Economics and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
2024-25 entryCombining economics with modern languages and cultures gives your degree a truly global focus. Develop the practical skills an economist needs, including statistical and quantitative methods, and advanced economic analysis. Get a solid grounding in modern economic theory and how to apply it, and you'll explore current debates on economic policy.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code RL50
- 4 years / Full-time
- September start
- Find out the course fee
- Dual honours
- Foreign language study
- Study abroad
- View 2025-26 entry
Explore this course:
Course description
Become a specialist in the application of rigorous quantitative and analytical skills to economic policy - while developing your chosen language or languages.
Combine the study of economics with the study of modern languages and cultures, and graduate with a wealth of global career opportunities in economic and related fields.
Receive economics training in advanced methods, particularly mathematical and statistical, and apply these methods, and your knowledge of economics, to a variety of real world problems.
Choosing between one or two languages, you’ll develop highly valuable language skills, and a sophisticated understanding of the countries where your chosen language or languages are spoken. Prepare to leave this course as a graduate with highly sought after language and economic skills, and cultural awareness.
Why study this course?
- Combine the study of economics with one or two languages - choose from 10 languages (German, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Czech, Catalan, Italian, and Luxembourgish) to take your economic skills global.
- Spend a year abroad - the year abroad in third year enables you to immerse yourself in the language, culture and society of the language or languages you study.
- Variety, choice and flexibility - from a broad grounding in economic theory and analysis, this course allows you to specialise in your area of interest.
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
UCAS code: RL50
Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
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 techniques. 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 this module are: 1. To give an insight into the importance of mathematical methods in economic analysis. 2. To introduce a range of mathematical techniques. 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
You will choose from a wide range of optional modules in modern languages and cultures.
Economics core:
- Statistics and Econometrics
-
This module introduces dual honours economics students to Statistics and Econometrics and in particular how they are used in economics, to investigate economic relationships and to test economic theories. The first part of the module describes the key statistical ideas and methods that economics students need to know, and provides opportunities to practise their use. The second part of the module focusses on econometrics, providing students with the knowledge of how to model economic data, again with opportunities to develop practical experience in this area.
20 credits
Economics options - two from:
- Intermediate Microeconomics
-
This module builds on Level 1 modules in microeconomics and mathematical economics, using the mathematical training to allow a more rigorous investigation of the principles of microeconomics. It aims to develop an understanding and ability to undertake economic analysis of models of the behaviour and interaction of economic agents (consumers, firms and government) in a market economy, the functioning of different types of industries, decision making under uncertainty and economic welfare.
20 credits - Intermediate Macroeconomics
-
The aims of this course are to provide firm grounding in the analytical tools of modern macroeconomics; to use these tools to understand critically the conduct of economic policy nationally and internationally. The course builds on level 1 modules in macroeconomics. The main subject areas covered are: Basic macroeconomic models: consumption/leisure choice, closed economy one period-macro models, models of search and unemployment; Savings, investment and government deficits: consumption/savings choice (two-period model), credit market imperfections, real intertemporal model with investment; Money and business cycles: flexible price models, New Keynesian economics (sticky prices), inflation; International macroeconomics: international trade, money in open economy; Economic growth: Malthus and Solow growth models, convergence, endogenous growth model.
20 credits - International Economics
-
This module addresses fundamental questions in International Economics, with a particular focus on the phenomenon known as 'global imbalances'. Many countries, including the world's largest economies, have been accumulating increasingly large external debt positions or external asset positions over the last few decades. This phenomenon has important consequences for the stability of the international economy and is often a concern for policy makers. This module will introduce you to modern, microfounded tools required to understand these imbalances, based on the latest economic research.
20 credits - Labour Economics
-
This module develops theoretical models of the labour market, starting with the competitive model of the labour market through an analysis of supply and demand for labour. A range of issues that can affect outcomes in the labour market will be considered, with an emphasis on the study of empirical evidence concerning these issues.
20 credits - Economics of Financial Institutions
-
This module covers introductory monetary, banking and finance theory and issues relating to policy and regulation of the banking and finance system. The module introduces the basic concepts in money and banking while it supports and expands on the material provided in ECN201 and ECN202, the second year micro and macro modules.
20 credits - Public Economics
-
Public economics uses the tools of microeconomics and empirical analysis to study the impact of government policies on economic behaviour and the distribution of resources in the economy.
20 credits - Industrial Organisation
-
Industrial Organisation is a major branch of microeconomics. It considers the structure, operation and performance of industries and firms using both economic theory and empirical work.
