Finance with a Modern Language

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Finance with a Modern Language at the University of Essex offers a unique interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles alongside advanced language skills. This programme is ideal for students who wish to combine their passion for finance with the opportunity to develop proficiency in a modern foreign language, opening doors to international careers and global markets. The course provides a solid foundation in financial management, investment analysis, risk assessment, and economic principles, enabling graduates to pursue careers in banking, asset management, consultancy, and other finance-related sectors.

Throughout the programme, students undertake core modules in financial accounting, corporate finance, and quantitative methods, complemented by modules that focus on the specific language chosen for study, such as French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin. This integration not only enhances language competence but also deepens cultural understanding and communication skills, which are highly valued in international business environments. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning, including case studies, group projects, and opportunities for work placements, helping students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

Students also benefit from the university’s strong links with industry partners, offering networking opportunities, internships, and guest lectures from industry professionals. The programme encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and the development of analytical skills, preparing graduates to adapt rapidly to the dynamic global financial landscape. Additionally, the university’s supportive academic community and modern facilities enhance the learning experience, ensuring students are well-equipped for postgraduate study or immediate employment.

By the end of this degree, students will have developed fluency in their chosen language, a deep understanding of financial concepts, and the ability to operate confidently in multicultural and multilingual environments. This combination of skills makes graduates highly competitive in the increasingly globalized world of finance and international business. The programme aims to produce well-rounded, adaptable professionals capable of pursuing diverse career pathways across finance, economics, consulting, or further academic research.

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

Financial Reporting and Analysis;
Corporate Finance;
Portfolio Analysis;
Foundations of Finance;
Financial Modelling; and
one language option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

International Finance;
Empirical Finance;
The Pricing of Securities in Financial Markets;
Options and Futures;
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
• 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 Bachelor of Finance with a Modern Language at the University of Essex is an innovative programme designed to equip students with a robust understanding of financial principles alongside advanced language skills. This interdisciplinary degree aims to prepare students for careers in international finance, banking, investment, or economic consultancy, where proficiency in a second language is highly valued. The programme combines core modules in finance, such as Principles of Finance, Financial Markets and Instruments, Corporate Finance, and Financial Data Analysis, with language modules that develop competencies in a chosen modern language, such as Spanish, French, or German. Throughout the course, students engage with real-world financial cases, enhancing their analytical and decision-making skills in dynamic market environments. The inclusion of a modern language component ensures graduates are not only numerically capable but also culturally adept, enabling them to communicate effectively with international clients and colleagues. The programme emphasizes practical skills through workshops, seminars, and placements, fostering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students benefit from Essex's diverse, inclusive campus environment and strong links with industry partners, providing opportunities for internships and networking events. The course is typically structured over three years, with optional placement years allowing students to gain valuable work experience. Entry requirements generally include a good academic record, proficiency in the chosen language, and strong numeracy skills. Graduates of this degree program often find employment in multinational corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, or international NGOs. The University of Essex ensures that students receive personalized academic support, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge resources, preparing them for a competitive global job market. This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about finance and are eager to develop linguistic skills to operate effectively in international professional environments.