Program Overview

Economics (Major) with French

Overview

The Economics with French degree integrates core elements from economics degree with French-language modules taught by the School of Arts, English and Languages. Integral to the Economics with French programme is the placement year students complete in a region of the globe where the language being studied is the dominant tongue. A Careers and Work Placement Office ensures that students are well prepared for placement and obtain positions which are of the highest quality. Previously, our students have completed placements in Citi Paris, BNP Paribas Paris, Xerox Paris.

Course Structure

• Year 1: Students will take 4 economics modules per year, and 2 modules from the language of their degree.
• Year 2: Students will take 4 economics modules per year, and 2 modules from the language of their degree.
• Year 3: Students will complete a 9 to 12 month placement in a French speaking country.
• Year 4: Students will take 4 economics modules per year, and 2 modules from the language of their degree.

Modules

Core Modules

• Mathematics for Economists (20 credits)
  • This course builds on the Mathematics taught at GCSE level or an equivalent level. It begins with a revision of basic algebraic methods. These ideas are then further developed to cover more advanced mathematical concepts including linear and non-linear functions; matrix algebra; single variable calculus and calculus of several variables.
• Statistical Methods (20 credits)
  • The course covers basic statistics for economics, finance and accounting students and assumes no prior knowledge. The two main areas of statistics covered are descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.
• Principles of Economics (40 credits)
  • Principles of Economics is the title of our CORE (Curriculum Open-access Resource for Economics) module for Level 1. CORE is the result of a huge global collaboration to change the way introductory economics is taught; to ensure it is student-centred and motivated by real-world problems and real-world data.
• French 1 (40 credits)
  • This module aims to consolidate and develop the students existing written and oral language skills and knowledge of French and Francophone culture, equip them with professional and employability skills and prepare them to go further in the study of French.
• Beginners French Studies (Post GCSE Level) (40 credits)
  • This modules aims to provide students with little or no previous knowledge of French with the grammatical, written, and spoken language skills necessary go further in the study of French. It will also equip them with professional and employability skills complimentary to their studies.
• Intermediate Microeconomics (20 credits)
  • Microeconomics serves to make students familiar with microeconomic thinking, terminology and methodology. The module provides a rigorous treatment of some of the basic tools of economic modelling and reasoning, mainly decision and market theoretical tools.
• Macroeconomics (20 credits)
  • The course covers theories and models of macroeconomics with real-world examples, discussions and case studies. Topics discussed will include macroeconomic data, macroeconomic equilibrium, the monetary system and financial institutions, business cycles, unemployment, inflation, government interventions in the form of fiscal and monetary policy, income inequality and some aspects of open economy macroeconomics.
• Employability Module (0 credits)
  • None
• French 2 (40 credits)
  • Course contents: Building on skills acquired at Level 1, this module aims to consolidate productive (writing and speaking) and receptive (reading and listening) skills in French language. Key components are: comprehension, translation into English and into French, résumé, grammar, CV preparation.
• Economic Growth (20 credits)
  • Economic growth is concerned with the identification of determinants of economic development, both across time and regions. Theoretical concepts and data commonly used in the field of economic growth will be introduced, discussed and applied.
• Introduction to Econometrics (20 credits)
  • Understanding data is at the heart of economics. Data on different processes or events are often noisy and impossible to predict with complete accuracy. However, most data variables have patterns, and econometrics is about understanding and helping to explain these patterns.
• QBS Placement Year - Economics with a Language (120 credits)
  • None
• French 3 (40 credits)
  • Building on skills acquired at level 2, this module aims to develop the skills and understanding required to deal with a broad variety of language tasks. Linguistic, sociolinguistic and cultural awareness will be consolidated and deepened.
• Applied Econometrics (20 credits)
  • The course provides a rigorous introduction to the statistical and econometric methods used in economic research. The course covers both the theoretical basis and the practical application of the various techniques commonly employed in empirical research.

