BA Economics with Language Studies

This course starts with a foundation year, giving you a year of study at Essex before beginning your undergraduate course.

Do you want to combine the study of economics with a modern foreign language? Economics is not only about stocks, shares, and financial markets; it relates to every aspect of our lives where there is a demand to produce and supply goods and services.

Economics at Essex is a home for the tenacious and bold. We encourage you to ask difficult questions so you can work with us to break intellectual boundaries and pioneer new solutions to issues of global concern. Learning a modern language on top of this offers you a distinct advantage over colleagues in the public or private sector Speaking more than one language not only develops your confidence to travel and work internationally but also allows you to communicate with co-workers from all over the world.

Our course gives you a thorough introduction to all aspects of economics, including micro and macroeconomics, and qualitative and mathematical research methods. Examine the decisions of individuals, the strategies of firms and the policies of individuals to understand and challenge the standard rules of economics.

Alongside this, you also study a language, choosing from French, German, Italian or Portuguese, which allows you to graduate at either Proficiency or Mastery Level. Throughout your course, a growing understanding of economic concepts is matched by your increasing competence with your chosen language.

Our Department of Economics is ranked 12th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2020) and is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% of their research rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2014).

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs. Many of our academic staff provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

Our modern languages staff are also internationally renowned.. All our language teachers are native or bilingual speakers, we maintain excellent student-staff ratios, and we integrate language learning with linguistics wherever there is synergy.

In addition to helping you acquire practical foreign language skills, our staff share their expertise with you in the areas of professional translation, interpreting and subtitling, film and art, business, and culture.

Specialist facilities

• Extensive software for quantitative analysis is available in all computer labs across the University
• Access to two multimedia language teaching labs which are equipped with state-of-the-art Melissi Digital Classroom software, and fitted with computers integrating audio-visual projectors and large screens
• A new 20-position Interpreting Lab
• Meet other linguists and practice your language skills at our Language Cafés
• Experience world cinema at our Modern Languages film club
• Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost

Your future

As a graduate of this course, you’ll have strong problem solving, data analysis and quantitative skills, which are valued highly by employers. In a job market which is becoming increasingly global, having studied a foreign language places you in a very advantageous position regardless of which career path you follow.

Our students find themselves in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy, as well as directly in roles using economic knowledge.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:

• Bank of England
• Barclays
• Citigroup
• Deloitte
• Ernst and Young
• Morgan Stanley
• Bank of New York
• Santander

We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

UK entry requirements

UK and EU applicants:

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you

• think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
• have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
• are returning to university after some time away from education; or
• are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer:

Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

• A-levels: DDD
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
• T-levels: Pass with E in core

For this course all applicants must also hold GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.

Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:

We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

You will still need to meet our GCSE requirements.

International applicants:

Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College.

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Teaching

• Teaching is arranged to allow freedom in how you organise your learning experiences
• After receiving a general overview of a topic in your two-hour weekly lecture, you discuss and solve the issues it raises in a class with 15 to 20 fellow students
• Optional support classes in Economics
• Activities designed to develop your practical language skills, such as role-play and class presentations
• Cultural and social themes are explored through film, music, the internet, theatre and literature

Assessment

• You are assessed each year through a mixture of coursework and end-of-year examinations
• The weighting of your Economics modules is set at 50% coursework and 50% exam
• For many of your second- and final-year modules, coursework takes the form of an extended essay
• Languages assessed through role-plays and translations
• Complete your final year project in consultation with a personal supervisor