AIMS

The fundamental aim of the Degree Course in Economics is to create professionals capable of undertaking management, assessment and evaluation tasks, in general economic matters. These tasks may be carried out in the private or public spheres, either in business or in other institutions of economic and social importance.

Graduates must understand the basic concepts and methodology required to analyse basic economic problems, applying a conceptual framework to the specific circumstances of economic agents, whether they be  individuals, businesses or institutions.

Accordingly, they must understand the function and consequences of economic systems, resource allocation alternatives, wealth accumulation and income distribution , and must be capable of contributing to the satisfactory functioning and improvement of these.

Graduates must be able to identify and anticipate relevant economic problems in each specific situation, to consider the alternative solutions, to select the best options in each case and to evaluate the subsequent results.

• Structure of the Degree Course - Credits
• Structure of the Degree Course - Subjects
• General Course Programme   
• Modules
• Specialisation

STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE COURSE - CREDITS

The Degree Course in Economics is organised into courses lasting six months, each worth 6 European ECTS credits.  Accordingly, students need to take 5 subjects each semester, in order to obtain 30 credits each semester and 60 credits per year, for a total of 240 credits over four years.

DISTRIBUTION OF CREDITS PER SUBJECT TYPE

The course programme includes 60 core ECTS credits, all offered in the first year (five subjects per semester, each worth 6 ECTS). Of these 60 core credits, 48 are related to the branch of Social and Legal Sciences of which the Degree Course forms a part, and the remaining 12 correspond to basic Mathematics.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE PROGRAMME

The proposed Economics Degree Course programme is structured into modules, grouping subjects from the same discipline. More specifically, the proposal consists of 10 modules containing core and compulsary subjects, optional subjects, optional work experience and the final project.

The modules comprising the programme are: Economic Analysis, Spanish and World Economy, Economic Policy and the Public Sector, the Business Environment, Mathematics, Statistics and Econometrics, World and Spanish Economic History and Economic Law. There is also a module covering optional work experience programmes and the Final Project. The Final Project, worth 6 ECTS credits, is undertaken during the second term of the last year of the degree course. Its aim is to evaluate the skills associated with the degree.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODULES

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

• 60 credits, spread over 10 subjects each worth 6 credits. 18 core credits in the first year, 24 compulsory credits spread over the second and third years, and 18 optional credits.
• Students are given basic theoretical and practical knowledge, to enable understanding and analysis of economic problems. They are also taught to use analytical reasoning to approach and solve economic problems.

SPANISH AND WORLD ECONOMY

• 48 credits, spread over 8 subjects each worth 6 credits. 30 compulsory credits spread over the 2^nd and 3^rd years and 18 optional credits to be taken in the final year of the degree course.
• Students are given in-depth knowledge of the Spanish, European and International economic situation.

ECONOMIC POLICY AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR

• 42 credits, spread over 7 subjects each worth 6 credits. Of these, four are compulsory and are spread over the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th years; the remaining three are optional and are taken in the 4^th year.
• Students are taught the major economic policies, studying and analysing the role of the public sector in the economy, public income policies and public spending programs.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

• This module consists of a total of 42 credits spread over 7 half-yearly subjects. 12 core credits in the 1^st year, 24 compulsory credits spread over the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th years, and 6 optional credits in the final year of the degree course.
• Students are introduced to the basic notions of Corporate Organisation, Marketing, Business Finances and Accounting. Students are taught to understand and analyse the corporate environment and how strategic decisions are designed. They also learn the skills necessary to analyse and interpret economic and financial information in a business context.

MATHEMATICS

• 24 credits, spread over 4 subjects each worth 6 credits. 12 core credits given in the 1^st year and 12 compulsory credits spread over the 2^nd and 3^rd years.
• Students are taught how to use basic mathematical tools and apply them in an economic context.

STATISTICS AND ECONOMETRICS

• 30 credits. 6 credits corresponding to a core subject scheduled for the 1^st year, 18 compulsory credits spread over the 2^nd and 3^rd years, with 6 optional credits in the final year.
• Students are taught how to understand basic quantitative tools used in economic diagnosis, analysis and prediction.

SPANISH AND WORLD ECONOMIC HISTORY

• 18 credits, of which 6 core credits in History are taken in the 1^st year, 6 compulsory credits in the 2^nd year and 6 optional credits, taken in the final year of the degree course.
• Students are shown the development of the major contemporary economies and the trajectory of the Spanish economy over the past two centuries. They are also offered a historical perspective of the development of the science of Economics.  

