(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Economics with Data Science (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Economics
Computing
BSC LG03
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
GCSE: Mathematics B/5
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics grade 5, or a minimum of 3 in Higher Level Mathematics. We will accept grade 5 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 B/5 or above or 5 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
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.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this 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 here.
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
- To provide students with an academic training in the principles of economics.
- To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of computer science, whilst providing opportunities for them to develop expertise within particular areas of specialisation.
- To provide students with an awareness of the quantitative methods appropriate for knowledge of economic principles and applied economics.
- To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of economic issues.
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in high demand in the computing industry and in the wider economy.
- To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackle problems.
- To develop in students the ability to construct logical arguments, to communicate arguments clearly in writing, and to appreciate, evaluate and respond to potentially conflicting interpretations of economic phenomena.
- To provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills constructively to one or more specialist areas of economics and the associated policies.
- To allow students, through the study of economics, to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills.
- To provide students with a foundation for further studies in economics and allied disciplines.
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 the fundamental principles of economics, including microeconomics and macroeconomics.
A2: Understanding of the application of economic reasoning to the study of relevant problems and policies.
A3: Knowledge of the mathematical methods needed to comprehend economic principles.
A4: Awareness of the sources of economic information and knowledge and understanding of sources available for historical research.
A5: Knowledge of statistical methods needed for the analysis of economic issues.
A6: Appreciation of one or more specialist areas of economics in depth.
A7: Understanding of the mathematical methods needed for the analysis and generation of computing models and algorithms.
A8: Knowledge of econometric methods and an awareness of how they are applied in the analysis and evaluation of economic issues.
A9: Understanding of programming models, languages and development environments
A10: Understanding of computer systems, including computer architecture, operating systems, embedded computer systems and computer networks
A11: Understanding of information systems, including data modelling, database design, information retrieval and visualisation, and access via interactive web pages
A12: Understanding of systems analysis and software development processes
A13: Applying academic learning outcomes in a work-related context.
Learning methods
Skills A1-A13 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, labs, practical exercises, assignments and project work.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-13 are assessed through coursework and exams.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a specified problem and choose the most suitable methods for its solution.
B2: Assess the relative merits of a range of theories, techniques and tools needed to articulate arguments and policies used in both economics and computer-based systems.
B3: Synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources (lectures, classes, journals, books, etc.) developing a critical evaluation of the importance and relevance of the sources to an area of study.
B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of economic ideas and computer-based systems.
B5: A capacity to connect subject-specific theory to practice in a work environment
Learning methods
Skills B1-B4 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.
The industrial placement will enable students to achieve B5.
Assessment methods
Skills B1-B4 are assessed by means of coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, and written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.
Achievement of intellectual/cognitive skills is assessed through marked assignments (especially B3 and B4), tests (especially B1), term papers (especially B2, B3, B4), project work (especially B1,B2, B3 and B4) and unseen closed-book examinations (especially B1, B3 and B4).
Skill B5 is assessed via the placement year portfolio.
C: Practical skills
C1: Identify, select and gather information, using the relevant sources.
C2: Organise ideas in a systematic way.
C3: Present economic ideas and arguments coherently in writing.
C4: Use and apply economic terminology and concepts.
C5: Communicate with a range of colleagues and clients in a working environment
Learning methods
Skills C1-C4 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, practical exercises, formative feedback.
Skill C5 is developed in the industrial placement.
Assessment methods
Skills C1-C4 are assessed by coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, and written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.
Achievement of practical skills C1, C2, C3 and C4 is assessed directly through marked assignments, tests, term papers, project work and unseen closed-book examinations.
Skill C5 is assessed via a portfolio.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to express oneself in a clear, focused, relevant and effective way, both orally and in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language as appropriate, including (a) the articulation of economic theories, (b) the description of economic evidence, (c) the critical assessment of economic arguments and policies
D2: Ability to use appropriate software and hardware to produce and present high quality editorial content and knowledge and understanding of quantitative methods and of how quantitative methods are applied in practice to analyse economic data
D3: Understanding of how economic reasoning is used to address problems involving opportunity cost, incentives, households' and firms' decision-making, strategic thinking, expectations and market outcomes in equilibrium and disequilibrium.
D4: Ability to apply knowledge and understanding to make judgements and address issues in these subject areas.
D5: Ability to engage in collaborative activities, work co-operatively in a variety of group contexts and respond constructively to criticism.
D6: Ability to take responsibility for one's own work and actions in individual and collective contexts, reflect on one's own performance and make constructive use of feedback in class and written comments on coursework and oral communication, recognise any individual needs for further learning and appreciate the role of additional research
D7: Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment
Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment.
D8: Capacity to work in a team within a work environment
Learning methods
Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 through Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.
Skills D7 and D8 are developed in the industrial placement
Assessment methods
Skills D1-D6 are assessed by coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, and written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.
Skills D7 and D8 are assessed via the placement year portfolio.