Philosophy with Modern Languages

The BA Philosophy with Modern Languages programme at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore fundamental questions about human existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality, while also developing proficiency in one or more modern languages. This interdisciplinary course is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, enabling graduates to engage with complex issues from multiple perspectives. Over the duration of the degree, students will study core topics in philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics, and political philosophy, alongside modules in their chosen modern language, including French, German, Spanish, or Chinese. The programme emphasizes active learning through seminars, tutorials, and practical language coursework, ensuring that students gain not only theoretical understanding but also practical communication skills essential for careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, education, or further academic research. The course structure often combines philosophy modules in the first and second years, with language modules progressing from intermediate to advanced levels. In the final year, students have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project or dissertation, synthesizing their philosophical knowledge and language skills into a comprehensive piece of work. The programme benefits from the Essex Philosophy department's strong research culture and links with international institutions, providing students with diverse perspectives and opportunities for exchanges, internships, and collaborative projects. Through this comprehensive curriculum, graduates will be equipped with critical reasoning abilities, cultural literacy, and multilingual proficiency, preparing them to thrive in a globally interconnected world. The flexible learning environment and supportive academic community at Essex encourage personal development, enabling students to pursue subsequent careers in academia, policy-making, international organizations, or creative industries. Overall, BA Philosophy with Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers a rigorous and enriching education that combines rigorous philosophical inquiry with essential language skills, fostering global citizens capable of contributing thoughtfully to societal development 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 and second years you take a compulsory module and three optional modules, one must be a philosophy module and another must be a language option. During your final year all your modules are optional, two must be philosophy modules, one must be a language module and one can be a social science module. 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 Philosophy;
Introduction to Ancient Philosophy or one social science option;
one language option; and
one language option or one social science option

Year 2

Rationalists and Empiricists or one philosophy option;
Ethics or one philosophy option;
one language option; and
one language option or one social science option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Two philosophy options;
one language option; and
one language option or one 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.

The Philosophy with Modern Languages degree at the University of Essex offers students a broad and insightful education that combines the rigorous analytical study of philosophy with the practical and cultural knowledge gained through learning a modern language. This joint honours program is designed to develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and articulate communication skills, as well as language proficiency that opens doors to diverse cultural perspectives and international opportunities. Throughout the course, students engage with core philosophical topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy, alongside the study of modern languages including French, Spanish, German, or other options available at the university. This integrated approach aims to enhance students' understanding of philosophical concepts within different cultural and linguistic contexts, preparing graduates for careers in academia, international relations, journalism, public policy, or any field requiring analytical and multilingual capabilities. The program typically includes modules that cover the history of philosophy, contemporary philosophical debates, and language modules focusing on grammar, linguistics, literature, and intercultural communication. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, discussions, and independent research projects to deepen their understanding and develop their intellectual independence. Opportunities for study abroad may also be incorporated, allowing students to immerse themselves in a different linguistic and cultural environment, thereby enriching their academic and personal experience. The university provides extensive resources and support services, including access to libraries, language labs, and academic mentorship, to ensure students can excel in their studies. The degree is structured to be completed over three or four years, depending on the mode of study, with options for optional modules and a dissertation component that enables students to explore particular interests in greater depth. Graduates of this program are well-equipped with a unique combination of skills that are highly valued in today’s globalized job market, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural awareness, multilingual communication, and analytical capability.