and Programming 2 (Level 5)

Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues (Level 5)

Welfare Economics (Level 5)

Cloud Computing (Level 6)

History of Economic Thought (Level 6)

Industrial Organisation and Strategy (Level 6)

Information Security (Level 6)

International Economics (Level 6)

Money, Banking and Financial Markets (Level 6)

Project (Level 6)

Public Sector Economics (Level 6)

Regulation and Privatisation (Level 6)

Software Engineering (Level 6)

Software Project Management (Level 6)

Technologies for Business Intelligence (Level 6)

Full information about this course in the University HandbookIndividual projectA particularly important feature of the BSc in Computing with Economics is the project, which extends over the first three terms of the second year, and involves the specification, development and testing of a substantial piece of software. In support of this, you will learn to program in C++ and Java, as well as taking courses in database and human-computer interaction.A pass in the project is a requirement for the award of a degree. The degree will not normally be awarded a higher classification than that awarded to the project.The purpose of the project is to provide you with the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in a chosen area of computing or information systems, to exercise judgment in solving a major problem and to develop a working software system. You will be expected to:

Choose an appropriate project topic and identify a problem to work on.

Identify the work required to solve the problem.

Plan and organise the project work.

Carry out the work and deliver a sound solution to the problem.

Submit all required reports, program codes and prototype systems.

Exercise judgment in chosen solutions throughout the project.

Through the project, you will gain experience in:

Acquiring, organising and presenting knowledge in a field of study and applying the knowledge to solve an identified problem.

Comparing and selecting suitable approaches and methods in solving the problem.

Exercising initiative and sustained effort to set and achieve a clear set of objectives within stated deadlines.

Developing solutions and implementing the solutions.

Mastering a particular programming language, which can be different from the ones that you have learnt before.

This project may be the first large piece of work that you do completely by yourself. You should first choose a suitable project topic to work on and a supervisor to direct your work throughout the project development life cycle.The project is a crucial element of the degree, counting for 45 units. It should cover one aspect of computing and should be based on theories of design, construction and use of information systems. It could involve the development of a practical system for a real user or the prototyping of a new technique in computing.What our students say

“Having completed a degree in Computing with Economics, I can say that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile journey. The combined degree gave me the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of Computing as well as being exposed to the basic concepts and practices of Economics. Completing a degree in 2 years can be very challenging, however, the support that students receive from lecturers, more than made up for it. Staff at the University of Buckingham are very approachable and due to a smaller number of students, the likeliness of their availability is much higher than at other universities. If anyone wants a Computing degree and has any sort of interest in Economics, I strongly recommend picking this combined degree at Buckingham. Having recently graduated, I now look forward to starting a Master’s in Management degree at Warwick Business School.”

Abhiram Adi
BSc Computing with Economics, 2014