Banking and Finance with a Modern Language

The Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance with a Modern Language at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and internationally focused education in the fields of banking, financial markets, and economic management. This innovative programme combines core financial principles with practical language skills, preparing graduates to excel in global financial institutions, multinational corporations, and international regulatory bodies. Students will develop a strong understanding of financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and banking operations, alongside acquiring fluency in a modern language such as French, Spanish, or German. The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, including case studies, simulations, and work placements, to enhance employability and industry readiness. Throughout the programme, students will engage with contemporary topics such as digital banking, financial technology (fintech), ethical finance, and global economic development. The programme encourages critical thinking, analytical abilities, and cultural awareness, essential skills in today’s interconnected financial world. Additionally, students benefit from access to the university’s extensive resources, including dedicated finance labs, language learning centers, and strong links with industry partners. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in financial concepts but also capable of operating effectively across different cultures and languages, giving them a competitive edge in various international careers. Upon successful completion, students will be well-equipped to pursue careers in banking, asset management, financial consultancy, international trade, or continue their education with postgraduate studies in finance or related fields. The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on practical skills and global perspectives, makes this programme an ideal choice for students aspiring to become future leaders in international finance.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Accounting and Finance;
Introduction to Management;
Quantitative Methods and Finance; and
Economics for Business

Year 2

Corporate Finance;
Portfolio Analysis;
Introduction to Banking;
Financial Modelling;
one language option; and
one Essex Business School option or one outside option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

International Banking;
Options and Futures;
Bank Risk Management;
Financial Markets and Monetary Policy;
one language option; and
one Essex Business School option or one outside option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB-ABB
• GCSE Mathematics: C
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 33-32 points including Standard Mathematics grade 4, if not taken at the Higher Level (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• One modern language must be taken as the major language. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied from scratch. If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, you will need A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent).
• If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance with a Modern Language at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education combining core financial principles with linguistic proficiency. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the global financial industry, while also gaining fluency in a modern foreign language, such as French, Spanish, or German. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including financial markets, banking operations, investment analysis, financial reporting, and economics, alongside language modules that enhance communication skills in international contexts.

Students benefit from a diverse and dynamic learning environment, with the opportunity to engage in practical activities, internships, and collaborative projects that reflect real-world financial challenges. The program emphasizes the development of analytical, problem-solving, and intercultural communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in banking, finance, international business, or further postgraduate study. Assessments include written coursework, presentations, group projects, and examinations, encouraging both individual excellence and teamwork.

The Modern Language component involves intensive language instruction, which aims to achieve a high level of oral and written proficiency, complemented by modules on cultural understanding and business communication in the chosen language. The program also promotes employability through guest lectures, industry seminars, and networking events, providing students with insights into contemporary financial practices and career pathways.

Throughout the course, students have access to the university's excellent facilities, including dedicated language labs, financial laboratories, and extensive library resources. The University of Essex is committed to providing an inclusive environment that fosters internationalization, cultural awareness, and academic excellence. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue professional roles across the financial sector or continue their education with specialized postgraduate programs. The program’s blend of financial expertise and linguistic capability makes it unique and highly attractive for students aiming for a competitive edge in the global marketplace.