Financial Economics and Accounting (Including Foundation Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Financial Economics and Accounting (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Economics
Accounting
BA LX14
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

UK and EU applicants:

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you

  • think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
  • have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
  • are returning to university after some time away from education; or
  • are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer:

Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

  • A-levels: DDD
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
  • T-levels: Pass with E in core

For this course all applicants must also hold GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.

Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:

We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

You will still need to meet our GCSE requirements.

International applicants:

Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Student 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 required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a Student 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

Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen 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

Staff photo
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.

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 0 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  IA106-3-FY-CO  Introduction to Economics  Core  30  30 
02  IA191-3-FY-CO  Research and Academic Development Skills  Core  30  30 
03  IA124-3-FY-CO  Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business  Core  30  30 
04  IA174-3-FY-CO  Introduction to Accounting and Finance  Core  30  30 

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  BE102-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Accounting I  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE103-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Accounting II  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE303-4-AU-CO  Quantitative Methods and Finance  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE304-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Finance  Compulsory  15  15 
06    Social Science option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
07  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  BE110-5-FY-CO  Financial Reporting and Analysis  Compulsory  30  30 
02  BE111-5-AU-CO  Management Accounting I  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE113-5-SP-CO  Management Accounting II  Compulsory  15  15 
04  EC202-5-FY-CO  Microeconomics (Intermediate)  Compulsory  30  30 
05  EC247-5-AU-CO  Financial Instruments and Capital Markets  Compulsory  15  15 
06    Option from list  Optional  15  15 
07  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  BE130-6-FY-CO  Current Issues in Financial Reporting  Compulsory  30  30 
02  BE131-6-AU-CO  Advanced Management Accounting  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE133-6-SP-CO  Debates in Public, Social and Environmental Accounting  Compulsory  15  15 
04  EC371-6-AU-CO  Economic Analysis of Asset Prices  Compulsory  15  15 
05  EC372-6-SP-CO  Economics of Financial Markets and Intermediation  Compulsory  15  15 
06    EC831-6-FY or (BE936-6-FY and option from list)  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
07  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

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

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, 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

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.

Assessment methods

Skills B1-B3 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 in economics/finance/accounting coherently in writing

C4: Use and apply the right terminology and concepts in economics/finance/accounting

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

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

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.


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.