Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance

By studying this certificate, you'll appreciate how economic theory helps understand real-world important issues in areas such as government policy, international trade, business decisions, work and innovation. You’ll discover how economics and the economies have evolved over time. This will give you a building block towards acquiring a critical perspective on economics and economic choices for our daily lives. As you’re learning about income, expenditure, savings and investments, you'll gain practical tools and ideas on how to manage your own money effectively.

Key features of the course

• Understand how economic theory relates to a variety of real-world topics in society.
• Introduces statistical methods and how to apply them to actual economic problems.
• Develop introductory skills in analytical thought, numeracy and data analysis that are valued by employers.
• Learn practical skills enabling you to manage your money better.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Economics.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
• working in a group with other students
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• using specialist software (for example to analyse economic data)
• finding external/third party material online
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This certificate of higher education has one stage comprising 120 credits.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.