Modern Languages and English Language

This degree program in Modern Languages and English Language at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth study of language, literature, and culture. Designed to equip students with advanced language skills and critical understanding, the course combines rigorous academic content with practical language use across multiple languages. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of two or more modern languages, which may include French, Spanish, German, Italian, or other options, depending on available pathways. Alongside language acquisition, students explore English language and linguistics, gaining insights into language structure, usage, and development, which enhances their analytical and communication skills.

The program emphasizes cultural awareness and intercultural competence, enabling students to understand social, political, and historical contexts that influence language and literature. Through a diverse mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural communication skills. The course also offers opportunities for language practice through immersion programs, language labs, and conversation modules, fostering fluency and confidence in real-world contexts.

Students are encouraged to engage with literary texts and contemporary media in their chosen languages, broadening their cultural horizons and fostering a global outlook. The curriculum includes modules on linguistics, translation, and intercultural communication, providing a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for careers in teaching, translation, international relations, media, publishing, and other fields requiring advanced language skills and cultural understanding.

The program benefits from the University of Essex’s reputation for supporting innovative teaching and research, with access to modern facilities and a vibrant student community. Opportunities for placements, study abroad programs, and research projects enhance employability and offer practical experience in international contexts. Graduates leave the program equipped with a high level of language proficiency, cultural insight, and critical skills that are highly valued in today’s globalized 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 year you take two compulsory modules and two language options. During your second and final years you take two English language modules and two 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

Foundations of Linguistics;
Foundations of Psycholinguistics or Foundations of Sociolinguistics; and
two language options

Year 2

Two English language options; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Two English language options; 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.

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.

Modern Languages and English Language at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in both linguistic and cultural studies. This program is designed to develop students' proficiency in their chosen languages while providing a deep understanding of language structure, usage, and history. Students can expect to study a variety of modules that cover both theoretical aspects of language and practical skills such as translation and interpretation. The course also emphasizes cultural literacy, enabling students to engage critically with contemporary and historical contexts of the countries whose languages they study.

The program typically offers the opportunity to learn a second modern language alongside either English or another language, fostering bilingual or multilingual capabilities. Students benefit from engaging coursework, interactive seminars, and practical language laboratories. The university's facilities support language acquisition through multimedia resources, language software, and conversation practice sessions with native speakers.

Apart from linguistic skills, the program encourages the development of critical thinking, research skills, and cultural awareness. Students undertake independent research projects and may participate in study abroad programs, gaining valuable international experience. The course prepares graduates for careers in translation, interpretation, teaching, publishing, foreign service, or further academic research. The faculty involved in the programme are experienced linguists and language educators who aim to foster an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

The duration of the course is typically three years for a full-time undergraduate degree, with options for part-time study. The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies and aligned with industry standards to enhance employability. Graduates from the Modern Languages and English Language program at Essex often go on to successful careers in international organizations, media, education, or pursue postgraduate studies.

Overall, this degree combines language mastery with critical cultural understanding, equipping students with essential skills for a globalized world. The program is adaptable, providing opportunities to specialize in specific languages or areas of linguistic research, and it maintains strong links with industry partners for placements and internships.