Event Summary

This webinar is hosted by Jon Cheek, the Founder and Director of UniTasterDays. Guidance is provided for students to help them make good choices when considering university. The guest speakers for this event are Dr Chris Tsoukis, a Senior Lecturer at Keele University, Sophia Wu, Specialist Economics Careers Advisor at Lancaster University Management School, Professor Ian Walker, a Professor of Economics at Lancaster University Management School and Dr Wayne Thomas, a Senior Lecturer at Swansea University.

What to expect on an economics course
Dr Chris Tsoukis explains what makes economics a distinct discipline, and how it provides an analytical framework to evaluate central issues. He talks about what these issues are and how economists develop propositions which are then tested in a scientific way.

A major branch of economics is microeconomics, and Chris highlights how this is studied across all the years of university, with a focus on consumers, firms and markets.

Macroeconomics is also a branch which is covered in university and Chris touches on the modules you can study in relation to this topic. It is important to understand that economics is moderately mathematical, and Chris looks at the methods of study you will experience, as well as the entry requirements for the course.

Finally, he speaks about the compulsory and optional modules on this degree, as well as the individual research project you may need to complete in your final year.

Where can an economics degree take you
Sophia Wu explains why you should pursue a study of economics at university, and looks at what current students say about the course.

She talks about the different career sectors you can go into with a degree in economics, and shares what some of the graduates from Lancaster University have gone on to do.

The graduate labour market is competitive and it is important to engage with your careers development early on, explains Sophia. She touches on extra-curricular events you can participate in to boost your experiences, and talks about how to achieve a good academic degree.

Top tips when choosing your Economics degree
Professor Ian Walker explains the difference between university level economics and research level. He speaks about the kind of theory and data economists look at, and also touches on good and bad investments.

Ian talks about why it is important to think carefully about what you want to study and where. Finally, he looks at the labour market and earnings of economics graduates, before ending with top tips for students.

A 15-minute Economics taster lecture
As an economist you are interested in outcomes, explains Dr Wayne Thomas. He talks about the breaking down of social norms and how your choice is affected by other people.

Wayne looks at the role of economics as a science engaged in understanding human behaviour. He also touches on the micro-effects of economics before ending on how we model decision-making in economics.

Session summary from Rubaya Zaman, an English Literature Graduate from the University of Birmingham.