ECONOMIC LAW

• 6 core credits, taken in the first year.
• Students are introduced to the basic notions of civil and commercial law and introduced to the basic legislative elements that govern economic transactions.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 12 optional credits, taken in the 4^th year.
• Students obtain practical experience in business institutions or organisations, preparing them for their entry into the workplace.

FINAL PROJECT

• 6 compulsory credits, taken in the 2^nd half of the final year.
• The project allows students to complete their acquisition of skills.
• Requirements: Before evaluation for the final project, students must provide proof of their knowledge of a foreign language. Among other forms of accreditation, the University of Alicante requires that students should have attained at least the Common European Framework level B1 for modern languages; level B2 is recommended. The minimum level B1 is considered transitory and may be amended as required.
• More information at: http://www.sri.ua.es/Aulas/ExamenesOficialesIntroduccion.asp

SPECIALISATION

Optional subjects have been grouped into three specialities, corresponding to the habitual professional profiles of Economics graduates. Accordingly, in their final year, students may choose a specialisation in order to obtain a professional profile which will increase their employment possibilities. These specialities are as follows: Economic Analysis, Public Economics and International, Regional and Urban Economics. Each consists of four optional subjects. To specialise, students must take the four subjects corresponding to a speciality. In order to make up their quota of optional subjects (36 credits), students may then choose freely from among the other subjects on offer. Students are also offered the possibility of undertaking work experience (12 credits) or participating in a range of cultural, sporting, student representation, charity and cooperation activities established by the University, for which they may obtain up to a maximum of 6 optional credits.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT (IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Students who study an undergraduate degree at the University of Alicante must confirm a minimum level of B1 in a foreign language (a B2 is recommended) in order to obtain the diploma.  

The required language level is in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

The language accreditation requirement can be obtained previously or at any time during university studies. However, the language requirement will be necessary in order to be able to assess the final year project.

The different forms of obtaining such language requirement can be consulted in the additional information in this section.  

+info

LANGUAGE TEACHING COMPETENCE CERTIFICATE

Students who want to have a career in non-university teaching when they finish their studies are recommended to obtain the teaching competence certificate (Valencian and/or foreign languages).

This certificate can be obtained by taking specific itineraries in your university studies or by taking the UA teaching competence course in Valencian, German, French and English.

+info

FINAL YEAR PROJECT (TFG)

All the official undergraduate degrees must be completed by preparing and defending a final year project, which must be done in the final phase of the studies and be aimed at the assessment of competences associated to the degree.

The final year project must be an original, independent and personal work. The elaboration of it may by individual or coordinated. Each student will prepare this project under the supervision of a tutor, allowing students to show the received training content in an integrated many, as well as the acquired competences associated to the undergraduate degree.

In order to register in the final year project, students must comply with the requirements established in the “Regulations for continuation studies for students registered in undergraduate degrees at the University of Alicante”. Among the requirements established to be able to register in the final year project, a minimum of 168 credits must be passed in undergraduate degrees with a total of 240 credits, and a minimum of 228 credits in undergraduate degrees with a total of 300 credits or more.

In order for the final year project to be assessed, a B1 level of a foreign language (B2 is recommended) must be confirmed.

+info

• Access routes
• Procedure for applying for admission
• Recommended applicant profile
• Number of places and pass marks

ACCESS ROUTES

Admission to this degree course is open to any applicant who meets one of the following entrance requirements:

1.     SPANISH BACCALAUREATE (LOMCE) UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAM (PAU): Although students can access university by means of any Baccalaureate specialization, the recommended one is Humanities and Social Sciences.

Admission scores for this degree can be improved by taking the specific modules of the University Entrance Exam (PAU) as indicated in the table below with their respective weightings.

TABLE 1

2.     PREVIOUS BACCALAUREATES WITH OR WITHOUT A PASS IN THE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAM (PAU): Students who have completed their Baccalaureate under previous education systems and have passed the PAU will be able to use the mark obtained in their application.

However, students can take specific exam modules during the voluntary PAU exam period in order to improve their admission score as shown in table 1. They can also sit for the obligatory PAU exams, in which case they will have to take all the exams scheduled during this period.

3.     VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: Vocational educational qualifications such as senior technician, senior technician of plastic arts and design, or senior technician in sports is the preferred professional area although access to this degree may be through any professional field.

Admission scores can be improved by taking the PAU exam in up to 4 of the modules in table 1.

4.     STUDENTS FROM EDUCATION SYSTEMS IN COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR OTHER STATES WITH WHICH SPAIN HAS AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT: Accreditation is required and issued by Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED).

Students can sit for exams in subjects included in the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE), organised by the UNED, in order to improve their admission score up to 14 points as indicated in the weightings in Table 1.

