German Studies and Modern Languages

Programme Overview

The German Studies and Modern Languages programme at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the German language, culture, and society, alongside the opportunity to study additional modern languages. Designed for those passionate about languages, intercultural understanding, and international communication, this programme combines linguistic proficiency with cultural insights to prepare students for careers in international business, diplomacy, education, translation, and more.

Throughout the course, students develop advanced language skills in German, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape German-speaking countries. The curriculum includes modules on German literature, history, film, politics, and contemporary issues, enabling students to critically analyse and engage with cultural products and societal dynamics. In addition, students can choose to study other modern languages such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin, gaining multilingual competence and intercultural sensitivity, which are highly valued in today's globalized world.

The programme adopts a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. Students benefit from the university's supportive learning environment, including access to experienced academic staff, language laboratories, and cultural partnerships. The programme also emphasizes practical language application through placement opportunities, study abroad exchanges, and collaborative projects with industry partners, enhancing employability and real-world skills.

Graduates of the German Studies and Modern Languages programme leave with a diverse skill set, including high-level language proficiency, cultural awareness, research capabilities, and communication skills. Many go on to succeed in fields such as international relations, translation and interpreting, journalism, education, and international business. The programme’s blend of linguistic, cultural, and professional development ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural workforce.

Whether you are interested in deepening your knowledge of the German language and culture or expanding your expertise across multiple languages, the University of Essex’s programme provides a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. Join us to embark on a journey of linguistic mastery and cultural discovery, opening doors to a multitude of career pathways in a globally interconnected world.

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, second and final years you take two compulsory modules and two optional language modules. You 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

Advanced German;
German Professional and Multimedia Skills; and
two language options

Year 2

Proficiency Level German;
German Cinema and Culture; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Mastery Level German;
German Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills; 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
• 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.

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.

The BA in German Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the German language, literature, culture, and society, alongside the opportunity to study additional modern languages. This program is designed to develop advanced linguistic skills and cultural understanding, preparing students for a wide range of careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, education, and cultural sectors. Students benefit from experienced faculty members and innovative teaching methods, including language workshops, seminars, and immersive cultural activities.

Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers historical and contemporary aspects of German-speaking countries, their societal developments, and the role of language in communication and identity. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and linguistic proficiency, enabling students to analyze texts, participate in debates, and produce high-quality academic work. Through modules focused on translation, intercultural communication, and media, students enhance their practical language skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

The university offers opportunities for international exchange programs, where students can study abroad in Germany or other countries, gaining firsthand experience of different cultures and improving their language fluency. The programme typically includes assessment through essays, presentations, language exams, and a final dissertation project, ensuring that students develop both practical and academic competencies.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, government agencies, media, publishing, or further academic research. The university's close ties with businesses and institutions also allow students to benefit from networking opportunities, internships, and career guidance services. Overall, the program aims to produce linguistically skilled, culturally aware, and globally oriented graduates ready to thrive in increasingly interconnected professional environments.