Program Overview

University of Essex BA (Hons) Language Studies and Linguistics

The University of Essex offers a BA (Hons) Language Studies and Linguistics program, which explores both the theoretical aspects of language and the practical ability to speak another language. This program is based in the Department of Language and Linguistics and is available for full-time study over three years.

Overview

The BA (Hons) Language Studies and Linguistics program delves into the nature of language, covering topics such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Students also investigate specialist areas, including multilingualism and language impairment, language, identity, and gender, metaphor, irony, and style, language and the mind, and American languages.

Course Structure

The program's structure allows students to study up to two languages from a selection that includes French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Students can start their language study from beginner level or post-A-level, with the opportunity to achieve near fluency by the end of the course. The curriculum combines practical language study with a current, relevant academic discipline, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of language and its applications.

Entry Requirements

• UK Entry Requirements:
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels or equivalent.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
• International & EU Entry Requirements:
  • The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that the University accepts.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK Fee: ｣9,790 per year.
• International Fee: ｣21,500 per year.
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• The University offers scholarships, bursaries, or discounts to help with the cost of the course.

Teaching and Assessment

• Undergraduate students typically attend a two-hour teaching event for each module every week.
• Teaching methods include lectures, presentations, and learning by teaching others.
• Assessment is by a combination of coursework (assignments, essays, presentations, and tests) and end-of-year examinations.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Language Studies and Linguistics program are well-equipped to pursue careers in fields such as teaching, translation, administration, journalism, and more, with the added advantage of being fluent in up to two languages. The University's Student Development Team also provides support in finding work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Research and Expertise

The Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex is renowned for its research excellence, ranked 1st in the UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics. The department's research areas include sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and theoretical linguistics, among others, providing students with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and expertise.

Facilities and Resources

Students have access to a range of facilities, including the Albert Sloman Library, which houses a strong collection of books, journals, electronic resources, and major archives. The University also offers a Languages for All programme, allowing students to study an additional language alongside their course at no extra cost.