European Studies with French

The BA in European Studies with French at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of European history, politics, cultures, and societies, with a specific focus on the French language and Francophone regions. This programme is designed to develop a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic dynamics that shape Europe today, while also providing proficiency in French, enabling students to engage directly with francophone sources and communities. Throughout their studies, students will examine key themes such as European integration, identity, governance, cultural diversity, and historical developments, fostering critical thinking and a nuanced appreciation of European affairs. The programme combines language learning with regional studies, ensuring that graduates have both advanced linguistic skills and a broad macro-regional perspective. Alongside core modules, students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, internships, and exchanges that enhance their practical experience and employability. The programme’s flexible structure accommodates various interests, allowing students to tailor their studies towards areas such as politics, history, international relations, or cultural studies, all within the context of European and French contexts. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, the civil service, media, education, and other fields requiring intercultural competence and regional expertise. The University of Essex’s strong academic reputation in social sciences and languages, combined with its vibrant multicultural environment, makes this programme an ideal choice for students passionate about Europe and French language and culture, seeking an intellectually challenging and globally relevant qualification.

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.
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 offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
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

Europe: Myth and Idea;
One full year module or two half modules from the European options list;
One language option;
One full year or two half modules from outside option list OR Intensive Language module

Year 2

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or one language option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or a project

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
• 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, you will need to have A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish at grade E or above (or equivalent).
• If you are interested in studying European studies with a modern language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact Undergraduate Admissions prior to making your application.

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 the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

European Studies with French at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of European politics, culture, society, and history, complemented by proficiency in the French language. This interdisciplinary program combines academic rigor with practical language skills to prepare students for a wide range of careers in international relations, diplomacy, business, and academia. Throughout the course, students explore key themes such as European integration, EU institutions, comparative politics, and contemporary social issues while also engaging deeply with French language, literature, and cultural studies. The program is designed to enhance critical thinking, intercultural communication, and research skills, encouraging students to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. The curriculum features a mix of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and independent research projects, often incorporating international exchanges or placements to provide practical experience. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, European institutions, multinational companies, translation and interpretation, or continue their studies at postgraduate level. The University of Essex's dedicated academic staff includes experts in European studies and French linguistics, providing a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of language proficiency to not only communicate effectively in French but also to understand the cultural contexts that shape European identities. With its strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the European Studies with French program aims to produce graduates who are adept at engaging with Europe's complex political landscape and its diverse societies through language and cultural awareness. The university also offers various extracurricular activities, student societies, and events that promote cultural exchange and professional development opportunities, further enriching the student experience. Overall, this program serves those interested in a deep, multifaceted understanding of Europe’s political and cultural dynamics, combined with the valuable skill of fluency in French.