FAQs

What does an Economist do?
How is Economics at NTU Different?
What Combinations Would You Recommend?
Can I Complete the Program in Less than 4 years?
What Are the Entry Requirements?
Is It an Advantage to Have Studied Economics at A-Level?
What if I Am Not Strong in Mathematics?
Is the programme open to all Polytechnic Students? Is the mathematics admission requirement the same as that of A-level students?
What If I Want to Change My Major after the First Year?

What does an Economist do?

An economist is a person who uses economic theories and quantitative techniques to address problems of resource allocation in a world where not all wants can be satisfied and choices therefore have to be made. Some economists work for the government: they analyse data on trends in national wealth and make recommendations to policy-makers. Other economists work in the private sector, forecasting, consulting and making decisions. Not all economics graduates join the economics profession. Many move into related areas such as corporate planning, market research, financial analysis, or even become executives in their own right.

How is Economics at NTU Different?

The curriculum structure gives students a great deal of flexibility in selecting courses outside their Economics major. Up to 25 percent of the curriculum can be filled with unrestricted electives, i.e. courses offered in any School in NTU, including Economics electives. There is no restriction on the combination as long as the time-table permits and pre-requisites are satisfied. For example, students who wish to further their knowledge in economics have the option of selecting more advanced economics courses. Students however are strongly encouraged to use the general electives to complement their work in economics with a Minor offered by other Schools. Possible Minors include Business, Chinese, Entrepreneurship, Communication Studies, Computing. Students may also wish to select a concentration of general electives from one of the specialisations in the Business School, such as marketing, finance or actuarial science. If so, they should pay attention to the course pre-requisites and plan accordingly.

What Combinations of Economics Courses Should I Take?

Although students are free to select their economics electives, it would be sensible for students to group their courses in one of three concentrations: Finance and Business, Development and Public Policy or Quantitative Economics. The choice of stream depends on the interests and intentions of the student.

Can I Complete the Program in Less than 4 years?

The NTU programme is designed as a four-year programme. However, it allows well-prepared students to take more courses during the semester and between semesters so that they can complete the programme, with honours, in less than four years. For example, a student with strong mathematics background may apply for exemption from the basic mathematics course.

What Are the Admissions Requirements?

Students must satisfy the basic requirements for admission into NTU. Apart from that, the only additional requirement for admission into the economics programme is that students must have a minimum of a pass in GCE O Level Additional Mathematics or equivalent.

Is It an Advantage to Have Studied Economics at A-Level?

No, not necessarily. Students who have studied Economics at school will find the first year a bit easier. After that, all students will have reached the same level. University teaching is, moreover, different from A-level teaching. The approach at University is more analytical and more challenging. Even students with A-levels will have to develop new skills.

What if I Am Not Strong in Mathematics?

Nowadays all students of economics have to know some mathematics. Also, in their careers they will probably need to use some basic quantitative techniques. The NTU programme is, however, designed in such a way as to allow students to select as many as possible of their options. Students can choose the courses that suit their abilities and in which they excel. Just as some students will avoid the more quantitative, others will select the Quantitative Economics concentration because they find it challenging and excel at it.

Is The Programme Open to All Polytechnic Students? Is the Mathematics Admission Requirement the Same as That of A-Level Students?

Yes, all Polytechnic students, regardless of their Diplomas, are welcome to apply. Students who do not have O-level Additional Mathematics may be called for interviews and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What If I Want to Change My Major after the First Year?

You will be allowed to switch your Major provided that you meet the criteria for the new Major you choose.