20 credits - Economic Decision-making
-
In life we are constantly making economic decisions: whether to go to university; whether to leave a tip in a restaurant; whether to buy a house or rent; whether to declare all our income to the tax authority; whether to play the lottery; whether and how much to invest in the stock market. In this module we study economic theory and evidence related to decision-making in these different contexts with a view to understanding human decision-making, how it deviates from standard notions of economic rationality.
20 credits - Macroeconomic Policy
-
The module will focus on applying macroeconomic theory to a variety of economic policy issues. The module will consider fiscal and monetary policy and will include how policy responds to economic shocks. The course builds on the knowledge of the core first year economics modules.
20 credits
Students may also choose one of the following modules as one of their two Economics options
- Intermediate Microeconomics
-
This module builds on Level 1 modules in microeconomics and mathematical economics, using the mathematical training to allow a more rigorous investigation of the principles of microeconomics. It aims to develop an understanding and ability to undertake economic analysis of models of the behaviour and interaction of economic agents (consumers, firms and government) in a market economy, the functioning of different types of industries, decision making under uncertainty and economic welfare.
20 credits - Intermediate Macroeconomics
-
The aims of this course are to provide firm grounding in the analytical tools of modern macroeconomics; to use these tools to understand critically the conduct of economic policy nationally and internationally. The course builds on level 1 modules in macroeconomics. The main subject areas covered are: Basic macroeconomic models: consumption/leisure choice, closed economy one period-macro models, models of search and unemployment; Savings, investment and government deficits: consumption/savings choice (two-period model), credit market imperfections, real intertemporal model with investment; Money and business cycles: flexible price models, New Keynesian economics (sticky prices), inflation; International macroeconomics: international trade, money in open economy; Economic growth: Malthus and Solow growth models, convergence, endogenous growth model.
20 credits
You will choose from a wide range of optional modules in modern languages and cultures.
You'll spend the third year of your course abroad, speaking the language and living the culture of either one or two of your chosen languages.
Economics core module:
- Economics in Action
-
On this innovative module you'll undertake a number of projects related to the economic fields in the Applied pathway. You will demonstrate your abilities and skills by applying them to a range of issues explored in your final year, while acquiring new research skills. The module therefore has a strong emphasis on employability, and the skills you acquire will help you develop various examples of the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. In particular, key Sheffield Graduate Attributes you will develop are: (i) Translating knowledge - you will take the theories and techniques learned in your earlier core modules, and apply them to economic issues, problems and challenges raised and discussed in your applied modules. (ii) Critical thinking - you will need to critically appraise, analyse and interpret the evidence that you research on the economic issues you are considering from your applied modules, in order to be able to offer conclusions and recommendations. (iii) Communication - you will need to communicate your ideas, findings and conclusions using a variety of communication methods, that could be appropriate for different circustances, for example a formal report, a blog report for non-specialists, an oral presentation etc.
20 credits
Economics options - two from:
- Education Economics
-
The amount of education possessed by individuals will influence their decisions in future. Education relates to issues such as health and labour market decisions. This module examines the demand for and provision of education, incorporating a mixture of economic theory such as human capital; rates of return to further and higher education and course type all of which directly relate to the labour market. Macroeconomic new growth theories are considered using empirical evidence. The graduate labour market is analysed, incorporating changes in the provision of higher education and an understanding of the rationale for the introduction of top-up fees. A final section considers schools, analysing and evaluating issues such as class size reduction, competition and selection, the performance of teachers, and the importance of pupils' family backgrounds, all in terms of their effect on pupil performance.
20 credits - Political Economy
-
Important economic processes cannot be fully understood without taking into account political and institutional factors and governments' political motivations. This module introduces insights from politics into the study of public policy and economic performance. In particular, it aims to give students: 1. an opportunity for interdisciplinary study within the undergraduate economics degree; 2. familiarity with the modern literature in theoretical and applied political economy; 3. an opportunity to develop their research skills through research-oriented assignments.
20 credits - International Trade
-
The first part of the course will cover neoclassical trade theories in which countries trade following their comparative advantage. The second part of the course deals with more recent trade theories based on economies of scale and/or imperfect competition that helps us to explain some recent patterns observed in the data. The third part of the course is an introduction to trade policy and the political economy of trade policy.
20 credits - Monetary Economics
-
This module covers monetary theory and monetary policy. It presents several economic models and discusses what monetary policy can and cannot do, as well as an introduction to the New Keynesian model. The module aims to enable students to apply the skills of economic analysis to the conduct of central banks and to the mechanisms underlying the monetary transmission mechanism.
20 credits - Development Economics
-
It takes the average worker in the UK less than ten days to produce the same amount of output as the average worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo produces over the course of an entire year. Earning the minimum wage in the UK easily puts you in the top 10% of earners worldwide. This module uses a mix of theory and empirics to seek to understand where these enormous gaps in standards of living between countries come from and how they evolve over time.
