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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

This Economics degree is offered under UNM’s School of Economics. The programme provides students with a solid grounding in macroeconomics, microeconomics, mathematics, and statistics. The School of Economics offers a wide range of optional modules covering a diverse set of economics topics. Additionally, students will have the flexibility to select modules offered by other schools and departments across the University. 

Why choose this course?

  • Our Economics degrees are among the few Bachelor of Science in Economics degrees offered in Malaysia.

  • Your individual interests and career aspirations are very important to us, students can build on their specialist modules in year 2 by taking advanced modules in year 3. These include modules on experimental and behavioural economics, an exciting field for which the School of Economics is a global leader.

  • In the final year of your degree, students complete a dissertation mentored by a member of our research team. The dissertation empowers students to explore an area of economics in which they are personally interested in giving all students the opportunity to use the critical thinking and research skills that they have gained throughout the course.

Modules

Core Modules

Economic Integration 1

This module introduces you to the economics of integration. The module analyses the consequences for countries seeking closer economic integration through successively more ambitious forms. This begins with a limited trade arrangement, followed by a common market, which also allows free movement of capital and migrant workers, and a Single Market.

The final part of the module examines monetary integration, beginning with exchange rate stabilisation and then considering Monetary Union. The module aims to combine principles of economic analysis with an assessment of the impact of such measures on the member economies.

Economic Integration 2

This module introduces you to the economics of integration. It analyses the economic rationale for, and practice of, policy coordination and harmonisation both at the European and at a global level. An examination of the economic rationale for common EU policies is followed by an analysis of such examples as the common agricultural, trade and regional policies, and the operation of the European Budget.

At the global level cooperation in trade, finance and development policies are reviewed in relation to the operation of institutions such as the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The module aims to combine principles of economic analysis with an assessment of the impact of international policy coordination.

This is a single semester introductory module in macroeconomics. Macroeconomics is the study of the aggregate economy, focusing on the cyclical pattern of aggregate output and co-movement of real and monetary aggregates in general equilibrium. This module introduces a series of basic models used in modern macroeconomics, with a particular focus on dynamic general equilibrium modelling tools and techniques necessary to build theoretical models. 

This module is an introduction to microeconomics, including behaviour of firms and households in situations of competitive and imperfectly competitive markets. 

The first half of the module provides an introduction to the mathematical methods required for economic modelling, focusing on

  • mathematical finance
  • analysis of functions
  • supply and demand
  • matrix algebra
  • differentiation
  • elasticities
  • maximisation/minimisation
  • optimisation subject to constraints
  • Lagrange multipliers
  • integration

The second half introduces the statistical methods and concepts most applicable in economics. The analysis of economic data necessarily proceeds in an environment where there is uncertainty about the processes that generated the data. Statistical methods provide a framework for understanding and characterising this uncertainty.

These concepts are most conveniently introduced through the analysis of single-variable problems. However, economists are most often concerned about relationships among variables. The module builds towards the study of regression analysis, which is often applied by economists in studying such relationships.

This module explores current economic issues in Malaysia, economists' modelling of these issues, and potential policy responses. It covers the Malaysian economy's structure, trade and industrial policies, monetary and exchange rate policies, middle-income trap, budget deficit and debt, and subsidy rationalisation among others. 

This module examines the historical factors that have influenced the wealth of nations over the past 500 years. It delves into why some countries are wealthier than others and provides insights on promoting economic growth in developing nations. Drawing on recent economic literature, it analyses comparative development as a result of history and uses economic techniques to enhance our understanding of this process. 

This module explores how economics influences politicians and how politicians impact economics. It covers historical figures like Alexander Hamilton, Sir Robert Peel, the Meiji Emperor, Franklin D Roosevelt, Ludwig Erhard, Margaret Thatcher, and Deng Xiaoping, and their contributions to economic theory and practice. Topics include the role of the state in the economy, free trade, industrialisation, demand management, supply-side economics, monetarism, and growth and development strategies. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core Modules

This module is an introduction to international trade theory and policy. It covers the core trade theories under perfect and imperfect competition and applies them to understanding the pattern of trade, gains from trade and modern topics like foreign outsourcing. On the policy side, it examines the effects of different government trade policy instruments and the role of international trade agreements. 

This module will address both the fundamental and applied aspects of macroeconomic theory. In particular, the module will focus on:

  • introducing the modern theory of expectations and economic dynamics
  • using this approach to think about short run fluctuations
  • studying the role of macro policy on short run fluctuations

The module will review the so-called modern approach to aggregate demand and aggregate supply. This entails incorporating into the classical approach to aggregate supply and aggregate demand insights from Keynesian economics. This will serve as a base to discuss the role of macro-policy in controlling for fluctuations in output and employment.