Optional Modules

• International Economics (20 credits)
  • International economics is a challenging and exciting sub-discipline of economics, which investigates the drivers and consequences of: (i) the international movement of goods and services; (ii) the international movement of money and capital; and (iii) the distributional consequences of these international transactions.
• Environmental Economics (20 credits)
  • The field of environmental economics informs policymakers of the policy levers required to efficiently guide society towards sustainable patterns of consumption.
• Contemporary Economic Issues (20 credits)
  • This module considers issues of contemporary economic interest. It is a topics-based module, and the topics vary year-on-year depending on what issues in the global economy are current.
• Advanced Microeconomics (20 credits)
  • This module covers core theories in advanced microeconomics, in particular the general theory of economic equilibrium with applications to ongoing issues in the contemporary global economy.
• Economics Dissertation (20 credits)
  • The dissertation option gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to conduct an independent research project on an agreed economics topic.
• Labour Economics (20 credits)
  • For most of us the labour market is arguably the most important market that we ever participate in: it’s where we spend a lot of our lifetime and is where most of the income that we spend on goods and services comes from.
• Economics of Networks and Institutions (20 credits)
  • Topics will cover the role of socio-economic institutions and networks in our contemporary global economy, explaining the financial crisis of 2008 and its consequences from a network-institutional perspective.
• Economic History (20 credits)
  • This module covers various topics in the economic history of the world across the last 500 years. It is intended to complement other final year modules; accordingly it emphasises the application of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, and qualitative and quantitative methods, to solve historical puzzles.
• Public Economics (20 credits)
  • The module concentrates on public expenditure and taxation issues. Following a review of the welfare basis for government intervention, the expenditure section focuses on public goods, externalities, public choice, equity and efficiency aspects of health care and education provision, and fiscal federalism.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: Post A-level French ABB including A-level French + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. Note: for applicants who have not studied A-level French then AS-level French grade B would be acceptable in lieu of A-level French. Beginners French ABB + GCSE French grade B or evidence of linguistic ability in another language + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. Note: the Beginners' option is not available to those who have studied A-level or AS-level French.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in French or evidence of linguistic ability in another language + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics.
• Access/Foundation Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70% + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 or equivalent in Access Course. NB Language requirements must also be satisfied - please see A-level entry requirements.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including French + if not offered at Higher Level then Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics or GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), with overall grades DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3), with overall grades DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. NB Language requirements must also be satisfied - please see A-level entry requirements.
• Graduate: A minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. NB Language requirements must also be satisfied - please see A-level entry requirements.

Careers

• Career Prospects: Those pursuing a career in Economics should enjoy working with numbers and dealing with ambiguous and incomplete information as they attempt to understand and provide solutions to problems. They should also be effective communicators and work well with people. Economists must be prepared to take on challenges and be able to adapt to a constantly changing and dynamic business environment. Many of the skills that students will acquire during their studies at Queen’s will be of great value in a range of different career and life situations. Core transferable skills include the ability to learn independently, problem solving, understanding and interpreting very sophisticated economic and financial information, and work productively as part of a team.
• Employment after the Course: Typical career destinations of graduates include: Professional Economists, Accountancy, Managers and Administrators in areas such as market research, advertising, sales and personnel, Education, health or government departments.
• Employment Links: Graduate employers include: PwC, EY; KPMG, Deloitte, BDO, Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland, First Trust, Northern Ireland Civil Service, Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, BBC, National Trust.
• Alumni Success: “I work directly for the Mayor of London, and have overall responsibility for all of Transport for London services – London Underground, London buses, Docklands Light Railway, Crossrail operations, London Overground, London Trams and the Emirates Air Line cable car! I am also heavily involved in the Congestion Charging scheme, road safety and schemes to boost cycling and walking.” Mike Brown, BSc Economics, MVO Commissioner, Transport for London.
• What employers say: “For many years Oxford Economics has recruited students from Queen’s Economics degree, both for industrial placement and graduate positions. The course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to hit the ground running in the workplace." David Moore, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics, Northern Ireland.
• Prizes and Awards: Foundation Scholarships for the best student in Economics Level 1 and Level 2. KPMG Prize is awarded to the best graduate in the BSc Economics degree. McKane Medal is awarded to the best final honours student in Economics. Shaw Memorial Prize for the best performing second- year student in BSc Economics.
• Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills: In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: Northern Ireland (NI) £4,855, Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,855, England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,535, EU Other £20,800, International £20,800.
• Additional course costs: Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution, of approximately £150.
• Scholarships: Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.
• International Scholarships: Information on scholarships for international students, is available at
• How do I fund my study?: There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at scholarships/.