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.
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
You know that a course at the University of Birmingham is an investment in your future.
From day 1 at Birmingham you can access lots of support and guidance to help you gain the vital careers and employability skills that can really help you stand out from the crowd.
There are lots of opportunities available for you to develop skills employers value both within your degree programme and outside. For example:
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You can apply for an internship, with university funded bursaries to help with costs
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Join our Personal Skills Award (PSA) scheme, which credits the work you do on a voluntary activities outside your degree, or through extra modules you can take over 2 years
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Become ‘enterprising’ and take advantage of mentoring and help from loads of ‘Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ activities on campus
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Or you could get involved in our Alumni Mentoring scheme and learn from the best of the best
There is also a dedicated team of people who can help and support you including careers and employability advisers, internship officers and an application support adviser who specialise in working with students just like you. You can ask for individual advice, attend workshops and careers events tailored to your degree programme. You can browse web resources, which includes careers information, job adverts for work experience and internships, details of careers fairs and events such as presentations from past graduates.
Birmingham is just the start of the journey. We’ll make sure you have all the support you need to help you develop, gain knowledge and the confidence you will need to make decisions about your future.
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAA
Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics grade A if not offered at AS or A2 level. GCSE (grade B) in a modern language for the ab initio route with advanced route available in certain circumstances.
General Studies: not accepted
Additional information:
International students:
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36–38 points
Standard English language requirements apply
Learn more about international entry requirements
Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in the Birmingham Foundation Academy, a specially structured programme for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on the foundation academy web pages.
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