(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Economics with Psychology (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA C861
08/06/2026
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
- GCSE: Mathematics B/5.
Plus a level 3 qualification:
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Our Maths requirement can be met with either: 2 in Standard level Maths; 2 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We accept A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points. Acceptability of some non A-level qualifications (such as BTECs) may depend on the subject studied and units taken.
You can calculate your UCAS tariff points on the UCAS website.
Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the UCAS tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts.
More information about our requirements and how to apply is on our undergraduate application information page
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. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK. Our Contextual Offers policy outlines the full eligibility criteria.
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.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements 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.
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.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the 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.
Programme aims
- To provide students with an academic training in the principles of economics, behavioural economics and psychology.
- To enable students to enrich their understanding of individual decision making and market behaviour.
- To develop in students the ability to use both psychology and economic experimental techniques to test theories and explore human behaviour.
- To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of economic issues.
- To provide students with two parallel and complementary forms of analysis to approach decision making.
- 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 enable students to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills.
- To provide students with a foundation for further studies in economics, behavioural economics and psychology
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, behavioural economics and psychology
A2: Knowledge of a range of applications in economics, behavioural economics and psychology. Understanding of the key developments in economics, behavioural economics and psychology (research-led-teaching)
A3: Understanding of the relationships between economics and psychology principles and real world applications of those principles
A4: Awareness of the significance of alternative economics and psychology approaches to human behaviour
A5: Knowledge of the methods used to analyse economics and psychology applications
A6: Understanding of the mathematical methods needed to articulate economic theories.
A7: Knowledge of statistical methods and a fundamental awareness of how they are applied in the analysis and evaluation of economic issues.
A101: Applying academic learning outcomes in a work-related context.
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, behavioural economics and psychology and choose the most appropriate methods for their solution
B2: Exercise critical judgement in assessing different and competing economic and psychology theories and methods and appraising their merits
B3: Formulate a coherent argument related to economics/psychology
B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of economics/psychology 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.
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/psychology
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
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities to (a) produce word-processed coursework (b) Develop web-skills (c) Develop numerical skills using Excel software
D3: Use of mathematical techniques to construct economics and behavioural economics models
D4: Ability to apply economics and psychology reasoning to address issues in those subjects
D5: Capacity to work as part of a team
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-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.
Assessment methods
Skills D1-D5 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of examinations and coursework.