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Modern Languages and Economics BA

Undergraduate

Year abroad

Start date

27 September 2027

Study location

University of Warwick

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Duration

4 years full-time, normally including a year abroad

Course overview

Do you have a passion for language learning, intercultural communication, and the study of cultures and societies? Are you looking to study one or two languages alongside the economic institutions and trends that shape our world?

Modern Languages students and staff talking

On our Modern Languages and Economics (BA) degree you will split your time equally between Modern Languages and Economics.

Studying Modern Languages will enable you to gain expertise in two languages. Choose Language 1 from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Choose Language 2 from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish.

Modern Languages degree looks at the very heart of how we communicate with other people and societies, focusing on the different nuances and cultural debates that can shape our interactions with one another. On this degree programme, you will study two languages, one of which may be taken from Beginner level.

Alongside your study of two languages, you will specialise in Economics: this is the study of choice, investigating the choices of consumers and corporations, groups and governments, networks and nations. It plays a part in every aspect of modern life, using scientific methods to develop theoretical models of behaviour and testing intuition with empirical analysis of markets, institutions and public policy. In Economics, you will study the choices of consumers, corporations, governments, networks and nations. You will also develop a deep knowledge of global and local economic trends, institutions and policies.

Our flexible programme allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of two languages, while exploring international economic phenomena. The course includes a year studying or working abroad to boost your skills and employability. You will normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.

You will have access to outstanding facilities and resources. This includes flexible collaborative and individual learning spaces, as well as a vast selection of print, digital and multimedia learning materials.

You will graduate as a highly qualified linguist, with advanced intercultural skills and a sophisticated understanding of key concepts and debates in the cultures you have studied. The specialist communication, research, critical and evaluative skills you will gain are all highly sought after by employers.

Entry requirements

Modules

This joint degree enables you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of two languages while developing your ability as an analyst of international economic phenomena.

50% of your degree will be in Economics, where you will study the choices of consumers, corporations, governments, networks and nations, developing a deep knowledge of global and local economic trends, institutions and policies. On the Economics side of your degree, you will take two core modules, ‘Economics 1’ and ‘Quantitative Techniques’, to introduce you to the core concepts and methods that will support you in your study of the subject.

The other 50% of your degree will be in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, where you will study two languages. Each language represents 25% of the degree programme. Language 1 must be post A Level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish. In the first year, you will take a culture module linked to one of your languages, allowing you to explore in depth the cultural and social contexts in which that language is spoken.

In your intermediate and final years, you will further develop your language skills in more advanced language classes. In Economics, you will also be to balance core knowledge with the opportunity to explore your own interests, taking one core and one optional module.

You can either spend your year abroad in one country for the whole year or split it between countries where your two languages are spoken.

A note on the languages

Mandarin Chinese can be taken at Beginner, Intermediate or post A Level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.

Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at Beginner or Intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability.

Note that the module catalogue is subject to change for future years of study, as we evolve our courses in response to the latest developments in academia and industry. If optional modules are listed below, these can vary from year to year.

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Teaching and learning

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