Art History and Modern Languages (including Year Abroad)

Art History and Modern Languages (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary undergraduate education that combines the study of visual arts, historical developments, and cultural contexts with advanced language skills and intercultural understanding. This degree programme is designed for students passionate about exploring the rich histories of art across different periods and regions, alongside acquiring proficiency in one or more modern languages to facilitate deeper engagement with diverse cultures.

The programme provides students with in-depth knowledge of art history, including studies of European, Asian, and contemporary art movements, as well as the sociopolitical and cultural influences shaping artistic expression. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and independent research, students learn to analyse artworks critically, understand their historical significance, and appreciate their cultural contexts. Additionally, students develop language competence in their chosen modern language(s), which could include French, German, Spanish, or other options, enabling them to access original sources, engage with media and literature, and communicate effectively in international settings.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, typically undertaken in the third year, which immerses students in a country where their language of study is spoken. During this year, students live, work, and study abroad, gaining valuable intercultural experience, enhancing language proficiency, and broadening their global perspectives. This hands-on experience significantly enriches their understanding of the cultural dynamics they study in the classroom and enhances their employability in an increasingly globalized job market.

Throughout the course, students have access to excellent resources, including specialist galleries, museums, and language labs, as well as opportunities for practical placements and collaborative projects. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests, combining modules in art history, modern languages, and transferable skills such as research, presentation, and digital literacy.

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in international arts and cultural organisations, museums, galleries, publishing, media, diplomatic service, education, and further postgraduate research. The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment, combined with its emphasis on experiential learning and intercultural competence, ensures students graduate with a strong foundation in both art history and modern languages, prepared for a diverse range of professional pathways.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.

Year 1
Art & Ideas
Ways of Seeing
Credits must total 120 each year, of which 60 must be in your chosen language(s). The remaining credits can be a language option or a humanities / social science option
Year 2
More Art, More Ideas;
Picturing Paris;
one art history option;
one language option; and
one art history option or one language option
Year 3
Year abroad

Year 4
Two art history options;
one or two language options
A final year dissertation project is also available as an option.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in Fine Art
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at Merit.
One modern language must be taken as the major language. If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, you will need to have A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent). German, Italian and Spanish may all be studied from scratch.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Art History and Modern Languages (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of visual arts and cultural studies alongside proficiency in a foreign language. The programme aims to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills through the study of diverse art movements, historical periods, and artistic practices. Students engage with lectures, seminars, and practical sessions that cover topics such as Renaissance art, contemporary visual culture, and linguistic frameworks. The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides an invaluable opportunity for immersive language learning and cultural exchange, typically undertaken in a country where the target language is spoken. This experience enhances language skills, intercultural understanding, and independence, which are highly valued in today’s global job market. The course is designed for students with a passion for art, culture, and languages, offering a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students develop competencies in critically analyzing artworks and texts in their chosen language, alongside gaining research skills through individual and group projects. The programme prepares graduates for careers in art curation, heritage management, translation, international relations, and further academic research. The University of Essex ensures comprehensive support through dedicated academic advisors, access to extensive library resources, and opportunities for engagement with cultural institutions. Overall, the programme offers a unique interdisciplinary pathway that melds visual arts and linguistics, fostering a deeper understanding of global cultures and artistic heritage.