THE SCHOOL
OF BUSINESS
UNDERGRADUATE
DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
OCTOBER
2003
C O N T E N T S
A Message
from the Head of the Department of Economics
The Department
The Degree
Programmes
Admission
Requirements
Careers
International
Students
The University
The Town
Visiting
the Department
Contacts
Revised: September 2002
A Message
from the Head of the Department of Economics
This is an
exciting and stimulating time for anyone to start their studies in Economics.
Developments at the national and international level are always in the
headlines – monetary union in western Europe, the reform of the welfare
state, transitional problems in countries of the former Soviet Union,
the advance and subsequent problems of the Tiger economies in South
East Asia, and the increasing globalisation of production networks and
markets – are only some of the issues that come to mind.
To be able
to analyse the wide range of questions raised by the modern economy
requires a great deal of expertise. The Department of Economics,
one of the largest in the country, prides itself on having the breadth
and range of teaching and research experience to meet the challenges
posed by a rapidly changing world.
Whether you
choose to study Economics as a single subject or in combination with
another subject, you can be assured that you will be taught by a wide
range of specialists in their respective fields.
Although the
information in this brochure is accurate at the time of publication,
aspects of the degree programmes and of departmental practice may be
subject to modification and revision. Subsequent information provided
by the department should be regarded, where appropriate, as superseding
the information contained in the brochure.
The Department: a centre of excellence
We are a large
department with 24 academic members of staff with an excellent reputation
in the fields of economics, business, and urban and regional studies.
The Department of Economics is part of the School of Business, which
in total has nearly 70 members of academic staff. The other parts
of the School are the Department of Management, the Department of Land
Management, and the ISMA Centre for research and teaching on the financial
markets. In the latest exercise to assess research quality, the
University of Reading was one of only ten institutions in England and
Wales to receive a top (5) rating in business and management.
The breadth
of research interests in the department can be illustrated by a sample
of some of the subject areas in which the academic staff have recently
published books or papers: forecasting world economic growth; volatility
in stock market returns; forecasts of exchange rate volatility; the
performance of UK outward investment; theory and practice of joint ventures
in international investment; trade and aid co-operation and international
agreements; national and international approaches to the reform of pensions
and social security; information and incentives within firms; aspects
of financial development in transitional economics; entrepreneurial
behaviour among small Asian businesses in the UK, European industrial
policy in a global competitive economy; technological innovation
in the European Union; the economics of industrial location; the role
of multinational subsidiaries in technology and knowledge creation;
urban housing problems and policies; modelling regional house prices;
the impact of UK higher education on regional migration.
Reflecting
the excellence of the reputation of the department, senior members of
staff have carried out advisory work for the World Bank, the UN, the
European Commission, the Bank of England and a wide variety of UK government
ministries. Staff also serve on a number of national and international
advisory committees and on the Boards of a number of learned journals.
In 1991 the International Securities Market Association (Zurich) established
the ISMA Centre, the Business School for Financial Markets, in association
with the department and the Centre is now housed in a state of the art
£3 million building close to the main Faculty building.
The Degree
Programmes: intellectual rigour with flexibility in content and relevance
to real world issues
Our teaching
of the disciplines of economics, business, and urban and regional studies
derives its strength from the interaction of the fundamental characteristics
of the department.
The breadth of interests
in the department and linkages with other parts of the School enables
us to offer a wide range of degree programmes.
The close co-ordination
of the wide variety of modules enables us to offer flexible degree programmes.
The highly rated
research work of the academic staff is directly reflected in the quality
and relevance of their teaching.
Our research
strengths enable us to combine intellectual rigour with immediate relevance
to real world issues, developing not only a sound grasp of relevant
techniques of analysis but, most importantly, creativity and critical
judgement as well.
The close integration
of disciplines enables us to offer a home for applicants with an interest
in almost any area of economics and business. This allows us to
accommodate different specialisms and different initial technical ability
levels. It also facilitates maximum choice within individual degree
programmes from among a wide range of optional modules.