20 credits - Health Economics
-
Economics is the study of how society allocates its scarce resources across competing alternatives. This notion of scarcity is as relevant in the health care sector as it is elsewhere and, thus, it is important that the resources available to health and health care are used in the best possible ways. This course will: look at how best should be defined in the context of health care; consider the roles that market forces and governments might play in achieving the sector's objectives; and discuss what information is needed so that resources can be deployed where they will do the most good. The aims of the module are: 1. To enable students to develop a critical understanding of the basis of health economics.
20 credits
2. To introduce students to the health economists' toolkit, the ways in which it can be used in to inform health care resource allocation, and its limitations. - Economic Analysis of Inequality and Poverty
-
This module will cover the economic theories used for the analysis of inequality and poverty.
20 credits
The theories will be backed by evidence from both the developed and the developing countries. The module starts off by a discussion of issues around measurement of inequality and poverty; the different measures that are used and the inherent assumptions behind these measures. We then move on to explain the existing global trends in inequality and poverty. Different theories are used to explain these trends; for example: role of human capital, poverty traps etc. Finally we discuss the policy response of different countries to address the issues of inequality and poverty, drawing on the specific examples of welfare programmes in the developed countries and the conditional cash transfers in the developing countries. - Economics of Race and Gender
-
The Economics of Race and Gender first presents an overview of differential outcomes by gender and ethnicity in the UK labour market and discusses the possible drivers of these differences. It then presents economic theories of discrimination in labour markets before discussing the strategies that economists use to test for discrimination in the real world. The module ends with a discussion of the interplay between economics and psychology as a means to better understand when and why discrimination occurs.
20 credits - Behavioural Economics
-
Standard economic models can successfully model human behaviour. However, the strong assumptions required of economic actors in those models will make systematic mispredictions in some contexts. Behavioural economics tries to overcome the systematic mispredictions by adopting non-standard assumptions, often inspired by insights from other disciplines. The module will discuss empirical evidence that underpins these non-standard assumptions, and will reflect on how insights from behavioural economics can be relevant in real life.
20 credits - Environmental Economics
-
Economic choices shape nature just as nature can shape our choices. This module provides students with the opportunity to apply economic concepts and methods to issues related to the use and management of the environment and natural resources. The module explores issues, arguments and analysis of market failure in the protection of the environment. It also offers public policy responses to issues of sustainability and climate change.
20 credits - The Economics of Innovation
-
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the economics of innovation. The module will study firms' incentives to invest in innovation and the resulting policy implications. In this module you will build on and expand your knowledge of microeconomics. Topics will include the relationship between market structure and innovation, the role of firm cooperation and the effects of mergers on innovative activities. The module will also look at the role of intellectual property rights / patent systems and policy interventions. As many innovations in recent years are in the area of digitalisation and platform ecosystems, the module will also provide a short introduction to the economics of platform markets.
20 credits
You will choose from a wide range of optional modules in modern languages and cultures.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
typically including a modern foreign language
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in the EPQ; ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 34, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject + an appropriate modern foreign language qualification
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + A at A Level typically in a modern foreign language
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAABB + B typically in a modern foreign language
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA, typically including a modern foreign language
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
-
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 at grade 6/B, or an English language qualification for non-native speakers of English)
-
GCSE Maths grade 6/B
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
typically including a modern foreign language
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in the EPQ; ABB, typically including a modern foreign language + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 33, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject + an appropriate modern foreign language qualification
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + B at A Level typically in a modern foreign language
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AABBB + B typically in a modern foreign language
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AB, typically including a modern foreign language
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
-
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 at grade 6/B, or an English language qualification for non-native speakers of English)
-
GCSE Maths grade 6/B
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 qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Graduate careers
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, banking, insurance, accountancy, sales and marketing, and retail management and professional economists in government, industry or the City.
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 at postgraduate level.
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 CulturesDepartment 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 who 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, as well as advisory bodies such as the Low Pay Commission. Their research helps shape government policies and aims to improve people's lives. This research also informs what you will be taught in your modules.
The Department of Economics is based in Elmfield building, close to The Wave, the new home for the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Wave features state-of-the-art collaborative lecture theatres, study spaces and seminar rooms.
Teaching may take place in Elmfield, The Wave, or in other buildings across campus, many of which are close together so it’s easy to walk between them and it’s a great way to get to know the city. You will also be close to our Students' Union and central libraries.
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 EconomicsWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
Department of Economics
2020-21 Graduate Outcomes Survey, UK undergraduates
Fees and funding
Fees
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.
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
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open 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
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 2864
- slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.