(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Financial Economics and Accounting (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Economics
Accounting
BA L147
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
GCSE: Mathematics C/4
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics grade 4, or a minimum of 3 in Higher Level Mathematics. We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied -advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a 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 listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a 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.
Course qualifiers
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Mr Pedro David Matos Serodio
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The aim of this course is to give students a comprehensive training financial economics and accounting.
The course provides the essential skills to those wishing to pursue successful careers in economics, finance and/or accounting, as well as those wishing to progress to postgraduate courses related to the above subjects.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of basic economics and finance principles together with knowledge of basic acounting analysis
A2: Knowledge of a range of applications in economics, finance and accounting
A3: Understanding of the key developments in economics, financial and accounting research (research lead teaching)
A4: Understanding of the relationships between economics, financial and accounting principles and real world applications of those principles
A5: Awareness of the significance of alternative economics and financial approaches to economic and financial analysis
A6: Knowledge of the methods used to analyse economic, financial and accounting issues
A7: An experience-based understanding of work roles
Learning methods
Outcomes A1-A6 are acquired through lectures, classes, and related coursework.
Lectures are used to present material - ideas, data and arguments - in a clear and structured manner.
Lectures are also used to stimulate students’‘ interest in learning.
Classes and preparation for lectures and classes, provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the content of the modules.
Preparation for term papers, tests, assignments and for examinations aids students in developing this knowledge and understanding.
Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.
The industrial placement will enable students to achieve A7.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A6 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.
Learning outcome A7 is assessed via a portfolio.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Logically analyse particular problems in economics, finance and accounting and choose the most appropriate methods for their solution
B2: Exercise critical judgement in assessing different and competing economic and financial theories and methods and appraising their merits
B3: Formulate a coherent economic/financial/accounting argument
B4: A capacity to connect subject-specific theory to practice in a work environment
Learning methods
Skills B1-B3 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples and applications.
Student preparation involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of the relevant material including the relevant literature.
Teachers provide feedback on student work through comment and discussion.
In addition, teachers engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments, and email.
The industrial placement will enable students to achieve B5.
Assessment methods
Skills B1-B3 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.
Skill B5 is assessed via the placement year portfolio.
C: Practical skills
C1: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches
C2: Organise ideas in a systematic and critical fashion
C3: Present and critically assess ideas and arguments in economics/finance/accounting coherently in writing
C4: Use and apply the right terminology and concepts in economics/finance/accounting
C5: Communicate with a range of colleagues and clients in a working environment
Learning methods
Skills C1-C4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules.
Lectures also provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through examples and applications.
Skill C5 is developed in the industrial placement.
Assessment methods
Skills C1-C4 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.
Skills C1 and C2 are also informally assessed by student's preparation for each module.
Skill C5 is assessed via a portfolio.
D: Key skills
D1: Communication in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language
D2: Production of a word-processed research dissertation. Development of web-skills.
D3: Use of mathematical techniques to construct economic models and the use of econometric methods to analyse economic data
D4: Application of economic reasoning to address complex issues involving economic phenomena
D5: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the specialist language
(a) organise and implement a plan of independent study;
(b) reflect on his or her own learning experience and adapt in response to feedback; and
(c) recognise when he or she needs to learn more and appreciate the role of additional research
D6: Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment
Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment.
D7: Capacity to work in a team within a work environment
Learning methods
Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D5 through lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers.
These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their modules.
Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in classes for modules, especially the applied ones.
Skills C6 and C7 are developed during the industrial placement
Assessment methods
Skills D1-D5 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of examinations and coursework.
Skills D6 and D7 are assessed in the placement year portfolio.