Part 1 (first
year)
The School
of Business offers a foundation programme covering a variety of modules
in economics, accounting and management that provide introductions to
most of the School’s second and final year modules. Students
must take the compulsory Part 1 modules specified for their degree programme,
which will include modules in any subject they are proposing to read
for a degree programme. Where the compulsory modules total less
than the required number of credits at Part 1, students can select options
from elsewhere in the university (subject to any restriction that may
be applied to a particular module). This enables students to sample
a variety of areas of study before deciding on the degree programme
which meets their interests, abilities and career intentions.
Part 2 (second year) and Final year
The choice
of final degree programme is made in the Summer term at the end of the
first year from a wide range of BA and BSc degrees. The BSc degree
programmes have a significant mathematical and statistical content,
and stipulate AS level mathematics as one of the entry requirements.
The BA degree programmes do not include this ‘technical’ material
and only require GCSE mathematics as one of the entry requirements.
Both BSc and BA degrees do, however, offer a thorough coverage of modern
economic analysis.
BSc and BA Economics
The department
offers two different single subject degrees. These degrees have
many common elements. The main difference is that the BSc Economics
degree contains some modules that cover more technical material.
This degree is, therefore, particularly suitable for those hoping to
continue with further postgraduate studies in economics, finance and
related subjects, perhaps with a view to obtaining jobs as professional
economists. Both degrees, however, offer a thorough coverage of modern
economic analysis.
BSc Degree
in Economics (L100)
BA Degree in Economics (L101)
Part 1
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory Economics II
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Introductory Quantitative
Techniques
Optional
modules
Optional modules
Part 2
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Microeconomics I
Macroeconomics
I
Macroeconomics I
Introductory
Econometrics I
Introductory Econometrics
I
Mathematics
for Economists
Business in Emerging Markets
Part 3
Part 3
Microeconomics
II
Microeconomics II
Macroeconomics
II
Macroeconomics II
Applied Econometrics
II
Optional module
Optional
module
Optional module
BSc and BA
Business Economics
Many students will be looking
for a degree programme which, while maintaining the rigour of teaching
found in the other programmes, is particularly suitable for students
who intend to go into industry, commerce or the professions. Other
students may be drawn to such a programme by its intrinsic interest,
even before deciding on a future career.
BSc Degree
in Business Economics (L113)
BA Degree in Business Economics
(L114)
Part 1
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory Economics II
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Introductory Quantitative
Techniques
Optional
modules
Optional modules
Part 2
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Microeconomics I
Macroeconomics
I
Macroeconomics I
Introductory
Econometrics I
Introductory Econometrics
I
Mathematics
for Economists
Business in Emerging Markets
Part 3
Part 3
Microeconomics
II
Microeconomics II
Macroeconomics
II
Macroeconomics II
Business
Economics
Business Economics
Optional
module
Optional module
BSc Economics and Econometrics (L140)
This is a programme
which will appeal to students wishing
to go more deeply into econometric theory and application; that is,
the combination of economic theory
–
which underlies econometrics models
–
and statistical theory
–
which contributes to econometric techniques.
BSc Degree in Economics
and Econometrics
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Optional
modules
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Macroeconomics
I
Introductory
Econometrics I
Mathematics
for Economists
Part 3
Microeconomics
II
Macroeconomics
II
Applied Econometrics
II
Business
Forecasting & Operations Research or an Econometrics Dissertation
Econometrics
Methods
BSc International Securities,
Investment and Banking (N302)
The ISMA Centre
is part of the School of Business. It was set up with funding
of £3 million from the International Securities Market Association
– the trade association for the 750 banks and securities houses active
in international financial markets. The ISMA Centre, housed in
its own purpose-built building, is principally a postgraduate centre,
but now offers an undergraduate programme. The BSc degree is designed
to prepare candidates for a professional career in the securities and
investment industry. To this end, the programme provides a strong
theoretical training along with the practical skills needed in this
industry, the possibility of vacation placement and career development
modules that focus on the securities and investment industry.
This unique combination ensures that graduates from this degree programme
can be productive on day one of their chosen career.