This module covers intermediate microeconomics including general equilibrium analysis, welfare economics, elementary game theory, and strategic behaviour of firms. 

An introduction to the theory and practice of econometric methods, focusing on regression analysis and its application to economic situations. This module will pay particular attention to the principles of estimation and inference in the multiple regression model, and will rely on illustrations and intuition to develop an understanding of the techniques and their interpretation.

You will deepen your understanding of the material covered in class via a series of 'hands-on' computer classes using specialist econometric software (STATA) and a set of tutorials that will review worked examples.

It will also introduce you to regression analysis and forecasting using time series data. It will rely on illustrations and intuition to develop an understanding of the techniques and their interpretation. You will advance your understanding of the material covered in class via a series of 'hands-on' computer classes using Stata. A set of tutorials will also examine topics discussed in the lectures through worked examples.

Typical optional modules

This module is a general introduction to the economic problems of developing countries. The module will cover topics such as:

  • the implications of history and expectation
  • poverty, income distribution and growth
  • fertility and population
  • employment, migration and urbanisation
  • markets in agriculture
  • agricultural household models' risk and insurance
  • famines

This module provides a foundation in behavioural economics and the role of experimental methods in economics. The traditional approach in economics is to explain market outcomes and economic decision-making using simple theoretical models based on perfectly rational, self-interested agents who maximise their well-being by carefully weighing up the costs and benefits of different alternatives. Behavioural economics, on the other hand, aspires to relax these stringent assumptions and develop an understanding of how real people actually make decisions.

The module will introduce you to behavioural and experimental economics, discuss these fields from a methodological perspective and examine several areas of economic analysis in which they are applied. This will include individual choice under risk and uncertainty, decision-making in strategic situations and competition in markets.

To familiarise students with the basic concepts and tools that have been developed for the analysis of Financial Economics and Financial Markets. 

Learning outcomes:

  • The development, access and operation of markets for resources, goods and services.
  • The sources, uses and management of finance.
  • Financial markets and institutions.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core Modules

An independent research project, involving the application of techniques of economic analysis to a self-chosen research topic and the presentation of a written report. There will be lectures to provide general guidance on economic research methods and writing an undergraduate dissertation in economics.

Topics include:

  • introduction to the dissertation
  • types of dissertation
  • literature reviews
  • sources of data
  • writing up your dissertation
  • data entry and data management
  • an introduction to STATA
  • descriptive statistics
  • practical issues in regression analysis
  • model selection
  • endogeneity bias

Advanced International Trade 1

The module covers:

  • Economic policy for trade and international factor mobility: theory and evidence
  • Trade policy and imperfect competition
  • Trade and distortions
  • The political economy of protection
  • Trade policy reform


Advanced International Trade 2


The module looks at:

  • Models of intra-industry trade
  • Trade policy in oligopolistic industries
  • Multinational Enterprises
  • Testing trade theories
  • The WTO and "new issues”

Typical optional modules

This module adopts a broad focus on factors influencing growth and development. Topics covered include macroeconomic policies, aid, debt, trade; growth experiences in East Asia, China and Africa. 

The module covers:

  • saving, focusing on how agents make intertemporal decisions about their savings and wealth accumulation
  • saving puzzles and household portfolios, focusing on credit markets and credit markets imperfections, and why do households hold different kinds of assets
  • asset allocation and asset pricing, focusing on intertemporal portfolio selection, asset pricing and the equity premium puzzle
  • the role of behavioural finance in explaining stock market puzzles

This module focuses on important issues in the labour market, with the aim of enhancing students' abilities to analyse empirical research in labour economics. Students will also learn how to integrate theoretical models and data to address political issues in the context of the labour market.    

This module provides a window on three important sub-areas of experimental and behavioural economics. The first focuses on design issues and individual decision-making, the next two sections focus on applications to the study of strategic behaviour and market behaviour.

You do not need to have studied experimental or behavioural economics before because all topics will be introduced at a level that will be accessible to the newcomer. The module is, nevertheless, suitable as a sequel to the year two module Experimental and Behavioural Economics because the contents of the two modules cover distinct, but complementary, topics.

This module will provide an introduction to international monetary issues, including the determination of exchange rates, and the functioning of the international monetary system.

This module covers commonly used micro-econometric methods to estimate how policies and events affect economic outcomes. It expands on applied econometrics taught in the first and second years. Topics include causal effects, selection bias, randomisation, matching, regression, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, and difference-in-differences. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

A Level

BBB, excluding critical thinking and general studies.

IB Diploma

30 points with 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level and 5 points in Mathematics at Higher level or 6 points at Standard Level.

STPM

BBB, excluding Pengajian Am.

