Program Overview
The Modern Languages and Economics BA at the University of Leeds combines the study of economics with proficiency in one of nine languages. The program emphasizes a global perspective, with a mandatory year abroad for immersive language and cultural enrichment. Graduates are well-prepared for international careers in education, business, finance, and other sectors. The program's innovative teaching methods and extensive facilities, including language labs and translation suites, foster language fluency and critical thinking skills.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This four-year program combines the study of economics with one of nine languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, or Thai. The program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in both economics and their chosen language, preparing them for international careers in a variety of fields. The program emphasizes a global perspective, with a mandatory year abroad in a country where the chosen language is spoken. This immersive experience allows students to enhance their language skills, gain cultural understanding, and develop a deeper understanding of how their host country interacts with other nations and global institutions.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
- Economics and Global History (10 credits)
- Economic Theory and Applications (30 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A (10 credits) - Required for students who have not completed A level Maths.
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Intermediate Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (10 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution (10 credits)
- Industrial Economics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 (10 credits)
- Macroeconomic Policy and Performance (10 credits)
- International Economics (10 credits)
- Business Economics (10 credits)
- Economics Research Methods (10 credits)
- Statistics and Econometrics (20 credits)
- Labour Economics (10 credits)
- How to be a Successful Policy Economist (10 credits)
- Ethics and Economics (10 credits)
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Final Year Project (30 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- A range of more advanced economics and cultural modules, including modules on translation, interpreting, or languages for business.
Year 4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- A compulsory language module.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Podcasts
- Literature reviews
- Reflective logs
- Group projects Assessments are designed to develop transferable skills needed for the world of work, emphasizing critical thinking, initiative, and knowledge of relevant subjects and sources. Additional classes on skills like public speaking, essay structuring, and exam technique are available throughout the program.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program is taught by expert academics, including lecturers and professors, as well as industry professionals and trained postgraduate researchers.
- Teaching Methods: A range of teaching methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and independent study.
Careers:
The program prepares students for international careers in a wide range of sectors, including:
- Education
- Media
- Law
- Publishing
- Civil service
- Business and finance
- Charity sector Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.
Other:
- Specialist Facilities: The University of Leeds offers a variety of specialist facilities to support language learning, including:
- The Language Centre: Digital language labs, audio/video practice booths, and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
- The Language Zone: Learning materials in over 50 languages, including online resources and advice.
- The Brotherton Library: A wide variety of manuscripts, archives, and early printed materials in its Special Collections, including rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters in various languages.
- The Martin Thomas Translation Labs: State-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites.
- Partnerships: The University has links with several institutions that support language learning on campus, such as Instituto Cervantes (Spanish), Instituto Camoes (Portuguese), and Institut Ramon Llull (Catalan).
- Employability: The University of Leeds is committed to developing student employability and career prospects. The Careers Centre provides support for career planning, job searching, and networking.
- Clubs and Societies: Students can get involved in a variety of clubs and societies, which offer opportunities to develop skills such as teamwork and leadership.
- Entrepreneurship Support: The University offers support for students interested in starting their own businesses.