5.     STUDENTS FROM FOREIGN EDUCATION SYSTEMS: Prior to applying for the validation of their foreign Baccalaureate, students may sit for up to 4 exams in subjects offered by the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE) organised by UNED (at least one subject from the core subjects).

The weightings indicated in table 1 will be applied to core and/or optional subjects.

6.     OTHER: University degrees and other similar qualifications. University entrance exam for students over 25 (preferential option: Social and Legal Sciences). Access on the basis of professional experience (applicants over 40 years of age). Access to applicants aged 45 years or more by means of an exam.

Weightings of the subjects of the specific phase of the Proof of Access to the University (PAU) in the previous years

High School Diploma Subjects

Academic Years 2010-11 2011-12

0.1

0.2

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Academic Years 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

0.1

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

0.2

x

x

x

x

x

PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR ADMISSION: PRE-ENROLMENT AND REGISTRATION

• Anticipated number of places offered during the first pre-enrolment session: 125

• In order to apply for a place, the procedure and pre-enrolment periods established each year must be observed. Information concerning the application procedure  (Pre-enrolment).

• Applicants admitted to a course must formally register within the timescale established annually in the enrolment calendar. Registration Information.

RECOMMENDED APPLICANT PROFILE

As regards the recommended educational background, new students should have a basic understanding of mathematics, together with good skills in logical reasoning.  Equally, they should have an interest in economic problems, such as the reasons behind unemployment and inflation, how the market and financial institutions operate, and the reasons for the existence of the Public Sector. They should show an interest in using analytical tools in order to understand different aspects of economic phenomena and realities.  Moreover, they should be responsible, capable of working both individually and as part of a team, and possess good communication skills.

Similarly, in order to facilitate new students’ assimilation onto the proposed course programme, students should have a reasonable knowledge of English, at least in terms of reading comprehension.

Although admission is granted from any high school diploma route, it is recommended that students have studied Mathematics II or Mathematics Applied to the Social Sciences in the second year of the high school diploma course, and where appropriate, Business Economics.

NUMBER OF PLACES AND PASS MARKS

• "Pass marks" indicated correspond to the results of the first adjudication of June.
  
• The definitive marks can be inferior to the here collected.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

The Degree in Economics will create professionals skilled in modern economic analysis. Economics Graduates must have a solid educational background, suited to the demands of increasingly competitive and selective markets. Likewise, they must also be characterised by a humanistic training, enabling them to tackle issues such as the allocation of scarce resources, efficiency and productivity problems, social solidarity and fair distribution, among others. The general professional profiles associated with this Degree Course are:

1. Study and planning services
2. Taxation
3. Public Administration
4. International Organisations
5. Foreign Commerce
6. Business Management
7. Economic Consultancy
8. Teaching and Research

Career options cover the private and public sectors (businesses, banks, consultancies, state and regional administration) and international organisations (OECD, IMF, World Bank and European Union institutions).

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEGREE COURSE 

The Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences new Degree Course in Economics will be implemented year by year.

TIMESCALE

Once a course has been phased out, the subjects corresponding to the course will no longer be taught. Students who do not wish to take the new degree course subjects will have four opportunities to sit the relevant examinations at the end of each of the following two academic years. Any students wishing to continue their studies after sitting and failing these examinations will be required to follow the new plan, according to the adaptation system established in the new course programme.

CREDIT EQUIVALENCE

Credit equivalence table for adapting the former Degree in Economics (Licenciatura) to the new Degree in Economics (Grado)

A total of 322.5 credits in the current Economics Degree course programme (Licenciatura) can be adapted to the new Economics Degree study plan (Grado).  Of these, 202.5 correspond to core and obligatory subjects, and 120 to optional subjects.

Credits taken by Economics students not listed in the above table may be validated by means of:

• Degree course optional credits, up to the maximum number of optional credits established for each degree course.
  
• Recognised free-elective credits validated for univeristy, cultural or representational activities will be validated for the degree course, with a maximum of up to 6 academic credits to be validated for various activities, as set out in Art. 12.8 Royal Decree 1393/2007 (participation in cultural, sporting, student representation, charity and cooperation activities).
  

DEGREE IN ECONOMICS. SYLLABUS SUMMARY

Internal Quality Assurance System (SGIC) of the Title

• Structure of the Centre for Quality
  • Comission of Internal Quality Guarantee
  • Other Commissions  
• Handbook SGIC
• Procedures
  • Strategic (PE)
  • Key (PC)
  • Support (PA)
  • Measurement (PM)

• Management of the SGIC (Access to ASTUA)

Follow-up of the Title

• Self-reports UA
• External reports AVAP 
• Other reports
• Improvement Plans
• Progress and Learning Outcomes