The programme
is firmly based in economics, the underlying science of finance, with
Part 1 covering economics, accounting and management. With this
background students are able to widen their perspective of economics
and finance as they study theory and practice in Part 2. Advanced
material, including such topics as management of risk, derivative securities
and spreadsheet modelling, are covered in the final year.
In addition
to the theory, the acquisition of practical skills is a key feature
of this programme. Students are required to conduct simulations
in the INVEST dealing room specifically provided for undergraduates.
They are also taught how to use Reuters, Dow Jones and Bloomberg terminals.
Students also model complex financial instruments using the latest spreadsheet
technology and leave the Visual Basic Applications programme language.
Continuing Professional Development ensures that students have the necessary
skills in order to plan their future. With visits from recruitment
firms and presentations from professionals, career prospects in the
investment industry are considerably enhanced. Uniquely, undergraduates
may also study for the FSA and IMC examinations (the professional qualifications
required in securities and investment respectively) providing an opportunity
to supplement their honours degree with professional designations.
BSc Degree in International
Securities, Investment and Banking
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory
Financial Accounting
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Introductory
Securities
Optional
modules (Introductory Management recommended)
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Macroeconomics
I
Introductory
Econometrics I
Business
Finance/INVEST I
Mathematics
for Economists (full module)
or Mathematics
for Economists and a modern language (IWLP)
Part 3
Money &
Banking
Derivative
Securities/INVEST II
Spreadsheet
Modelling for Finance
Optional
modules chosen from: Management of Risk, Portfolio Management, Debt
Markets & Instruments, VBA for Finance, a modern language (IWLP).
Further details
of this programme can be obtained from the ISMA Centre (www.ismacentre.rdg.ac.uk
or email bsc@ismacentre.rdg.ac.uk).
Joint subject
degree programmes with the Department of Management
BSc and BA Accounting
and Economics
There is an
important vocational element in these programmes, since a very high
proportion of students who have taken them will tend to go on to join
accounting firms as trainees or enter industry as management accountancy
trainees. These degrees entitle students to exemptions from some
professional accounting bodies’ foundation course examinations; for
example, the degree is ‘relevant’ for exemption purposes for the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Three
subjects of economics, accounting and business law are all taught in
this programme.
However, it
should be stressed that these are Accounting and Economics programmes,
which seeks to explore and (where necessary) distinguish between the
economist’s and the accountant’s approach to the making of decisions.
The programmes can, therefore, be taken with profit by students who
have other careers in mind, particularly in business or in financial
institutions where a thorough understanding of decision-making is required.
BSc Degree
in Accounting &Economics (LN14)
BA Degree in Accounting
&Economics (NL41)
Part 1
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory Economics II
Introductory
Financial Accounting
Introductory Financial Accounting
Introductory
Management
Introductory Management
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Introductory Quantitative
Techniques
Business
Law
Business Law
Part 2
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Microeconomics I
Macroeconomics
I
Macroeconomics I
Management
Accounting
Management Accounting
Corporate
Financial Reporting
Corporate Financial Reporting
Mathematics
for Economists
Quantitative & Qualitative
Methods for Managers
Optional
module
Optional module
Part 3
Part 3
Microeconomics
II
Microeconomics II
Macroeconomics
II
Macroeconomics II
Advanced
Financial Reporting
Advanced Financial Reporting
Accounting
& Control in Organisations
Accounting & Control in
Organisations
Business
Finance
Business Finance
Optional
module
Optional module
BA Business Analysis
(G240)
The Business
Analysis programme aims to provide a thorough degree level education
in a combination of the principal business disciplines: economics, management,
and accounting/ finance. At Part 1 students take modules in all
three disciplines. After the Part 1 examinations students must
choose two of these three disciplines in which to specialise in both
Parts 2 and 3 (Economics and Accounting/Finance, Economics and Management,
or Accounting/Finance and Management).
