History and Modern Languages

The History and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education, combining the study of historical developments with the mastery of one or more modern languages. This innovative degree is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of past societies, cultures, and events, while developing linguistic skills that open doors to international communication and intercultural understanding. Throughout the course, students engage with diverse periods and regions, exploring topics such as medieval history, modern European history, global civilizations, and contemporary issues, all while acquiring proficiency in languages such as French, Spanish, German, or other options available. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, international business, journalism, or cultural sectors. Students benefit from expert teaching staff, access to extensive historical archives, and language labs that facilitate immersive learning experiences. Additionally, the program includes opportunities for study abroad, internships, and collaborative projects, fostering a global outlook. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether they wish to deepen their historical knowledge, enhance their language competencies, or combine both disciplines in innovative ways. Graduates from the History and Modern Languages program will be equipped with a unique skill set that combines linguistic proficiency with a deep understanding of historical contexts, making them highly valuable in a globalized job market. The program aims to produce well-rounded, culturally aware, and academically rigorous graduates who are prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse and interconnected world.

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

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• One language option (advanced or intensive)
• And choose from a range of History or Language options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• And choose from a range of History or Language options.

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

• History Special Subject
• History Special Subject
• Choose a language option and a project or two language options
• And choose from a range of History 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).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.
• One 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 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.

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 History and Modern Languages degree at the University of Essex offers students an opportunity to engage deeply with two vibrant and intellectually stimulating disciplines. This combined program is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of historical developments alongside proficiency in at least one modern language, often French, Spanish, or German, depending on the student's choice. The course aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, preparing students for careers in academia, international relations, journalism, translation, and beyond.

Students will explore a wide-ranging curriculum that covers key periods and themes in world history, including ancient civilizations, medieval societies, modern empires, revolutions, and contemporary global issues. Simultaneously, the language component emphasizes advanced language proficiency, comprehension, and spoken and written communication skills. The program integrates language learning with cultural studies, ensuring students gain insights into the societies where these languages are spoken.

The interdepartmental structure allows for flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and career aspirations. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, language workshops, and interactive sessions, often incorporating multimedia and online resources to enhance learning experiences. The program also offers opportunities for overseas study or placements, enriching cultural understanding and employability.

Graduates from this course typically develop a high level of linguistic ability, informed historical perspectives, and transferable skills such as research, data analysis, and intercultural communication. The program's combination of disciplines is particularly valuable in an increasingly globalized world, equipping students to work across borders and in multinational organizations.

The course duration is typically three years for full-time students, with part-time options available in some cases. Admissions are based on academic qualifications, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate an interest in both history and languages. The University of Essex is known for its supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on research-led teaching.

Overall, the History and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers a unique interdisciplinary education that blends historical inquiry with modern linguistic skills, preparing students for diverse professional pathways or further academic study.