Banking, Finance and Modern Languages

The Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance with Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the core principles of banking, financial management, and international finance, combined with proficiency in one or more modern languages. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with the analytical, numerical, and communication skills necessary to excel in the global financial sector. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as financial markets, investment analysis, banking operations, risk management, and international financial regulations, alongside developing expertise in their chosen modern language, which may include French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, or others.

The programme emphasizes practical learning, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge through case studies, simulations, and internships in financial institutions and multinational companies. Students will also acquire vital language skills that enhance their employability in international markets, enabling seamless communication across cultures and business environments. The curriculum includes modules in economics, finance, and language studies, integrated with opportunities for collaborative projects and independent research. Furthermore, the programme fosters a global outlook, preparing graduates for careers across various sectors including banking, asset management, financial consultancy, international trade, and diplomatic services.

Dedicated career support and industry links ensure students gain insights into real-world financial challenges and develop critical thinking abilities. The programme also offers optional study abroad years, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultures and further strengthen their language proficiency. Graduates of this degree will emerge as versatile professionals with a unique combination of financial expertise and linguistic competence, highly valued in today’s interconnected world. The University of Essex’s strong reputation for research-led teaching, combined with a vibrant student community and excellent employment prospects, makes this programme an ideal choice for students aiming to thrive in the international financial sector.

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; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

International Banking;
Options and Futures;
Bank Risk Management;
two language options; 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 Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students an opportunity to develop advanced language skills alongside a comprehensive understanding of contemporary cultural, social, and political issues associated with the languages studied. The program typically includes options to specialise in one or more languages, such as French, Spanish, German, or Italian, allowing students to achieve fluency and intercultural competence. Throughout their studies, students engage in a variety of modules designed to enhance their linguistic abilities, including language acquisition, translation, and linguistic analysis. Additionally, the program emphasizes developing critical thinking and intercultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, journalism, and teaching.

Students also have the chance to undertake a year abroad, which is a significant component of the degree, providing immersive language experience and cultural exchange that broadens their global perspective and enhances employability. The university provides excellent support services, including language labs, multimedia resources, and dedicated academic tutors, ensuring that students receive personalized guidance throughout their academic journey. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career ambitions.

Furthermore, the program encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities like language clubs, cultural events, and internships, which can provide practical experience and networking opportunities in international settings. Graduates of the Modern Languages program are well-equipped with strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of linguistic diversity, making them highly competitive in a globalized job market. The University of Essex's commitment to research-led teaching and its vibrant international community creates an engaging learning environment that fosters personal and professional development. This comprehensive degree aims to prepare students not only for immediate employment but also for lifelong learning and engagement in a multilingual and interconnected world.