BA Degree
in Business Analysis
Economics
Accounting/Finance
Management
Part 1
Part 1
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory Economics II
Introductory Financial Accounting
Introductory Management
Introductory
Quantitative Techniques
Part 2
Part 2
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Macroeconomics I
Introductory Econometrics I
Management Accounting
Corporate Financial Reporting
Optional module
Introduction to International
Business & Management
Quantitative & Qualitative
Methods for Managers
or
Introductory Econometrics I
Optional module
Part 3
Part 3
Part 3
Microeconomics
II
Macroeconomics II
Accounting & Control in
Organisations
Comparative International
Management
Optional
module
Business Finance
Advanced Financial Reporting
Strategic Management &
Business Policy
Optional module
Degree programmes
in the Department of Management
BA Management
and Business Administration (N100)
BA International
Management and Business Administration with French, German, Italian,
or Japanese (N2R1, N2R2, N2R3, or N2T2)
BA French, German
or Italian and Management Studies (NR21, NR22, or
NR23)
BA Accounting
and Management (NN24)
Students participating
in these degree programmes cover the main areas of business administration
and management. Optional modules can be chosen from the range
offered by both the Department of Management and the Department of Economics,
with whom there are strong links within the School of Business.
Further information
on these programmes is available from the Department of Management (http://www.reading.ac.uk/business
or email d.tsang@reading.ac.uk).
Joint subject degree programmes within the Faculty of Economics &
Social Sciences
BA Business Economics and Organisational
Studies (LN12)
BA Economics
and Sociology (LL13)
BA Politics and
Economics (LL12)
BA International
Relations and Economics (LL21)
Many applicants
will wish to consider reading for an Economics degree, but in combination
with other subjects that are taught outside of the Department of Economics.
The flexible Part 1 system at the university allows a combined degree
programme to be chosen either at the application stage or at the end
of the first year. A student is permitted to change degree programmes
after sampling the Part 1 modules concerned and achieving the relevant
grades in the Part 1 examinations at the end of the first year.
BA Degree
in Business Economics & Organisational Studies
BA Degree in Economics &
Sociology
Part 1
Part 1
Introductory
Economics I
Introductory Economics I
Introductory
Economics II
Introductory Economics II
Introduction
to Sociology
Introduction to Sociology
Main Methodological
Approaches in Sociology
Main Methodological Approaches
in Sociology
Optional
modules
Optional modules
Part 2
Part 2
Microeconomics
I
Microeconomics I
Macroeconomics
I
Macroeconomics I
Compulsory
modules in Sociology (40)
Compulsory modules in Sociology
(40)
Optional
modules in Sociology (20)
Optional modules in Sociology
(20)
Part 3
Part 3
Business
Economics
Optional modules in Economics
(60)
Optional
module in Economics (30)
Compulsory
modules in Sociology (40)
Compulsory modules in Sociology
(40)
Dissertation
in Sociology (20)
Dissertation in Sociology
(20)
Economics can
also be combined with Politics or International Relations. These
three-year programmes follow the Economics modules shown under the above
entry for Economics and Sociology.
Joint subject
degree programmes with Departments in other Faculties
Further information
on these degree programmes can be obtained from the relevant department.
BA History and
Economics (LV11) [The Department of History]
This three-year
joint degree programme follows the Economics modules shown under the
entry for Economics and Sociology.
BA French and
Economics (LR11), German and Economics (LR12), Italian and Economics
(LR13) [The School of Modern Languages]
Economics can
also be combined with French, German, or Italian in a programme which
lasts for four years, with the third year spent studying abroad.
BSc Regional
Science (LL17) [The Department of Geography]
This three-year
joint degree programme follows a similar Economics’ syllabus to that
shown under the entry for Economics and Sociology, but with a compulsory
module in European Urban & Regional Economics.
BSc Mathematics
and Economics (GL11) [The Department of Mathematics]
This programme
is designed for those students who wish to develop their mathematical
skills in areas relevant to economics. The main areas of study
in the Department of Economics are microeconomics, macroeconomics, applied
econometrics, and business forecasting.
