Politics and Modern Languages

The Politics and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic fields of political science and language studies within a comprehensive and interdisciplinary framework. This integrated program is designed to develop students’ understanding of contemporary political issues, governmental systems, and international relations, while simultaneously enhancing their proficiency in one or more modern languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Chinese. Students will engage in rigorous coursework that covers theories of politics, comparative politics, global affairs, and policy analysis, alongside language modules that focus on speaking, writing, and cultural understanding to ensure fluency and intercultural competence.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world application of knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, public service, and multinational corporations. Students benefit from a diverse and vibrant academic community, with opportunities for study abroad, internships, and participation in research projects. The blend of politics and language studies provides a distinctive skill set that combines multilingual communication with a deep understanding of political contexts, equipping students to operate effectively in the global arena.

Throughout their studies, students will have access to expert faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in their fields, as well as modern facilities and resources to support their learning. The program encourages independent enquiry, debate, and collaboration, fostering a global perspective and cultural awareness essential in today’s interconnected world. By the end of the course, graduates will possess both substantive knowledge of political systems and cultural insights through language skills, making them highly employable in a wide range of international and domestic sectors. The Politics and Modern Languages program at Essex is committed to empowering students to become informed, culturally aware, and engaged citizens capable of making meaningful contributions in global contexts.

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 a compulsory module and three optional modules, one must be a language module and the other can be a politics or language module. During your second and final years all your modules are optional, two must be politics modules, two must be language modules. 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 Politics;
two language options; and
one language or politics option

Year 2

Two politics options; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Two politics 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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

You can also view some of our videos on student finance at www.youtube.com/Uni Essex.

The Politics and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in two distinct but interrelated fields: political science and modern languages. This interdisciplinary course aims to develop a deep understanding of political systems, ideologies, and international relations while simultaneously enhancing students' proficiency in one or more modern languages, such as French, Spanish, German, or other European languages. The program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to analyze contemporary political issues critically and communicate effectively in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Students benefit from a curriculum that incorporates theoretical approaches, empirical research, and practical language skills, preparing them for careers in international relations, diplomacy, translation, journalism, or further academic research. The university’s teaching methodology includes lectures, seminars, language workshops, and opportunities for placements or study abroad, allowing students to apply their knowledge practically and gain valuable international experience. The program typically spans three or four years, with options for students to undertake a year abroad to immerse themselves in a different culture and language environment, which significantly enhances their employability. Students are also encouraged to engage with current political debates and global issues through various extracurricular activities, conferences, and student societies. Graduates of the Politics and Modern Languages program often go on to work in government, international organizations, NGOs, media outlets, or pursue postgraduate studies. The university provides excellent support services, including language labs, career advice, and research resources, to ensure students are well-equipped for their future careers. The program’s integration of political analysis and linguistic skills aims to produce versatile graduates capable of working across borders and understanding complex societal issues from multiple perspectives. This unique combination reflects the university’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding, making it an attractive choice for students interested in politics and languages.