Presentation

Teaching goals

The degree in Economics provides both theoretical and practical knowledge enabling accurate analysis of the economic conditions that surround us. Graduates in Economics from the UPF must be able to understand the interrelation between economics and society, consider economic problems from a global perspective and how to resolve them on a local scale; must be able to relate the various aspects of an economic system; must be able to assess the implications of economic policy decisions, and must be able to give a response to the economic problems arising in society in general and the various units interacting within it, such as institutions, private companies and the various economic sectors.

Description of the course

Basic and compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, Introduction to Game Theory, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Company Law and Introduction to Financial Accounting, among others, which are essential to knowledge of economics and business, are taught during the first year of the degree. The various areas are covered in more depth in the second year: these include microeconomics, macroeconomics, probability, statistics, econometrics and accounting analysis. In the third and fourth year, students must take a total of 120 credits in both compulsory subjects in the economics area (International Economics, The Public Sector and Industrial Organisation, among others) as optional subjects in the various areas of economics and business.

Up to 40 university mobility credits can be counted as optional credits or, providing that they have been recognised beforehand, as compulsory third and fourth credits or the end-of-degree dissertation, and can be taken in the third and fourth years. The structure of the studies in the final two years is designed to facilitate this mobility.

The external internship is optional, can be undertaken in the third or fourth year and is worth 14 credits.

The credits for the total progress made are defined at both the end of the first cycle and the end of the second cycle; in the third term of the second year, this is the Seminar Paper (5 credits) and in the fourth year it is the End-of-Degree Dissertation (6 credits).

Two double degree programmes are offered: the bachelor's degree programme in Law and Business Management and Administration and the bachelor's degree programme in Law and Economics, which allow to earn both degrees in five academic years and one trimestrer.

Skills acquired by graduates in Economics

At the end of their training process, all students must be able to perform the following skills:

• Develop the ability to reason independently.
• Have consolidated habits of self-discipline, self-imposed standards of excellence and thoroughness.
• Be able to work as part of a team.
• Understand and interpret high level texts of an economic nature and texts of an academic nature in a relevant and reasoned manner.
• Apply economic reasoning to decision-making.
• Have a good grasp of computer tools and mathematical and statistical language.
• Understand the macroeconomic variables that regulate the economy and their interrelation with business management.
• Understand microeconomic strategies and their implications in management.
• Be able to search for, compile and analyse information and data, while assessing its relevance and validity.
• Be aware of the various contexts in which they work: the economic situation, the sector, the market and the business.
• Identify situations for optimising resources and costs.

Career prospects

• Market analyst
• Public policy analyst
• Economic analyst
• Financial analyst
• Monetary analyst
• Sectorial consultant (finances, insurance, non-profit making activities)
• Management of economic organisations and institutions
• Designer of institutional mechanisms and allowances
• Government economist
• Applied statistics, banking services and studies
• Expert in economic co-operation
• Expert in economic assessment of projects
• Expert in competition regulation
• Expert in quantitative techniques for management
• Studies services

Tracks

No tracks are defined in the degree, as one of the main objectives of the syllabus is to enable the highest level of flexibility by means of a significant number of credits in optional subjects. This will enable students to increase and broaden their knowledge in the areas in which they want to specialise.