Information for Prospective Undergraduates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are "Economics Courses"?
- What is the normal offer level for admission?
- What's the difference between a BA and a BSc?
- Do I need 'A'-level Economics?
- Do I need 'A'-level Mathematics?
- Does the department encourage applications from
overseas students?
- Is direct entry into the second or final year possible?
- What will I study?
- What does the Economics Project involve?
Q.
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What are ''Economics Courses''?
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A.
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Economics Modules are grouped into courses (e.g. BSc Economics,
or BA International Economics). Courses differ in the modules that are taken but share a
common structure. As a result, you will have a great deal of flexibility to choose
modules
that suit your needs.
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Q.
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What is the normal offer level for admission?
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A.
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- There are
standard offers for a range of qualifications.
- All qualifications are considered on their merits.
- Let us know about your qualifications (in as much detail
as possible) and we shall advise you about whether you should
make an application. Inquiries should be sent to:
ueco@essex.ac.uk.
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Q.
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What's the difference between a BA and a BSc?
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A.
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It's your choice.
You can choose BSc or BA degree, in Economics, Management Economics,
International Economics or Financial Economics.
The difference between a BSc and a BA is simply that the BSc degrees require you to take Mathematical Methods
in Economics (EC251)
and Introduction to Econometric Methods (EC252)
in the second year of study. These two half-year modules are
optional for the BA schemes.
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Q.
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Do I need 'A'-level Economics?
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A.
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No. Although many entrants have studied
some economics before, this is not necessary. The first year course is
designed specially so that all students reach a common level of
expertise ready to continue into the second and third years of study.
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Q.
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Do I need 'A'-level Mathematics?
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A.
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No, but to study modern economics, you will need to be prepared
to learn some relevant mathematical and statistical techniques. These are taught in the first and second
years of study. Your background (i.e. qualifications in mathematics and
statistics) may enable you to substitute the standard modules with
options more suited to your needs.
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Q.
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Does the department encourage applications from overseas students?
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A.
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Yes. The department of economics has long and deep connections with
many parts of the world. Applications are always welcome and we shall
advise you about whether your academic qualifications are suitable
to permit entry to study economics.
The department is pleased to admit well qualified applicants from
anywhere in the world.
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Q.
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Is direct entry into the second or final year possible?
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A.
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Direct entry into the second year
may be possible if we
can be confident that applicants are properly qualified.
Direct entry into the final year of any economics BA or BSc
is not permitted.
- For second year entry applicants must have achieved a standard
equivalent to the first year at a British university and
also have studied economics and quantitative methods to
a sufficiently advanced level.
- Each application is considered
on its merits.
- Applicants studying for the
University of London (LSE) external
diploma in economics
are particularly welcome to apply for second year entry.
If you are interested, please send a message to
undergraduate inquiries, being
careful to include full details of your entry qualifications.
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Q.
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What will I study?
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A.
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Your first year provides you with an overview of economics and
related subjects, designed to introduce you to university level methods of inquiry. Your
second year will contain core economic theory and quantitative methods courses. These
prepare you for more advanced optional modules you take in your final year. Each year you
can also take an option in another subject chosen from among modern languages, accounting,
politics, philosophy and other social science subjects.
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Q.
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What does the Economics Project involve?
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A.
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In your final year, you will be guided by a member of staff who
supervises your research project, one of the distinctive features of Economics degrees at
Essex. You will have the opportunity to propose your own research topic or to choose one
from among the many suggested by the Department. Hence you will be able to do in-depth
research and put into practice the economics you have learned.
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If you have any further questions, please e-mail ueco@essex.ac.uk.
We will respond as soon as possible.