Economics with Data Science (Including Foundation Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24 - 2024/25
Course overview
(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Economics with Data Science (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Economics
Computing
BSC LG04
08/05/2024

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.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 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 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EC111-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Economics  Core  30  30 
02  CE151-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Programming  Core  15  15 
03  CE152-4-SP-CO  Object-Oriented Programming  Core  15  15 
04  EC114-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Quantitative Economics  Compulsory  30  30 
05  EC115-4-FY-CO  Methods of Economic Analysis  Compulsory  30  30 
06  EC123-4-FY-CO  Career Skills in Economics  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  EC201-5-FY-CO  Macroeconomics (Intermediate)  Compulsory  30  30 
02  EC202-5-FY-CO  Microeconomics (Intermediate)  Compulsory  30  30 
03  EC251-5-SP-CO  Mathematical Methods in Economics  Compulsory  15  15 
04  EC252-5-AU-CO  Introduction to Econometric Methods  Compulsory  15  15 
05  CE203-5-AU-CO  Application Programming  Compulsory  15  15 
06  CE204-5-AU-CO  Data Structures and Algorithms  Compulsory  15  15 
07  EC123-5-FY-CO  Career Skills in Economics  Compulsory 

Year 3 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    EC831-6-FY or BE947-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  CE306-6-SP-CO  Information Retrieval  Compulsory  15  15 
03    CE303-6-AU or CE314-6-AU or option from list  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
04    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.
  • 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 computer systems, including computer architecture, operating systems, embedded computer systems and computer networks

A3: Understanding of information systems, including data modelling, database design, information retrieval and visualisation, and access via interactive web pages

A4: Understanding of systems analysis and software development processes

A5: Understanding of the application of economic reasoning to the study of relevant problems and policies.

A6: Knowledge of the mathematical methods needed to comprehend economic principles.

A7: Awareness of the sources of economic information and knowledge and understanding of sources available for historical research.

A8: Knowledge of statistical methods needed for the analysis of economic issues.

A9: Appreciation of one or more specialist areas of economics in depth.

A10: Understanding of the mathematical methods needed for the analysis and generation of computing models and algorithms.

A11: Knowledge of econometric methods and an awareness of how they are applied in the analysis and evaluation of economic issues.

A12: Understanding of programming models, languages and development environments

Learning methods

Skills A1-A12 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, labs, practical exercises, assignments and project work.

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-12 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.

Learning methods

Skills B1-B4 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

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).

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

Learning methods

Skills C1-C4 are acquired through Lectures, workshops, practical exercises, formative feedback.

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.

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

Learning methods

Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 through Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

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.


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.