Economics and Modern Languages & Cultures BA

Key details

• A Levels AAB
  Other entry requirements
• UCAS code RL50
• 4 years / Full-time
• Find out the course fee
• Dual honours
• Foreign language study
• Study abroad

Course description

Combining economics with modern languages and cultures gives your degree a truly global focus.

You'll develop the practical skills an economist needs, including statistical and quantitative methods, and advanced economic analysis. You'll get a solid grounding in modern economic theory and how to apply it, and you'll explore current debates on economic policy.

You'll study modules in economic analysis, policy and mathematical and statistical methods for economics in your first year. Then in your second year you'll further your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics. In your third year you'll take optional modules in aspects of economics that interest you.

The flexibility of the modern languages part of the degree means you have the option to study economics with either one or two of these languages: Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. You can study Italian on this degree but only alongside a second language as well as economics. Luxembourg Studies is available as an option from year two onwards, either on its own or with a second language and economics.

You can take any language from beginner's level, and you can take French, German, Russian or Spanish post-A Level (or equivalent).

You'll develop your communication skills in your chosen language or languages to a high level. Optional modules include linguistics, literature, society and politics, history, philosophy and film studies.

We have recommended pathways through the languages and modules to enable you to create combinations that work well together. However, our flexible approach means you are not constrained by those pathways and we support you to make the choices that are best for you.

You'll spend the third year of your course abroad. We have a wide range of destinations on offer, both within Europe and beyond. You can choose to study at a leading university, carry out an approved work placement, or in some cases take part in exciting volunteering opportunities.

This degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, close to home and further afield. You'll get extensive training in quantitative techniques, problem solving and analytical writing, as well as other transferable skills. You'll develop highly valuable language skills, and you'll gain a sophisticated understanding of the countries where your chosen language or languages are spoken.

You'll be equipped for variety of professions including business, finance and accountancy, law, teaching, translating, journalism, broadcasting and national government in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

Dual and combined honours degrees

Modules

• You can find a comprehensive list of all of our languages and cultures modules broken down by language on the School of Languages and Cultures website
• Examples of the economics modules on offer are listed below

Title: Economics and Modern Languages & Cultures BA course structure
UCAS code: RL50
Years: 2021

First year Second year Third year Fourth year

Core economics modules:

Economic Analysis and Policy

This is a compulsory module for all single and dual honours students in Economics. The module provides students with an introduction to microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis together with examples of their application in order to develop students' understanding of the roles of both in economic policy making.

40 credits

Optional economics modules - one of:

Mathematical Methods for Economics 1

The aims of this module are: 1. To give an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economic analysis. 2. To introduce a range of mathematical techiques. 3. To give an understanding of how and when to apply the techniques. The module will include revision of basic concepts, algebra, equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, differential calculus, optimisation, geometry

20 credits

Mathematical Methods for Economics 2

The aims of the module are: 1. To provide an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economics; 2. To introduce and apply a range of mathematical techniques to economic problems. Topics covered in the course include revision of algebra, functions, differential calculus, optimisation, an introduction to dynamic analysis, and an introduction to matrix algebra.

20 credits

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.

Learning and assessment

Learning

You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars and language classes. Language teaching is in small groups, so you'll get plenty of tailored support and will get to know your tutors well.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods during your course. In the language programme you will be given regular homework assignments and take a mix of coursework and exam assessments at appropriate points over the academic year. You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our assessment methods vary across our courses and include taking sit-down exams, developing a portfolio, writing essays, taking part in group projects or giving individual presentations.

