European Studies with Spanish

The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies with Spanish at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of European history, politics, culture, and languages. This programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex and diverse societies that make up Europe, emphasizing the importance of linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence in today’s interconnected world. Over the course of the programme, students engage with a wide range of disciplines including history, political science, economics, and cultural studies, enabling them to analyze European issues from multiple perspectives. The Spanish language component is integrated throughout the course, allowing students to develop advanced language skills while studying topics relevant to Spanish-speaking countries and the broader Hispanic world. The curriculum includes modules on European integration, contemporary European politics, history of Europe, and Spanish language, literature, and culture. Students also have the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes, study abroad, or internships that enhance their practical skills and global outlook. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in international relations, European institutions, government, journalism, business, or further academic research. With dedicated academic staff, modern facilities, and a vibrant international student community, the University of Essex offers an engaging environment for studying European Studies with Spanish. Graduates will emerge with a nuanced understanding of European identities, historical development, and current geopolitical challenges, equipped with language skills and cultural awareness that are highly valued in global employment markets. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural communication, and research skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for a wide range of professional pathways or postgraduate study.

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 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.

The European Studies with Spanish programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of European political, economic, social, and cultural issues, combined with advanced proficiency in the Spanish language. Designed to prepare graduates for careers in international relations, diplomacy, business, journalism, or academia, this interdisciplinary course provides a rigorous curriculum that balances language acquisition with regional studies. Students gain insights into the political structures of the European Union, its history, and contemporary challenges, while also developing skills in critical analysis, research, and intercultural communication. The programme includes core modules in European politics, history, and economy, alongside Spanish language modules tailored to enhance speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study abroad in Spain through the university's exchange programmes, immersing themselves in the language and culture, which significantly boosts language fluency and intercultural competence. The academic year typically involves lectures, seminars, group projects, and individual research assignments, fostering teamwork and independent learning. Graduates of this course often proceed to careers in EU institutions, international NGOs, translation and interpretation services, or further postgraduate studies. The University of Essex's supportive academic community and modern facilities, including language labs and research centres, provide an ideal environment for students to thrive academically and professionally. Overall, this programme aims to produce versatile graduates with a deep understanding of European affairs and bilingual capabilities in Spanish, equipping them with the skills required to succeed in a globalized world.