(BA) Bachelor of Arts
European Studies with Spanish
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Area Studies
BA R9R4
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied -advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Francisco Carballo
Lecturer in the Politics and Culture of Latin America
Goldsmiths, University of London
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To provide a multidisciplinary programme of study with which to assess the historical, political, social and cultural development of contemporary Europe.
To provide students with high level language proficiency in a modern European language chosen from French, German, Italian and Spanish.
To provide students with opportunities to experience and acquire a number of different critical approaches through a balanced mix of teaching, reading and research in a range of academic disciplines from an interdisciplinary perspective.
To develop students' analytical, critical, research and problem-solving skills.
To develop students' intercultural skills necessary for living and working confidently in a different cultural environment, through the experience of a period of residence abroad and the study programme of the year abroad.
To prepare students for further study in single or interdisciplinary programmes or in further vocational training.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: A knowledge and understanding of the fundamental historical processes that have shaped Europe.
A2: A knowledge and understanding of the legal and political processes of contemporary Europe and of European integration.
A3: A knowledge and understanding of the social and political issues that influence the various ways in which contemporary Europeans view themselves.
A5: An awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and a corresponding level of ability in translation, interpreting and creative writing.
A6: A knowledge of phonological, morphological, syntactic, lexical, pragmatic and discourse competence in Spanish.
Learning methods
A1-A3 are acquired through European options lectures and classes in Years 0, 1, 2 and 4 and through a course of study at a European university in Year 3.
A4 and A5 are acquired through language courses in all years and through the Year Abroad using a wide range of methods that can combine any of the following: analysis of authentic materials, group discussions in the foreign language, web and laboratory work.
Assessment methods
Assessment is by unseen and oral examinations and/or continuous coursework consisting of essays or assignments.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Use their discipline-based training to think critically and analytically in relation to a number of different academic disciplines.
B2: Apply a wide range of relevant primary and secondary written, oral and visual sources.
B4: Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.
B5: Reason critically, identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate methodologies and theories in English and Spanish.
Learning methods
B1-B4 are acquired through classwork and the submission of coursework in all years.
Students are expected to do independent research to consolidate classwork.
B1 and B3 are also acquired through feedback on course work.
B2 and B3 are acquired through language instruction in all years and during the Year Abroad, as is B4.
Assessment methods
All these skills are assessed in continuous coursework plus oral and written exams in all years.
B1 and B4 are also assessed by examinations.
C: Practical skills
C2: Students will be able to present high-quality written materials using appropriate language, referencing, effective layout and design, graphs, tables and illustrations.
C3: Students will be able to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
C4: Students will attain corresponding levels of fluency and accuracy in using the language as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written).
C5: Students will be able to organise and communicate ideas clearly and coherently in a range of disciplines in English and Spanish in both written and oral form..
Learning methods
C1 - C2 are acquired through classes, coursework and preparation for examinations.
C2 is acquired through classes, lectures, essays and assignments.
C3 and C4 are acquired through class training in the two years prior to the period of study abroad and the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying in Europe.
Assessment methods
C1 - C2 and C4 are assessed through unseen examinations, coursework essays and assignments in all years, including the Year Abroad.
C3 and C4 are assessed through the work of the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D1: Both orally and in writing students will be able to present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner in English and Spanish and to work independently and effectively in a range of academic, cultural and social contexts in Europe.
D2: Students will be able to produce a word-processed essay or other text in an appropriate form in English and in Spanish and to use on-line resources, email, presentation packages and electronic information retrieval systems.
D4: Students will be able to identify a research problem and apply relevant research methodologies to resolve it.
D6: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their performance and to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.
Learning methods
D1 and D6 are acquired through participatory classwork and language study in all years.
D1 and D2 are also acquired through the work of the Year Abroad.
D2, D4, and D6 are acquired through independent learning and the presentation of continuous coursework in all years of study.
Students are encouraged to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole, to listen effectively and provide critical feedback in an appropriate manner.
Assessment methods
All key skills are assessed through coursework or assignments on a continuous basis, including the work of the Year Abroad.
D1 is also assessed through written and oral examinations.