The knowledge of the economist and the skill of the linguist make a powerful combination in today’s world. With growing globalisation and increasing interdependence in political and commercial life, there is a clear need for graduates equipped with both these abilities.

First year

The Economics with Language programmes retain the core structure of the Single Honours Economics degree. They introduce you to the basic concepts and techniques in Economic Analysis, Applied Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Economic History. You also take a language module of your choice, which introduces you to the social and political background of the country concerned.

Second year

In this year you take compulsory modules in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, and a language course. The language option includes the exploration of the social and political life and the economic system of the country concerned. You also take a course in Econometrics and choose from a wide range of options including Economic Development and Environmental Economics.

Third year

In the third year you study economics in an appropriate overseas university. You select courses in consultation with your tutor, but the aim is for you to study areas of economics you would not normally have experience of in the UK. You are required to write two essays on Economics topics, one of which will be in the language that you are studying.

Fourth year

You return to Birmingham in the fourth year. In addition, you take a compulsory module in Economic Theory and choose six optional economics modules from a range that includes International Trade, Economics of Financial Markets and European Economics. You also undertake your own research and produce an extended essay on a topic of your own choosing.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

How will I be taught?

Economics is a department within our Business School. Birmingham Business School has strong links with industry, so as well as exploring theoretical aspects, you’ll find that your degree has a strong practical focus, and this is reflected in the way you’ll be taught. Learning from experts in their field, you will be encouraged to think for yourself and will experience a number of different learning settings, including lectures, tutorials and even the opportunity to be involved in our Economics Laboratory. Our aim is to equip you with specific skills in economics, but also generic skills that can be applied right across the job spectrum, such as analytical and data analysis.

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts.  From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.  We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself. 

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that we’ll enable you to make this transition.  You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues, and a formal transition review during your first year to check on your progress and offer you help for any particular areas where you need support.

Find out more about our academics' approaches to teaching and learning.

Personal Tutor

Throughout your course, your Personal Tutor, who will be assigned to you from day one, will be on hand to give you all the academic and welfare support and advice you need. Our aim is to ensure you make the most of your potential and your time here at Birmingham, and your Personal Tutor will help you to do this.

Contact hours

As well as time with your lecturers and personal tutor, academic and professional services staff (like our dedicated Careers Network team) will be avialable to offer individual and group support throughout your time here at Birmingham.

Learning settings

You’ll find our Economics department staff here at Birmingham located in a building at the heart of our world famous main campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Lectures and teaching will take place in a variety of  versatile lecture theatres and breakout rooms which, as well as the traditional whiteboard and pen, are equipped  with wireless connection and constantly updated technology including all the audio-visual equipment that you would expect from one of the UK’s premier insitutions.

Small-group tutorials/personal tutorials run alongside our lectures, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate lecture material, as well as test your understanding through problem-solving exercises.

Self study is an essential part of the programme and requires self motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

Birmingham Business School has invested in The Birmingham Experimental Economics Laboratory (BEEL) which was founded in 2012 and enables economics experiments to take place on campus. The laboratory focuses on research into individual and strategic decision making and students are actively encouraged to participate in these experiments.

Guest Speakers

Birmingham Business School hosts many guest speaker events and lectures that help to enhance your student experience. The events help to add an extra perspective to your course from world leaders in your field of study.

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

Career opportunities

At the end of four years you will be well-versed in economic concepts, have the ability to analyse issues with an economist’s viewpoint, have attained a high level of spoken and written language skills, and be familiar with another European country. These degrees are of great practical value and appeal to prospective employers both in the UK and continental Europe.