Economics with French L1R1 - Durham University

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Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level	A*AA
BTEC	D*DD
International Baccalaureate	38

Course details

With an estimated 250 million French speakers worldwide, the French language plays a significant role in international economic relations. As such, this course delivers a skill set that will appeal to employers around the world.

On this course you will explore the principles of economic theory, applied economics and statistical techniques while immersing yourself in French language and culture.

The economics element of the course has been developed to meet the needs of the business world, striking a balance between economic theory and real-world application. The curriculum includes input from industry experts and projects where you will have a chance to investigate a range of contemporary economics issues.

This in-depth knowledge, combined with an understanding of French language, society and politics prepares you for a career in the international finance services sector. In addition, the critical and analytical skills extend your options to include the worlds of journalism, public policy, education and international development.

Your studies will follow a similar pattern to BA Economics, with additional French language modules and a year spent studying economics at a university in France.

The first year provides a foundation in domestic and international economics, French language and culture. In subsequent years you will further develop your understanding of core areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics and data analysis and French language and communication skills.

Optional modules across all years allow you to tailor elements of your studies as your interests evolve. The third year at the University of Aix-Marseilles II is an opportunity to experience another culture, perfect your language skills and fully immerse yourself in French life.

The degree culminates in a final-year dissertation in an area of economics of your choice.

Course structure

Year 1

Core modules:

Principles of Economics provides a sound foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics. You will cover areas including methodology of economics, supply and demand, consumer spending choices, competition and growth theories.

Economic Methods familiarises you with the use of mathematical and statistical tools in solving economic problems. You will look at equations, matrix algebra, calculus, statistics, distribution, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.

The World Economy provides knowledge and understanding of the features of different types of economy, and of world trade and the international financial system. You will learn about international trade theory, economic growth and cover some of the key concepts relating to developments and crises in the world economy using real-world case studies.

French Language 1 builds on the speaking and listening, reading and writing skills developed during your French A level. The module covers written and oral communication, general discussion, gathering and sourcing information. You will use ICT to improve communication and learning.

The Invention of France explores the development of French language, culture and traditions from medieval to modern times. You will learn how cultural media, including literature, film, philosophy and architecture, can be used to explore cultural history and politics.

Examples of optional modules:

The Economics of Sustainability
Introduction to the History of Economic Thought
Reading French Literature.

Year 2

Core modules:

Macroeconomics uses real-world examples to analyse the general equilibrium of an economy both in the short term, with a static model, and in the medium to long term, with a dynamic model.

Microeconomics develops your knowledge and understanding of the essential components of microeconomics with a particular focus on the analytical skills relevant to consumer and production theories, general equilibrium and welfare.

Econometics equips you with the skills to understand the type of empirical analysis used in economic literature. You will also write a report based on econometric analysis.

French Language 2 further develops your ability to express yourself in French in verbal and written form, and to translate fluently and accurately from and into French. The module aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of French culture and cultural issues.

Examples of optional modules:

Behavioural and Experimental Economics
Intermediate Methods for Economics and Finance
Microeconomic Applications and Policy
Macroeconomic Applications and Policy.

Year 3

Year 3 is spent at the University of Aix-Marseilles II in France. You will study 40 credits from those modules offered on the ‘licence sciences economique’ (third-year modules), those designed for students who specialise in either ‘Economie Internationale’ or ‘Economie et Gestion de l’enterprise’.

Year 4

Core modules:

The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of economics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions.

French Language 4 is conducted in French to take your knowledge of written and spoken French to a sophisticated level with a high degree of grammatical accuracy. You will critically evaluate information from a variety of media (contemporary press, current television programmes and electronic format), devise coherent arguments and learn to write and think under pressure.

Examples of optional modules:

Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
Advanced Microeconomic Theory
Applied Econometrics
Developmental Economics
Environmental Economics and Policy
International Economics
Monetary Economics
Game Theory and Applications.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.

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Entry requirements

A level offer – A*AA including Mathematics and French.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and Mathematics and French A level at grade A (or equivalent) are required.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics and French.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

For all Single and Joint Honours degrees involving Economics, including Philosophy, Politics and Economics, we require you to obtain a Grade A at A level Mathematics or its equivalent. For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics.

Applicants are encouraged to avoid studying both Economics and Business Studies A2-levels.

We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further Advanced Higher is necessary.

If you are studying for the IB Diploma please note that we do not accept Mathematical Studies at standard level instead of standard level Mathematics.

We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

You are not required to have A Level Economics though for anyone taking this subject this will form part of the offer made to you.

If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.

We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well-structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

Other UK qualifications

EU qualifications

International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Fees and funding

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees
Home students	£9,250 per year
EU students	£25,500 per year
Island students	£9,250 per year
International students	£25,500 per year

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.

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Department information

Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)

We are part of Durham University’s Business School, one of the UK's longest established business schools. We offer an inspiring and stimulating learning environment, and consistently rank highly for the quality of our teaching, research and for graduate career prospects.

The rigorous curriculum combined with exceptional teaching prepare you to navigate the economic challenges faced by the modern world.

You will learn from leading academics across a range of economic disciplines. Many of the academic team are active practitioners and researchers who will share their skills and knowledge directly, delivering their insights to the classroom and bringing you closer to the realities of the business world. You will also benefit from lectures by guest speakers who give new perspectives on relevant topics, while case studies give you the opportunity to explore a range of contemporary economics issues. There are further opportunities for hands-on work placements and international study.

You will gain an understanding of the principles of Economics, including supply and demand, competition and growth theories while developing the skills to effectively analyse and interpret data. All our degrees can be tailored to your interests through a wide range of option modules, including the chance to study a language.

Economics degrees at Durham prepare students to become the innovative business thinkers of the future and our qualifications are highly successful in creating job opportunities.

For more information see our Business School website.

Rankings

6th for Economics in The Complete University Guide 2023
7th in The Guardian University Guide 2023
9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Business School web pages.

Facilities

You’ll be taught across the university campus by world leading academics from the Business School. You’ll have access to the Business Schools modern, spacious meeting rooms and study areas. The university campus is within walking distance of the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status. Resources include up-to-date financial information and online databases. In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.