Teaching methods vary between universities so it is important to ask at each of your chosen institutions what sort of learning they offer. Usually students are taught through a combination of large lectures (100-200 people), small group seminars (approximately 15 people) and individual tutorials.
The number of teaching hours varies between universities but on average students spend about 12-18 hours per week in lectures, seminars and other types of learning sessions (tutorials, surgeries, workshops, etc.) In addition to this you will be expected to engage in self directed study or independent learning. This involves writing essays, doing research, preparing presentations, completing problem sheets, etc.
Year 1 is about encouraging students to learn about what Economics is, why it is relevant and how it applies to all different aspects of our daily life. Year 1 is also used to teach the skills that will serve as a foundation for students to expand their knowledge of the economic issues that most interest them.
Year 2 is about the application of the skills learned in Year 1 to different fields of Economics. This includes topics such as Industrial Economics, International Economics and Political Economy.
Year 3 focuses on encouraging students to identify the specific areas of Economics that interest them. It usually includes a dissertation that provides students with a chance to develop economic ideas and theories and to consider in greater depth a specific aspect of economic behaviour.
Almost all Economics degree courses require students to study maths and statistics in the first year. However, the quantitative content of years 2 & 3 varies widely between institutions. It is therefore important to find out as much as possible about the Economics course offered by each of the institutions that you are interested in attending.
Most Economics students find the topics covered to be stimulating, challenging and relevant to their everyday lives. Students can quickly see that the study of Economics is related to a wide range of different subject areas.
Many universities have established exchange programmes that offer students the chance to spend one year studying abroad. These programmes vary widely between institutions so you should look at the course literature carefully if this is the sort of study arrangement that you would be interested in participating in during your time at university.
Many universities also offer 'sandwich courses' which offer the opportunity to do a work placement, usually between years 2 and 3. This too can be a valuable learning experience and can provide students with additional skills that will enhance their employability after graduation.
Next Topic: Applying for an Economics degree