Finance and a Modern Language

Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Modern Language at the University of Essex is a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with a robust understanding of financial principles alongside advanced language skills. This innovative course combines rigorous training in the core concepts of finance—covering areas such as financial markets, investment analysis, corporate finance, and economic theory—with in-depth study of a modern foreign language, including courses in speaking, writing, and cultural understanding. Students will develop analytical and quantitative skills essential for careers in banking, investment, financial consulting, and global business environments, while also gaining the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and languages, opening doors to international opportunities. The programme fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills through a blend of lectures, seminars, and practical projects. Students will benefit from the university's strong links with industry, providing opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world experience. The varied curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of employment prospects and further postgraduate study. Throughout the course, students will engage in engaging coursework, group projects, and presentations, gaining valuable teamwork and communication abilities. The programme's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and career ambitions, with options to specialise further in finance or language studies. By completing this degree, graduates will leave with a unique combination of financial expertise and linguistic ability, making them highly competitive in the increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment and dedicated career services will ensure students are well-prepared to undertake professional roles both nationally and internationally, ready to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.

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;
Foundations of Finance;
Financial Modelling; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

International Finance;
Empirical Finance;
The Pricing of Securities in Financial Markets;
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
• IB: 33-32 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• GCSE Mathematics: C
• GCSE English: C
• 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 University of Essex offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in both Finance and Modern Languages, designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in their chosen fields. The Finance programme at Essex provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and financial markets. Students are introduced to quantitative methods and data analysis techniques, which are essential for making informed financial decisions. The programme emphasizes practical application through real-world case studies, internships, and opportunities for engagement with industry professionals. Students also develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling them to interpret complex financial data and understand global financial systems. The Modern Languages programme at Essex offers various language options, including but not limited to French, Spanish, and German. It is designed to foster advanced language proficiency and intercultural understanding. The programme focuses on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, alongside cultural studies to provide contextual knowledge of countries where the languages are spoken. Students benefit from immersive learning experiences, including language laboratories, study abroad opportunities, and interactions with native speakers. Combining language skills with cultural insights prepares students for careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, tourism, or further research. Both programmes are supported by experienced academic staff and modern facilities, including language labs, libraries, and multimedia resources. The university also offers career support, networking events, and placement opportunities to enhance employability. Overall, Essex’s programmes in Finance and Modern Languages aim to develop well-rounded graduates with practical skills and global perspectives, ready to meet the demands of today’s competitive job markets.