Program Overview

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Language is fundamental to our thought, our relationships, and our civilisations. Through language we transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes. On our BA Language Studies, you become proficient in one or more of the modern languages taught at Essex; French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Mandarin Chinese can be studied up to Higher Intermediate level. These languages can be studied alongside the language expert modules which cover a range of cultural and professional skills. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and so many of our graduates are recruited by international firms looking for language specialists, and go on to develop successful global careers. Others join a teacher-training programme after leaving, and become expert teachers of the language they studied at Essex. Although this course does not include a compulsory year abroad, the Department of Language and Linguistics offers the opportunity to study abroad for a month to students who do not have a background in languages and take an initial intensive module because they want to graduate in that language. 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. Why we're great.

• Great flexibility and choice: You can study up to four languages choosing between French, German, Italian and Spanish from beginner or post-A level standard. Mandarin Chinese is available at beginner’s level.
• You'll have the opportunity to study a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language as part of your degree.
• We are ranked 11th in the UK for linguistics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023)

Our expert staff

Our staff are internationally renowned. Their books dominate the reading lists at other universities. All our language teachers are native or bilingual speakers, we maintain excellent student-staff ratios, and we integrate language learning with linguistics wherever there is synergy. In addition to helping you acquire practical foreign language skills, our staff share their expertise with you in the areas of professional translation, interpreting and subtitling, film and art, business, and culture.

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Specialist facilities

• A specialist 20-position Interpreting Lab, with equipment also found in the European Commission, the United Nations and the Houses of Parliament.
• Access to specialist software used for translation and subtitling and dedicated facilities including interpreting booths
• Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost
• An exciting programme of research seminars and other events
• Our Albert Sloman Library houses a strong collection of books, journals, electronic resources and major archives

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Your future

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. 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. “The Department of Language and Linguistics is very friendly and well-organised; everyone is made to feel welcome and students are all offered advice or guidance if they need it, particularly in their first year. Being a student at Essex was one of the best and most important experiences of my life!” Trevor Katsanis, BA Modern Languages