Literature and Modern Languages

The Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and enriching exploration of literary works and contemporary languages from around the world. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to cultivate critical thinking, enhance language proficiency, and deepen understanding of cultural contexts through the study of diverse literatures and modern languages. Students will engage with classic and modern texts across genres and periods, developing close reading skills, literary analysis, and contextual awareness. The programme provides options to specialise in specific languages such as French, Spanish, or German, while also offering modules in comparative literature, translation, and intercultural communication. Throughout their studies, students will benefit from the university’s vibrant academic community, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge resources, including language laboratories and digital archives. The curriculum combines language acquisition with literary studies, enabling students to attain fluency and confidence in their chosen languages while gaining critical insights into literary movements, historical developments, and social issues pertinent to modern societies. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including publishing, teaching, translation, international relations, media, and cultural sectors. Additionally, opportunities for international exchange and practical experience are embedded in the programme, allowing students to enrich their understanding through immersion in diverse cultural environments. By the end of the degree, students will have developed advanced language skills, a broad literary knowledge base, and the ability to analyse texts and cultural practices critically. This combination of language and literature studies fosters a global perspective, intercultural awareness, and skills highly valued in today’s interconnected world. The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment ensures that students can achieve their academic and personal goals, making the BA in Literature and Modern Languages a dynamic and rewarding choice for those passionate about languages, literature, and global cultures.

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 modules, one must be a language option. During your second and final years all your modules are optional, two must be literature modules, one must be a language module and the last can be from either. 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 Literature;
Close Reading Skills/Writing Skills;
one language option; and
one language option or humanities or social science option

Year 2

Two literature options;
one language option; and
one language option or one literature option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Two literature options;
one language option; and
one language option or one literature option

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 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 Literature and Modern Languages programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth study of literary texts and contemporary language practices across various cultures. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and linguistic proficiency. Students will explore a diverse range of literature from different historical periods and geographical regions, including British, European, and global perspectives. The course emphasizes the analysis of genres, themes, and stylistic features, enabling students to appreciate the cultural and social contexts of literary works.

In addition to literature, the programme provides extensive training in modern languages, allowing students to achieve proficiency in one or more languages, such as French, Spanish, German, or other options available through the university's language departments. This linguistic component complements literary studies by enhancing students’ communication skills and cultural awareness. The programme incorporates various pedagogical approaches, including seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, fostering an active learning environment.

Students have opportunities to engage in cultural immersion and exchange programmes, attend guest lectures by prominent writers and scholars, and participate in literary festivals and competitions organized by the university. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to choose modules that align with their academic interests or career ambitions, such as translation, publishing, or teaching.

The University of Essex’s strong focus on research-based learning ensures that students are exposed to the latest scholarly developments in literature and linguistic studies. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in education, publishing, journalism, translation, and international relations, or for further postgraduate study. The programme emphasizes global perspectives, critical analysis, and language diversity, making it a robust choice for students interested in both literature and modern languages.