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Global Studies (Including Year Abroad)

1 Study option · UndergraduateColchester Campus

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

The challenges facing today’s world are profoundly international. From the migrant crisis to global warming, contemporary challenges require graduates who bring a global perspective and broad skills to the workplace. Our BA Global Studies is designed for just this purpose – you study topics from a range of subjects so that you can develop a wide understanding of complex global issues.

Based within our Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC), you have the option to choose from a variety of subjects including history, politics, philosophy, sociology, and more. You study both topics that have an international focus, and those that focus on particular regions and countries.

A core part of the course are modules from history and politics which explore international relations and global history, plus you choose from additional topics in areas including:

  • Art, architecture and their geographical contexts

  • International banking

  • World technologies

  • Modern languages

  • Migration

This is an amazing place to study a course like this one. Since its foundation Essex has had a distinctly international character. Our departments include academics specialising in many diverse regions of the world, so you experience the very best of the University’s expertise in global issues.

Globalisation is seen by many as the defining issue of our age, and we live in a world which is connected as never before. This is your opportunity to understand it, and to help shape it. Don’t wait for change. Make it happen.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 10/2026

Application codes

Course code:
L904
Institution code:
E70

University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
L904
Institution code:
E70

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Global Studies (Including Year Abroad) at University of Essex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Catarina

    University of Essex
    Finance and Banking
    I am an international student from Portugal, I have completed my BSc Economics at Essex. Once I completed my course i have worked 2 years as a Student Recruiter where I would travel around England to bring brand awareness. I decided to start my masters in FinTech in October 2025.

  • Craig

    University of Essex
    Sports Therapy
    I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world.

  • Delia

    University of Essex
    Computer Science
    Hello there! I am Delia, a 2nd year Romanian student at the Colchester campus. I am a BSc Artificial Intelligence student and I am excited about game programming and software engineering. Alongside my degree, I study Russian with the Languages for All program, and I am a V-Team volunteer for the Animal Protection Project. I am happy to chat about studying at the University of Essex, student life in Colchester, campus life, volunteering, support at university, extracurricular activities, and answer any questions you may have!

  • Amaia

    University of Essex
    Physiotherapy
    Heyy👋🏻, I am Amaia from the UK. I am studying MSc Physiotherapy at University of Essex (Year 2). I enjoy learning about anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition and rehabilitation. I am passionate about Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation. Feel free to ask me questions about uni, my course, or any other queries you may have. Looking forward to chatting with you :))

  • Caitlyn

    University of Essex
    Psychology
    Hello! I am Caitlyn, I am a 1st year undergraduate student at the University of Essex. I study psychology with cognitive neuroscience and following my degree I intend to pursue either speech and language therapy or educational psychology. I am most passionate about helping others and trying to bring more joy to the world overall. University was such an unreal idea in my head originally as my family aren't well-off and nobody in my family had ever attended university before me - but here I am, and I would encourage others to take the plunge as well!

  • Cayleigh

    University of Essex
    MSc Speech and Language Therapy
    Hello, my name is Cayleigh, I am a master's student studying Speech and Language Therapy and wish to specialise in paediatrics. My previous degree was a BEd in Primary Education. I am also a qualified teacher. Feel free to ask me any questions about my course, student life, or campus life!

  • Callum

    University of Essex
    Modern Languages
    I am a final-year student at the University of Essex's Colchester campus, so I have had a very long time here to come to know a lot of things about this place. Over my three years, I have had a broad range of experiences that university has to offer, from getting involved in sports and societies, to using the careers services, to completing a paid internship in a subject related to my degree. Applying to university, I knew that I wanted to study modern languages, but didn't study a language at A-Level, which definitely threw a spanner into a lot of things. As a 16/17 year old, I just didn't think that far ahead in my life- which is normal. I am living proof that, to an extent, this does not need to be the end of your plans to go to uni. As for me as an individual, I am interested in art and music- which I also make, and I also enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming on occassion. I'm also on the autistic spectrum. After graduating this year, my plan is to go and do a year working in a Spanish school, and then hopefully come back home and do a course on TEFL, all of which the academic staff are supporting me to do.

  • Charlotte

    University of Essex
    Politics
    Hi, I am Charlotte, a third year politics with human rights student. I am also a member of the Student Union trustee board and a student representative alongside my studies, so I am very immersed in the student life here and more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have. I love to go out and I’m always attending the nightlife events on campus (maybe a little too much)! I am currently treasurer for the sustainable students society so if there’s anything you would be interested to know about societies, I can always let you know. I’m very friendly and bubbly so don’t be afraid to ask anything, no questions are silly.

  • Anastasiia

    University of Essex
    Art History
    I am a 29 y.o. PhD student in Art History & Theory with a background in Museum Studies (St Petersburg State University of Culture) and Curatorial Research (St Petersburg State University). I'm here to help you start your academic journey with the UoE. Ask me anything about PGR studies at Essex (especially PHAIS), financial support for international students, accommodation, life on and off campus (especially cultural events, e.g. museums, theatres, etc.) and what it's like to live in the UK/Colchester (e.g. what's there for people from my (and probably yours!) part of the globe. Fun facts about me: travelled to 40+ countries; have a cute little chinchilla named Pyshka🍩; have learnt that all the stereotypes about British weather are true—but it still rains more in St Petersburg, so I’m fine. 🥲

  • Ayo

    University of Essex
    Law
    Hey, I’m a second-year LLB Law student studying at Essex. I’m interested in Corporate law. When I’m not drowning in cases, Im probably listening to music, watching k dramas, or travelling around the world or probably sleeping. I’d be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to ask me anything about life at Essex - from studying Law, living on campus, best study places or just what the food’s like here. I’m happy to chat!!

  • Beck

    University of Essex
    Occupational Therapy
    I wasn't always sure of what I wanted to do at university, but my current course is perfect for me. I am happy to advise if you find yourself feeling the same way. Feel free to talk to me about clubs, societies and extracurricular activities.

  • Ann

    University of Essex
    Biomedical Science
    Hi, I’m Ann, a third year biomedical student with a keen interest in cancer biology. I plan to continue my studies in the future and am happy to share my experiences and help fellow students navigate university life, from academics to beyond!
  • See all

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 24 other sociology, social policy and anthropology courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Essex, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
CCD Most common
  1. AAB
  2. Highest grades
  3. DDD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

98% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

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