Programme specification

This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

Find programme specification for this course

Entry requirements

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible

A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + A in Core Maths ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + A in Core Maths

International Baccalaureate | 34, typically including 5 in Higher Level in a modern foreign language 33, typically including 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language

BTEC | DDD in a relevant subject DDD in a relevant subject

Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAABB + B, typically including a modern foreign language AABBB + B, typically including a modern foreign language

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA, typically including a modern foreign language B + AB, typically including a modern foreign language

Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with Distinctions in 36 Level 3 credits, and Merits in 9 Level 3 credits 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with Distinctions in 30 Level 3 credits, and Merits in 15 Level 3 credits

Mature students - explore other routes for mature students

English language requirements | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other requirements

• If you are not studying a modern foreign language, the department will consider other evidence of aptitude for language learning, such as a languages GCSE or, for non-native speakers of English, an English language qualification

• GCSE Maths grade 6 or B

We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

School of Languages and Cultures

At the School of Languages and Cultures you'll develop your linguistic skills to a very high level and deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the countries where your languages are spoken.

We offer a particularly wide range of languages - Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Right from the start, you'll work with the school's top specialists and native speakers who will help you realise your linguistic potential. Language teaching is in small groups, so you'll get plenty of support tailored to your needs and get to know your tutors well.

We're a leading centre for modern languages and cultures research. Our work spans identity, gender, linguistics, politics, migration and literary studies. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and languages across cultures and countries.

You'll be able to study optional modules either in your individual languages, or across the school so you'll acquire an in-depth understanding of your chosen languages and their cultures, and how they relate to other languages and cultures across modern languages disciplines.

Our student-run language societies organise multilingual events, trips and creative projects. There are opportunities to volunteer in the community and in schools, inspiring others to try new languages.

School of Languages and Cultures students are based in the Jessop West building at the heart of the University campus, close to the Diamond and the Information Commons. We share the Jessop West Building with the Department of History and the School of English.

School of Languages and Cultures

Department of Economics

We have an international reputation for practical and real-world economics. You'll be taught by some of the top economic experts in their field and you'll receive the latest cutting-edge teaching from people that care passionately about their subject. Our staff advise government departments in the UK such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Low Pay Commission. Their expertise helps shape government policies and aims to improve people's lives.

We're one of the few stand alone economics departments in the north of England. Our graduates are in demand by some of the country's top economics employers such as the Bank of England, PwC, IBM and HM Treasury. We're large enough to offer a wide variety of optional specialised modules, but small enough so that you will get to know your tutors personally and build life-long friendships with the other students on your course.

Department of Economics students are based in the heart of the campus in 9 Mappin Street. You'll have some of your tutorials in the small classrooms in this building and lectures in locations across the campus.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art classrooms are in the same building as our staff offices. You'll also have your own social space with computer access.

Department of Economics

Why choose Sheffield?

The University of Sheffield

  A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings

  Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014

  No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017

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School of Languages and Cultures

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Department of Economics

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Student profiles

A languages degree has given me various transferable skills as well huge confidence in public speaking

Georgina BA Modern Languages & Cultures

Georgina studied Spanish, Portuguese and Italian as part of the BA Modern Languages & Cultures

My placement year helped to build my confidence

Arinola Lawal BA Economics with Employment Experience

Arinola did a placement year working as a Junior Commercial Manager at IBM in Manchester.

Graduate careers

School of Languages and Cultures

Our graduates are excellent communicators, adaptable and culturally aware. They work in international development organisations, business and banking, translating and interpreting, intelligence services, journalism, teaching, publishing, and international sales and marketing. Many go on to further study.

Department of Economics

Some of our graduates become professional economists in government, industry or the City. Others enter related professions - banking, ‭insurance, accountancy, sales and marketing and ‭retail management.

Recent graduates are now working for the Bank of England, HM Treasury, the European Parliament, PwC, Deloitte, IBM and Rolls Royce. Some prefer to advance their knowledge by studying economics at postgraduate level.

Working in the humanitarian sector, being a linguist is indispensable

John BA Modern Languages & Cultures

John completed a BA that included Spanish and Portuguese

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees

Fee status help

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Examples of what’s included and excluded

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

Visit us

University open days

There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

Open days: book your place

Taster days

At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.

Upcoming taster sessions

Applicant days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Campus tours

Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Book your place on a campus tour

Apply for this course

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com

Contact us

Telephone: +44 114 222 2864
Email: slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk

School of Languages and Cultures