Modern Languages

Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and engaging academic experience that immerses students in the rich cultures, literatures, and linguistic traditions of diverse countries. This undergraduate program is designed to develop fluency in one or more languages, such as French, Spanish, or German, while providing a deep understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which these languages are used. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness through a mix of classroom instruction, language practice, and cultural studies. The course content includes language modules aimed at improving oral and written proficiency, alongside modules exploring literature, film, history, and contemporary issues relevant to the countries studied. The program encourages students to engage with authentic multimedia materials, participate in language exchange programs, and undertake placements that provide practical experience in real-world settings. Studying Modern Languages at Essex also fosters employability skills, including teamwork, research, and digital literacy, preparing graduates for diverse careers in translation, teaching, international business, diplomacy, media, and more. With dedicated support from experienced academic staff, access to excellent language labs, and opportunities for international mobility, students can tailor their educational journey to suit their interests and career aspirations. The university's vibrant, inclusive campus provides an ideal environment for students to explore global perspectives, challenge themselves academically, and develop a lifelong passion for languages and cultures. Whether starting from beginner level or aiming to achieve advanced proficiency, students will benefit from a flexible and dynamic program designed to open doors to global opportunities and cultural understanding.

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 all your modules are optional, three are language modules and one you choose from across our faculty. 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

Three language options; and
one language or social science option

Year 2

Three language options; and
one language or social science option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Three language options; and
one language or social science 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 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 at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and culturally enriching academic experience designed to develop students' language proficiency, intercultural competence, and critical understanding of diverse societies. The program typically covers a wide range of languages including, but not limited to, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese, allowing students to select their preferred language pathways or engage in combined language modules. Students benefit from expertly designed coursework that emphasizes both linguistic skills and cultural immersion, preparing graduates for careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, teaching, and other global sectors.

The curriculum integrates various teaching methods, including interactive lectures, practical language workshops, multimedia resources, and real-world communication exercises. There is a strong emphasis on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, with opportunities for students to participate in language exchange programs, immersive residencies abroad, or internships that enhance their practical language application and intercultural understanding. The program also offers modules on the history, literature, and contemporary issues relevant to the regions where the languages are spoken, fostering a deeper cultural awareness and global perspective.

Students enrolled in Modern Languages are encouraged to undertake a year abroad, which is highly supported through partnerships with universities worldwide. This experience not only improves language fluency but also broadens students’ personal and professional horizons. The program typically culminates in a final year project, dissertation, or presentation that demonstrates their language skills and cultural insights. Graduates of the course are well-equipped to enter a diverse range of careers such as translation and interpretation, international relations, cultural consultancy, journalism, or further academic study.

The Department of Modern Languages at Essex benefits from a vibrant academic community, with opportunities for research, participation in language clubs, and engagement with cultural events that celebrate linguistic diversity. The university's modern facilities, including language labs and multimedia centers, complement the teaching and provide a stimulating environment for language learning. Support services for international students are also integral to the program, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Overall, the Modern Languages program at the University of Essex aims to cultivate not only linguistic mastery but also intercultural sensitivity, adaptability, and critical thinking, preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.