Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages (R900)

Language is fundamental to human thought, relationships, and civilisations. Through language people transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes. In this University of Essex course students can study up to three languages choosing between French, German, Italian and Spanish from beginner or post-A level standard. Portuguese can be studied from a pre-A level standard. These languages can be studied alongside the language expert modules which cover a range of cultural and professional skills.

Each of these languages are widely used in the business world, and the school takes students to a level of near-fluency; so many graduates have gone on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking for language specialists.

In addition to the language skills students develop in the course, students also explore a range of modules on global cultures, histories, and politics, so that they can really understand another country, beyond just being able to communicate in the native language.

Companies and organizations 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 students in a very advantageous position. They 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.

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 the school's recent graduates is now a newspaper editor in Spain, while another teaches modern languages in Southampton.