Modern Languages with Professional Skills

The BA Modern Languages with Professional Skills at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in two or more languages alongside practical skills that are highly valued in today’s global job market. This innovative programme combines rigorous language study with in-depth cultural understanding and professional training, preparing graduates for successful careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, media, and numerous other fields. Throughout the course, students can choose to focus on languages such as French, Spanish, German, or other available options, tailoring their studies to their interests and career aspirations.

The programme emphasizes immersive language learning through interactive lectures, seminars, and conversation workshops, complemented by modules on translation, intercultural communication, and language for specific professional contexts. Students gain practical experience via internships, industry projects, and collaborations with external organizations, which enhance employability and provide real-world insights. Additionally, the course fosters critical thinking, intercultural competence, and adaptability, empowering students to operate effectively in diverse international environments.

The curriculum also includes modules on digital skills and current issues in global communication, ensuring graduates are equipped with both linguistic and technical expertise. The university's supportive teaching environment, experienced faculty, and extensive resources enable students to achieve their academic and professional goals. By completing this programme, graduates will not only be fluent speakers of their chosen languages but also possess the professional skills necessary to thrive in competitive international markets. This degree is ideal for students committed to linguistic mastery combined with practical professional development, opening doors to careers across multiple sectors worldwide.

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, but three must be language options. In your first year one must also be a professional skills option. During your second year one must be a multimedia skills option and in your final year one must be a translation-interpreting skills option. 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
on professional skills option

Year 2

Two language options; and
one multimedia skills option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Three language options; and
one translation-interpreting skills 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 with Professional Skills at the University of Essex offers students an immersive experience in language learning combined with practical professional skills. The programme typically combines advanced linguistic training in one or more modern languages with modules designed to develop competencies in areas like intercultural communication, translation, interpretation, and language-related professional practices. It aims to prepare students for careers that require bilingual or multilingual abilities, along with the soft skills needed to operate effectively in international and multicultural environments. Students may have opportunities to participate in placements or work experience abroad, enhancing their practical understanding of language use in business, diplomacy, tourism, or education sectors. The programme often includes modules that focus on intercultural awareness, business communication, and the use of technology in language industries, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the global job market. Depending on the specific pathway, students might study languages such as French, Spanish, German, Chinese, or others, often with the flexibility to combine multiple languages or specialisms. Assessment methods can include exams, coursework, presentations, and practical language use, all aimed at developing both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. The programme is designed to foster independence, intercultural sensitivity, and professional confidence, making graduates valuable assets to employers seeking multilingual professionals with a strong understanding of global contexts and professional environments. Facilities at the university support language learning through dedicated language labs, multimedia resources, and access to native-speaking tutors for practice. Additionally, the university’s established networks and partnerships can provide pathways to internships, placements, and collaborative projects with international organizations and companies. Graduates of this programme have gone on to careers in translation, international business, diplomacy, tourism, education, and various sectors where linguistic and cultural competencies are essential. The program promotes a comprehensive understanding of language in professional settings, combined with practical skills that meet the needs of today’s interconnected world.