UEC

2 As and 3 B3s, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language.

SAM or other Australian matriculations

ATAR 86 (consideration to be made based on relevant subjects).
Canadian Ontario Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

79% average based on 6 subjects with at least 70% in Mathematics of Data Management.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University’s requirements.

Advance Placement (AP) 4, 4, 4 in relevant subjects.
Diploma - Other Institutions Acceptance to the second year is on a case-by-case basis (and at the discretion of the School) but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.30 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects. Previous studies must meet the prerequisite requirements to the programme.
Foundation - Other Institutions Acceptance is at the discretion of the School but normally would require an overall GPA of 3.30 out of 4.0 and above, including good grades in relevant subjects. Previous studies must meet the prerequisite requirements to the programme.
University of Nottingham Malaysia Foundation Successful completion of any Foundation programme and meeting mathemetics requirements.

In addition to the entry requirements listed above, applicants must have grade A- in Mathematics at SPM/ GCSE/ IGCSE/ High School Diploma or equivalent. This requirement can be waived if applicants have obtained at least grade B in mathematics at a higher level.

We strongly encourage all interested students to apply. Our students come to us with a diverse range of qualifications and we are also reviewing and accepting grades based on the minimum acceptable (and those who are holding grades with near misses). The only way for us to fully determine eligibility is through the submission of a completed application.

Entry requirements in the prospectus and website may not always apply and individual offers may vary.

IELTS (Academic):

6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

71 (with no less than 65 in each element)

GCE A Level English Language or English Literature:

grade C

GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature:

grade C

SPM:

CEFR level B2

GCSE O-Level:

grade C / 4

IGCSE (first language):

grade C / 4

IGCSE (second language):

grade B / 6

MUET:

Band 4.5

UEC:

grade A2

IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Higher Level):

4 points

IB English B (Standard Level):

5 points

 

IELTS ,TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than 2 years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.

Foundation progression options

The Foundation in Business and Management is a 1+3 year programme that results in direct progression to the undergraduate degrees related to business and management. This rigorous programme provides students with a strong academic background that will result in enhanced language, communication, critical thinking and study skills.

Students on this programme also chose from a range of elective modules that provide the opportunity to sample topics related to their chosen undergraduate pathway such as business economics, management and quantitative methods.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Supervision
  • Computer labs

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Presentation

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM39,500 per year
International studentsRM46,800 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

At The University of Nottingham Business School we actively seek to develop our students practical skills through a range of professional development programmes. We have developed industry links to enable students to network with top employers throughout their degree via a range of activities. Graduates of the School of Economics in Malaysia have been employed by a large number of reputable banks such as Alliance Bank, CIMB, Citibank, JP Morgan, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, UOB, Public Bank and RHB Investment Bank.

Many students have gone on to work for multinational companies such as Axiata Group, Estée Lauder, Frank Knight, Frost & Sullivan, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, PwC and Wolters Kluwer.

Accolades and job roles have also been sought in policy institutions such as Asia Strategy, Leadership Institutions such as Khazanah Research Institute, Penang Institute, World Bank and government institutes including Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia Competition Commission, Maldives Ministry of Finance (Deputy Minister of Finance), MaGIC, Securities Commission.

In addition, a substantial fraction of our graduates pursue their masters and doctoral studies around the world. Our 3-year honours degree is internationally recognised for entry into post-graduate programmes of renown universities worldwide including: University of Nottingham UK (including 1 with Chevening scholarship), London School of Economics, University College London, University of Warwick (including 1 with Chevening scholarship), University of Wyoming (including 1 direct entry into PhD programme with full scholarship) and Geothe University Frankfurt (PhD studentship). Students also pursue internships during the summer of their undergraduate program where placements include: Nestle, Hewlett Packard, Khazanah, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, PricewaterhouseCoopers Sri Lanka and The Maldives Monetary Authority.

When studying for a degree at Nottingham University Business School, whichever direction you decide to take, we will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in your career. Our Careers and Advice Service can work with you to improve your employability skills assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers. Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students. The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, Highfliers Research).

90% of undergraduates from Nottingham University Business School secured graduate level employment or further study within 6 months of graduation*. Our BSc (Hons) Economics degree is hugely versatile and economics graduates have enviable flexibility in a wide range of careers. These include investment banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase etc), management consultancies (Ernst and Young, Deloitte, PwC etc), high impact jobs with opportunities to shape policies in think-tanks, government agencies (Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning Unit etc) and international policy institutions (The World Bank, IMF, United Nations etc). *Graduate Destination Survey data for 2017-2019 graduates.

Frequently asked questions

The duration of the economics undergraduate degree at UNM is 3 years, full-time.

A BA degree in Economics usually includes more liberal arts subjects, such as humanities and the social sciences. A BSc Economics degree covers more courses in Mathematics and Statistics.

This content was last updated on 19 March 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.