Program Overview

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Your first year at Essex will be with Essex Pathways. In your second year of study, you will join the Department of Language and Linguistics for the remaining three years of study Why do international conflicts arise? What determines a country’s foreign policy? What are the prospects for international cooperation, necessary to address problems like global warming, environmental degradation or global pandemics such as Covid-19? Politics and political events dominate domestic and international news, impacting on our day-to-day lives as well as shaping the future. Beginning with an overview of international relations in your first year, from global political economy to studies of conflict of security, you then have a choice of topics to explore, such as:

• Comparative politics
• International political economy
• Political theory
• Public Opinion

You also study two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, completing at least one language to Proficiency level. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and can take you to a level of near-fluency. Many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking for language specialists. We also offer a month-long summer course abroad with fees paid for by us if you start your main language from scratch via the intensive route. This summer course doesn’t include Chinese as an option. We are a place where talented students become part of an academic community where we are ranked 1st for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 2nd for research output in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, REF 2021). 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 two languages choosing between French, German, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish from beginner or post-A level. Mandarin Chinese is available at Intensive Initial level.
• We are ranked 1st for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 2nd for research output in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, REF 2021).
• You will combine practical language study to a high level with a current, relevant academic discipline

Our expert staff

Our Language and Linguistics staff are internationally renowned. Their books are often key texts on 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, and culture. In the Department of Government, some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

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Specialist facilities

An exciting programme of research seminars and other events

Our Albert Sloman Library houses an extensive 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 two languages. Language skills are in scarce supply and can be used in almost any job. Our graduates become teachers, translators, administrators and journalists. The language skills they acquire 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.