BSc Chemistry
with Economics (F1L1) [The Department of Chemistry]
Please request
a brochure from chemistry@reading.ac.uk for information on this BSc
Chemistry degree that allows students to take modules in the Department
of Economics.
Optional
modules
The following
range of optional modules is currently available. Note some modules
that are taught by the Department of Management are also available to
students taking Economics degrees. It is hoped that this wide
choice, subject to the constraints of the timetable, will enable a student
either to specialise in a particular area or to read widely over the
whole field. However, note that there must a viable number of
students choosing to take each of the optional modules before it can
be provided and that there is no guarantee that in any one year all
of the optional units will be available. Some of the optional
units are only available to students who have completed the necessary
pre-requisite units at Part 1 and some are limited to particular degree
programmes.
Accounting and Control in Organizations
(Department of Management)
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Forecasting &
Operations Research
Comparative International Management
(Department of Management)
Dissertation (compulsory for
some degree programmes)
Econometric Methods
Economic Issues in Historical
Perspective
Economics of Development
Economics of Land, Development
& Planning
Environmental Economics
European Urban and Regional
Economics
Financial Accounting Theory
& Technique (Department of Management)
International Accounting (Department
of Management)
International Economics
Money & Banking
Processes of Long Term Political
& Economic Change
Admission
Requirements: October 2003
GCSE
Maths
GCSE
English
Entry
requirements
L100
BSc Economics
C
2
L101
BA Economics
C
C
1
L113
BSc Business Economics
C
2
L114
BA Business Economics
C
C
1
L140
BSc Economics
& Econometrics
C
2
N302
BSc International
Securities, Investment & Banking
C
3
G240
BA Business Analysis
C
C
1
LN14
BSc Accounting
& Economics
C
2
NL41
BA Accounting
& Economics
C
C
1
LN12
BA Business Economics
& Organisational Studies
C
C
1
LL13
BA Economics &
Sociology
C
C
1
Entry requirements 1 :
280 points from three A levels
or 300 points from three A levels and 1 AS level.
International Baccalaureate:
31 points
Irish Leaving Certificate:
BBBBB
Scottish Highers: BBBB
Entry requirements 2 :
280 points from three A levels
or 300 points from three A levels and 1 AS level (including C in AS
level Mathematics).
International Baccalaureate:
31 points
Irish Leaving Certificate:
BBBBB (including Mathematics)
Scottish Highers: BBBB (including
Mathematics)
Entry requirements 3 :
320 points (including grade
B in A level Mathematics) from three A levels or two A levels and two
AS levels.
International Baccalaureate:
33 points
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AABBB (including Mathematics)
Scottish Highers: ABBB (including
Mathematics)
Further details
of the admission requirements for degrees administered by the other
department in a joint degree programme can be obtained from the Undergraduate
Prospectus or from the website or the Admissions Officer of the other
department.
Careers: what jobs do our graduates
obtain?
The
Careers
Advisory Service provides information and advice about jobs and further study
opportunities. It also arranges, for all interested students,
a personal interview with one of the Careers Advisers to discuss job
possibilities and preferences. The majority of our students obtain
posts in industry or commerce, most of them as management trainees.
The CAS is especially well placed to cater for them, as it maintains
close liaison with a wide variety of industrial and commercial firms.
Many of these firms and other organisations make annual visits to Reading,
mainly in the Spring term, to give preliminary interviews to potential
employees.
Most Accounting
and Economics graduates become trainee accountants, either in private
practices or in industry, bot other opportunities are available.
Joint degree Economics graduates, too, tend to go into industry and
commerce as trainees. Those studying languages have the opportunity
of joining international organisations, firms or banks in the UK or
elsewhere in Europe. For other students with foreign language
capability, the department has links with various other European universities,
which provide them with an opportunity to have studied abroad for a
short period.
Some graduates
are able to use their expertise as economic advisers in the Government
Economic Service, or in the public sector (including the Bank of England)
and large private sector firms. For those hoping to work as international
economists, perhaps after taking a further postgraduate programme, the
department has excellent contacts with agencies such as the United Nations,
the European Commission and the World Bank, through the consulting and
advisory activities of its staff. Other students go on to take
the Postgraduate Certificate in Education and teach the subject in secondary
schools or sixth-form colleges.
