Peter writes: Studying at University entails less formal contact hours than you will have received at College or School. Core material is likely to be presented in lecture sessions, backed up by a range of styles of smaller group teaching, but you will also be expected to learn how to become an independent learner, consulting not only textbooks, but also journal articles.
John writes: On a full-time course, you will be expected to work about 40 hours per week. Of these, classes (lectures, seminars, etc.) will take up about 8 to 12 hours and the remainder should be set aside for private study. In general, the more hours you put in, the better you can be expected to do. Of course it's not just the number of hours you study that is important, it's also a question of how efficiently and effectively you work. Most universities offer students help in developing effective study methods and you are advised to take advantage of these.
Rebecca writes: 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.
Peter writes: This will vary between programmes, but modern economics does make substantial use of mathematics. It is a key tool that allows us to develop theories and ways of analysing economic issues. Statistical analysis is also important in evaluating the validity of economic theories against real world data.
John writes: The results of the National Students Survey, conducted by Economics LTSN in 2002, show that more than three out of four students were satisfied with their economics courses. Students tend to agree with the statements that their economics courses are intellectually stimulating, sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills, provide them with information that is needed to complete the course, help them to develop the ability to plan their own work and bring them overall satisfaction.
Rebecca writes: 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