(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Business Economics (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Business and Management
BA LN11
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
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
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, 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
A6: Understanding how key concepts and issues in business economics are understood in a different academic and national context.
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.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A6 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
C5: Apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
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 acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad
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 during the international exchange year.
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.