About this program
BA Modern Languages and English Language
This course allows you to discover both the theory and practice of language, as you investigate questions concerning how children and adults learn languages, what language can tells us about the mind, or the impact that language has on culture; and in tandem with this, you learn a new language yourself.
Unlike other English Language courses in the UK, our focus is not on the history of language, but on the contemporary use of English on the way that we use language, and the ways in which language is changing. You come to understand the nature of a human social life through your study of language, exploring topics including:
- The use of English in in formal and formal settings
- The relationship between language and society
- The structure of the English Language
- The acquisition of English
You also study up to two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese, completing at least one language to Mastery level. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and can take you to a level of near-fluency, and so many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking for language specialists.
We are 1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021). We are also ranked 11th in the UK for Linguistics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2022).
If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome to Essex.
Admission requirements
Clearing entry requirements
Specific entry requirements for this course in Clearing are not published here but for most of our degree courses you will need to hold a Level 3 qualification. If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2022 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. (Different requirements apply for second year entry.)
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Program content
Year 1
- Sounds
- Understanding Data in Linguistics
- Words and Sentences
- Foundations of Sociolinguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year 2
- Research methods for language and linguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year 3
- Year Abroad Modules
Final Year
- Project: Linguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
- Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminar sessions or discussion classes
- State-of-the-art technologies and materials create an ideal learning environment
- Examples of practical work include digitally recording dialect speakers in a small traditional fishing community, or scouring digitised child language databanks
- Activities designed to develop your practical language skills, such as role-play and class presentations
- Cultural and social themes are explored through film, music, the internet, theatre and literature
Tuition
- Home/UK fee: £9,250
- International fee: £17,700
Career paths
Companies and organisations in the UK and abroad are struggling to find university graduates who are fluent in at least one other language, apart from English.
Being an Essex modern languages graduate places you in a very advantageous position. You will be able to speak and write fluently, or to a very competent standard, in up to four languages. Language skills are in scarce supply and can be used in almost any job.
Our graduates become teachers, translators, administrators and journalists. Their valued language skills have enabled them to work in diverse fields including banking, entertainment, media, education and tourism, as well as for a host of UK and international companies. In particular, a degree in modern languages lends itself to a career in education, translation, interpretation, trade, PR, communications, immigration or diplomacy.
For example, one of our recent graduates is now a newspaper editor in Spain, while another teaches modern languages in Southampton.
We also work with the University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
About this institute
University of Essex
We are Essex: home to the ambitious and the inquisitive. We are proud to be top 39 in the Complete University Guide (2022), a past University of the Year (THE) and internationally recognised for Social Sciences. We're committed to two...
