Drama and Modern Languages

The BA in Drama and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that combines the study of theatrical arts with the acquisition of modern language skills. This innovative programme is designed to develop students' understanding of dramatic literature, theatre history, performance techniques, and contemporary cultural practices, while also enabling fluency in one or more modern languages such as French, Spanish, or German. The course provides a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical analysis with practical application, allowing students to explore different theatrical traditions and linguistic contexts. Throughout the programme, students will engage in modules that cover dramatic texts from various periods and cultures, drama production and performance skills, as well as language modules that improve communication, translation, and intercultural competence. The programme also emphasizes critical thinking, creative expression, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the arts, media, teaching, translation, international relations, and beyond. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with theatre companies, cultural institutions, and language communities, providing valuable opportunities for internships, performances, and collaborative projects. The flexible structure of the course allows learners to tailor their studies to their interests, whether focusing more heavily on drama, languages, or a balanced combination of both. By the end of their studies, graduates will possess a sophisticated understanding of theatrical and linguistic practices and the ability to analyze and interpret cultural texts in multiple languages, equipping them with skills highly valued in a globalized workforce. The programme aims to produce well-rounded, culturally aware individuals who are capable of thinking critically and acting creatively in a variety of professional contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year you take two compulsory modules and two optional language modules. During your second and final years you have one compulsory module, one drama module and two language modules. You will spend your third year abroad. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Drama;
Introduction to Theatre Making; and
two language options

Year 2

Theatre: Shakespeare to Churchill;
one drama option; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

European Naturalism and After;
one drama option; and
two language options

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 qualifications in relevant disciplines will be considered on an individual basis depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• 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 a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent) is required. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied as the major language either from scratch, via our intensive route, or via our post A-level route. All languages can be studied from scratch as the minor language.
• If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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.

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.

The Drama and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers students an interdisciplinary and dynamic educational experience that combines the study of theatre, performance, and different modern languages. This degree is designed to develop students' linguistic skills alongside their understanding of dramatic arts, providing a broad cultural awareness and critical perspective on contemporary issues in both fields. Through this program, students engage with a variety of course modules covering topics such as dramatic theory and practice, literature, translation, intercultural communication, and language acquisition in selected modern languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Italian. The program aims to foster advanced communication skills, cultural literacy, and analytical abilities, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in industries such as media, arts management, translation, international relations, and education. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical performances, and language learning sessions, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging academic environment. The program emphasizes practical language use and performance skills, often offering opportunities for students to participate in theatrical productions, language immersion trips, and collaborations with external cultural institutions. Students are encouraged to pursue placements and internships during their studies, enabling real-world experience and enhancing employability upon graduation. The program also supports research and independent study, allowing students to explore specific interests within drama and modern languages in greater depth. Graduates of this program typically demonstrate high levels of linguistic proficiency, cultural competence, and creative thinking, making them valuable assets in global and multicultural workplaces. The program's structure encourages both collaborative work and individual projects, preparing students for the dynamic and interconnected nature of contemporary professional environments.