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Modern Languages and Linguistics
- BA (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Colchester Campus
Course summary
Explore both the theoretical aspects of the language we use, and acquire the practical ability to speak another language. Any understanding of language enhances our self-awareness, inspiring us to address fundamental questions about our communication as human beings.
Linguistics is an increasingly important subject, impacting on areas in psychology, philosophy, education and artificial intelligence. It has real-world applications in such diverse fields as human rights, computer-assisted language learning, and the study of institutional language in settings like doctor-patient interactions, interviewer-interviewee dialogues, and courtroom exchanges.
You explore a wide range of core topics in linguistics, mastering key concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, and also investigate specialist areas including:
-
Multilingualism and language impairment
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Language, identity and gender
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Metaphor, irony and style
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Language and the mind
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American languages
You also study up to two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, completing at least one language to Mastery level. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and can take you to a level of near-fluency, and so 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 with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route.
We are a place where talented students become part of an academic community in which the majority of research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, placing us firmly within the top 10 departments in the UK and ranked among the top 150 departments on the planet according to the QS World [University] Rankings [2019] for linguistics.
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.
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Colchester Campus
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- RQ91
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2, 4
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- RQ91
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 4
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Modern Languages and Linguistics 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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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 EssexBiomedical ScienceHi, 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! Cayleigh
University of EssexSpeech and Language TherapyHello, 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 EssexModern LanguagesI 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. Delia
University of EssexComputer ScienceHello 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 EssexPhysiotherapyHeyy👋🏻, 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 EssexPsychologyHello! 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! Anastasiia
University of EssexArt HistoryI 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. 🥲 Charlotte
University of EssexPoliticsHi, 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. Craig
University of EssexSports TherapyI 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. Catarina
University of EssexFinance and BankingI 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. Ayo
University of EssexLawHey, 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!!
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
We accept A Levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T Levels, AAQs and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application.
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 22 other English studies courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- AAB
- Highest grades
- CDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21500 | Year 1 |
| International | £21500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
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