Modern Languages with Latin American Studies

Modern Languages with Latin American Studies at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that combines the study of modern languages with a detailed exploration of Latin American cultures, societies, and histories. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop students' language proficiency across one or more modern languages, such as Spanish or Portuguese, while providing in-depth knowledge of Latin American regions. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of linguistic, cultural, and political studies, preparing them for careers in international relations, global business, translation, teaching, or further academic research.

The programme emphasizes communicative competence, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills. Students will attend a range of lectures, seminars, and language workshops, which are complemented by opportunities for practical language use, including conversation classes and language labs. Additionally, students have the chance to participate in study abroad placements, gaining firsthand experience of Latin American societies and honing their language skills in real-world contexts. The curriculum incorporates modules on Latin American history, politics, literature, and socio-economic issues, equipping students with a nuanced perspective on the region’s complexities and diversity.

Graduates of Modern Languages with Latin American Studies will be well-prepared for careers in education, diplomacy, translation, international business, journalism, and cultural management, among others. The programme’s combination of language mastery and regional expertise makes it highly attractive to employers seeking culturally aware and linguistically skilled professionals. Furthermore, students are encouraged to develop their intercultural communication skills and awareness of global issues, fostering a broad and adaptable skill set.

The University of Essex provides excellent academic support, including access to modern language laboratories, dedicated tutors, and a vibrant student community engaged in cultural events and extracurricular activities related to Latin America. With flexible study options, including opportunities for year-long study abroad, this programme offers a learning environment that is both dynamic and globally oriented. Embarking on this programme means gaining not only language fluency but also an understanding of Latin American worlds, history, and contemporary challenges, enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions in a global context.

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. Each year you will take four modules, one Spanish or Portuguese Language, one additional language option, one Latin American option and the last is not restricted. 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

Spanish or Portuguese Language;
one language option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

Year 2

Spanish or Portuguese Language;
one language option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Spanish or Portuguese Language;
one language option;
one Latin American option; and
one option (may be a language)

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 with Latin American Studies at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in one or more Western European languages, typically including French, Spanish, or German, alongside an in-depth understanding of Latin American culture, history, and contemporary issues. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive linguistic education coupled with regional expertise, fostering intercultural competence and critical analysis skills that are highly valued in global careers. Students generally spend a year abroad in a Latin American country, which enhances language fluency and cultural immersion, and serves to deepen their understanding of the social, political, and economic contexts of the region. The curriculum integrates language modules with Latin American Studies courses, covering topics such as Latin American politics, history, literature, and society, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests. The programme also emphasizes employability skills, including research, communication, and intercultural dialogue, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international development, media, education, and business. The University of Essex provides extensive support services, including language labs, cultural workshops, and study abroad programs, ensuring students gain practical experience and intercultural competence. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, language labs, and project work, encouraging active participation and independent research. Graduates of this programme often continue their studies at postgraduate level or embark on careers that require bilingual skills and regional expertise. The programme is suitable for students passionate about languages, cultures, and international issues, and interested in making a positive impact through cross-cultural understanding. The course typically spans three years for an undergraduate degree or four years if including a year abroad, with entry requirements generally including A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped with language proficiency, regional knowledge, and intercultural skills that are in high demand across many sectors worldwide.