Business Economics

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Business Economics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Business and Management
BA LN10
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Mathematics C/4.
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Our Maths requirement can be met with either: 4 in Standard level Maths; 3 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

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.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

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

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

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

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.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EC111-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Economics  Core  30  30 
02  BE501-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Marketing  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE401-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Management  Compulsory  15  15 
04    EC114-4-FY or (BE303-4-AU and BE304-4-SP)  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  EC123-4-FY-CO  Career Skills in Economics  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EC202-5-FY-CO  Microeconomics (Intermediate)  Compulsory  30  30 
02  EC247-5-AU-CO  Financial Instruments and Capital Markets  Compulsory  15  15 
03  EC262-5-AU-CO  Economics of Organisational Management  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE431-5-AU-CO  Business Strategy  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  45  45 
06  EC123-5-FY-CO  Career Skills in Economics  Compulsory 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EC831-6-FY-CO  Project: Economics  Compulsory  30  30 
02  EC261-6-SP-CO  Management of New Technology  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE423-6-SP-CO  Managing for Ethics and Sustainability  Compulsory  15  15 
04    BE444-6-SP and/or option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  EC123-6-FY-CO  Career Skills in Economics  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To provide students with an academic training in the principles of economics, business and finance.
  • To equip students with the practical skills relevant to understand and implement economic decisions by businesses and managers.
  • To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of economic issues.
  • To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackle economic 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 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 fundamental economics, finance and business principles

A2: Knowledge of a range of applications in economics, financial economics and business. Understanding of the key developments in economics, financial economics and business research (research-led-teaching)

A3: Understanding of the relationships between economics, financial economics and business principles and real world applications of those principles

A4: Awareness of the significance of alternative economics and business approaches to economic and business analysis

A5: Knowledge of the methods used to analyse economic, financial and business issues

Learning methods

Outcomes A1-A5 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.

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-A5 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Logically analyse particular problems in economics, financial economics and business studies and choose the most appropriate methods for their solution

B2: Exercise critical judgement in assessing different and competing economic and financial theories and business methods and appraising their merits

B3: Formulate a coherent economic/financial/business argument

B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of economics/financial/business ideas

Learning methods

Skills B1-B4 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.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.

Assessment methods

Skills B1-B4 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.

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 coherently in writing

C4: Use and apply the right terminology and concepts in economics and business

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

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.

D: Key skills

D1: Communication in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language: (a) the articulation of economic theories, (b) the description of economic evidence, (c) the critical assessment of economic arguments and policies. Communicating ideas, information and arguments in oral and written form in Portuguese using the appropriate register and style.

D2: Production of a word-processed coursework. Development of web-skills. Numerical skills using Excel software

D3: Use of mathematical techniques to construct economic and financial models

D4: Application of economic/financial/business reasoning to address issues in those subjects

D5: Class material can involve group working in particular subjects

D6: Capacity to: (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

Learning methods

Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 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.

Assessment methods

Skills D1-D6 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of examinations and coursework.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.