Literature with Modern Languages

The BA in Literature with Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse worlds of literature and languages from around the globe. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop both your linguistic abilities and your critical understanding of literary texts across different cultures and historical periods. Throughout your studies, you will engage with a broad spectrum of literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama, and contemporary writing, while also gaining proficiency in one or more modern languages such as French, Spanish, German, or other options, depending on your interests and previous experience.

The programme emphasizes a comprehensive approach to language learning, integrating linguistic, cultural, and literary studies to enhance your communicative skills and deepen your intercultural understanding. You will benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced academic staff, and a vibrant student community that encourages dynamic discussions and collaborative projects. The course structure typically includes core modules that introduce you to literary theory, language acquisition, and translation studies, along with optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree towards specific interests within literature and modern languages.

Students are encouraged to participate in international exchange programmes, internships, and research projects, providing valuable real-world experience and encouraging global perspectives. The programme also prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including publishing, education, translation, international relations, journalism, and other roles requiring strong communication and cultural literacy skills. With flexible study options, including full-time and part-time pathways, the BA in Literature with Modern Languages aims to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and language competence, helping them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Upon completion, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or enter the workforce with a robust and versatile skill set grounded in literary and linguistic expertise.

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 with Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education that combines the study of literature with the acquisition of modern language skills. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to develop students' critical analysis, research abilities, and language proficiency across a variety of contexts, including cultural, historical, and literary studies. Participants have the opportunity to explore literature from different periods and regions, enriching their understanding of diverse literary traditions and contemporary narratives. The program typically includes modules in core literary studies, linguistics, and language practice, with options to specialize in specific languages such as French, Spanish, or German.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage with a broad spectrum of texts, from classical works to contemporary literature, fostering a nuanced appreciation of language and literary expression. The program emphasizes active learning, including seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, which develop students’ analytical and communication skills. Students also have access to state-of-the-art language laboratories and digital resources, facilitating immersive language learning experiences. Additionally, the program often supports study abroad opportunities, allowing students to live and study in a country where their chosen modern language is spoken. This intercultural exposure not only enhances language skills but also broadens students’ global perspective.

The course aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in one or more modern languages but also possess a deep understanding of literary studies, cultural diversity, and critical thinking. These competencies prepare students for careers in education, publishing, translation, international relations, and other fields where language and cultural literacy are valuable. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in both literature and languages and who wish to pursue a multidisciplinary academic experience. With flexible scheduling, a variety of module choices, and support from dedicated academic staff, the Literature with Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers a well-rounded education fostering both intellectual curiosity and practical skills.