International
Students
The University
of Reading has a long history of welcoming students from other countries.
The presence of students from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures
has helped to create a stimulating international environment for all
members of the university. The university maintains formal academic
links with universities around the world. Many of our staff have
held senior posts abroad and have first-hand and recent knowledge of
many countries. For many years the university has made a substantial
contribution to the education and training of people from overseas,
many of whom returned to attain leading positions in their countries.
Services
for international students
The International
Office
The International
Office is concerned with all the international activities and interests
of the university. It organises the Welcome Programme for new
international students, arranges programmes for academic and official
visitors from abroad, and promotes the university overseas.
Information
Before leaving
home, students will be provided with comprehensive information about
the university and studying in the UK.
Meet and
greet
Arrangements
can be made for students with special needs to be met on arrival at
Heathrow or Gatwick airports.
Welcome
and orientation
The International
Welcome Programme is organised for all new international students to
ensure that they settle quickly into life in Reading. It starts
approximately 10 days before teaching commences.
Hospitality
The International
Office runs a hospitality scheme and makes arrangements for students
from overseas to enjoy the hospitality of a visit to a British home.
The School
of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
The School
provides a course in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for approximately
150 students each year. EAP classes are also available from April
to June. From October to March, the School offers the English
Language and Study Skills (ELSS) course, for students requiring improvement
in language and study skills.
For further
information please contact The EAP Course Administrator, School of Linguistics
and Applied Language Studies, The University of Reading, P.O. Box 241,
Reading, RG6 6WB, U.K.
The normal
requirement for entry is a minimum average score in the International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 7.0. The American Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be accepted with a score
of 590, but this test does not include oral or continuous prose tests
and the university therefore normally requires applicants to take the
additional TOEFL Test of Written English.
International
Foundation Programme
Overseas students
whose school-leaving certificate is not sufficiently specialised or
advanced to meet the normal entry requirements, but whose qualifications
are at least equivalent to GCSE/O level, can apply to take the International
Foundation Programme. This is a one-year access programme offering
an opportunity to international students to gain admission to a degree
programme at the University of Reading, and, in some cases, at other
British universities. The programme prepares you for undergraduate
study in three ways: academic training, English language abilities,
studying in the way that is necessary at a British university by helping
you develop study skills, e.g. note-taking, essay-writing, use of library
and other resources, working independently.
For further
information please contact The Director, International Foundation Programme,
Whiteknights, P.O. Box 217, Reading, RG6 6AG, U.K.
The University
of Rea
ding: high quality teaching in a pleasant environment
The university
was founded as an extension of Oxford University in 1892 and received
its Royal Charter as an independent institution in 1926. The Department
of Economics is located in the main Whiteknights campus of the university.
This is a magnificent 300-acre park, once part of the medieval manorial
estate of Erleigh Whiteknights and landscaped with extensive lawns,
trees and lakes in the 18
th century, providing a beautiful setting in which to study.
The majority
of students, including postgraduates, live in the 13
Halls of Residence, most of which are located around the northern perimeter of
the park and in the residential streets nearby. Other students
live in private bed-sitting rooms, flats or houses in the town.
The Halls of
Residence vary in age, size and character, but all are within easy reach
of Whiteknights, and provide a range of study, domestic and social facilities.
Most Halls provide a choice of either fully catered meals in a central
dining room or kitchens where students can prepare their own meals.
All students have a key to their own room and to the outside door if
needed. All the Halls are within reasonable walking distance of
shops, a bank, a post-office and a bus route into town. Car parking
spaces are limited at some Halls.
Each Hall has
a Warden, who is a member of the academic staff. Other members
of the university also live in Hall and, like the Warden, are able to
give help and advice to students.
The large,
purpose-built,
Library is the focus of the campus and contains nearly one million books.
