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.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and computer-based laboratory classes. We assess your work both by examination and coursework.
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.
Related links
Department of Economics website: www.economics.bham.ac.uk