A wide range of information sources, both on CD-ROM and over the Internet
are available, and the Library subscribes to some 3500 academic journals
and periodicals. It is a designated European Documentation Centre.
Extensive computing
facilities operate throughout the university and help, information and
training sessions are readily available from
IT Services.
The university
has some excellent resources for sport, all the major facilities for
which are on campus. The
Wolfenden Sports Centre is the focus of all these facilities. It offers a multi-purpose
sports hall, six squash courts, a fitness room, and exercise classes.
The Sports Centre is surrounded by playing fields for football, rugby,
cricket and hockey. There are also tennis courts and an all-weather
synthetic turf pitch.
The
Students
’
Union is run by students for students and is the main focus of campus
social life, providing facilities, services and opportunities to meet
all your entertainment, cultural, political and welfare needs.
In addition to organising hundreds of clubs and societies, the Students’
union offers bars, shops and various catering outlets.
The
Health
Centre provides a comprehensive medical service for students.
Its modern, purpose built centre has in-patient and nursing facilities.
It also houses a fully equipped dental surgery.
The university
takes pride in the help and advice that it provides for its students.
This is primarily provided through a personal tutor, who is a member
of the academic staff of the department in which you spend most time
during your degree programme and whose duty it is to provide impartial
advice and assistance and, where necessary, represent your interests
throughout your stay at the university. This is complemented by
the
Counselling Service, which is staffed by professional counsellors, psychologists
and psychotherapists. Any problems, for example difficulties with
study, examination anxieties, family problems and loneliness, can be
discussed in complete confidence.
The Town
of Reading: the best of town life
Reading is
a large, thriving and busy town in the heart of the Thames Valley and
offers all of the attractions of a city with the peace of some of England’s
finest countryside. It is not a place that rests on its history:
while it boasts the remains of one of England’s largest and richest
abbeys, the burial place of Henry I and a heritage dating back to Roman
times, it accommodates its modernity with ease. The growth of
new buildings reflects how many companies see Reading as a town of the
future as much as the present.
The Oracle
Centre in the centre of the town is one of the best shopping and eating
complexes in the south of England. At the heart of the Oracle
is the Riverside, a vibrant promenade stretching along both sides of
the river, featuring a wide range of restaurants and bars, as well as
the multi-screen Warner Village Cinema. The Hexagon Theatre hosts
professional bands, comedians, acts by favourite entertainers, opera
and plays.
For those needing
a break from pubs, cinemas and clubs, there are the Chiltern Hills and
the Berkshire Downs in the surrounding countryside, whilst fast trains
can take you to London in 22 minutes or to Oxford.
Visiting
the Department of Economics
Visits to universities
provide a chance to learn from personal observation and from talks and
discussion what life is really like there; individual questions (e.g.
about accommodation, sports and other facilities) can be answered on
the spot. We do not normally interview applicants. However,
those who have been offered a place on a degree programme are invited
to a
Visit Day. Lunch is given in a Hall of Residence, after which there
is a conducted tour of the campus. Members of staff explain the
various degree programmes and a student forum is held. Questions
are welcomed and encouraged at each stage of the open day. University
Open Days, for those who have not yet applied to Reading but wish to
find out more, are usually held at the end of June and September.
The Registrar is pleased to organise group visits by schools and colleges,
and will make arrangements for this or any other department to be visited.
Applicants
from overseas who may find it difficult to visiting Reading directly
may be able to get further help and information from the British Council
offices in their own countries.
Contacts
The university
and the department maintain extensive websites that provide far more
information than can be provided in this brochure.
Website
for the university: http://www.reading.ac.uk
Website
for the department: http://www.reading.ac.uk/business
Website
for Reading Town: http://www.reading.gov.uk
If you have
a specific enquiry that is not covered by these sources of information,
then please email ugecon_admissions@reading.ac.uk
or write toThe
Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
The Department of Economics
School of Business
The University of Reading
P.O. Box 218
Reading
RG6 6AA
Combined
subject degrees involving other departments:
Information
on the content of programmes in other departments taught jointly with
Economics can be obtained from the university website or by writing
to the appropriate department.