(BA) Bachelor of Arts
French Studies and Modern Languages
Inactive
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Languages, Cultures and Societies
BA RR19
08/06/2026
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
- 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
- IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
- We accept A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points. Acceptability of some non A-level qualifications (such as BTECs) may depend on the subject studied and units taken.
You can calculate your UCAS tariff points on the UCAS website.
Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the UCAS tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts.
More information about our requirements and how to apply is on our undergraduate application information page
Contextual Offers:
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK. Our Contextual Offers policy outlines the full eligibility criteria.
If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
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.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College
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
Ms Cathy Molinaro
Senior Lecturer
Cardiff University
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
Enable students to become proficient in French and one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the languages as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with knowledge of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation (language skills and intercultural awareness are integrated in all classes). In their final year, students have the option to develop a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting and subtitling.
Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of French-speaking regions and countries through the study of a range of media, including press, cinema, music and literature. Enable students to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts, and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into the French-speaking culture.
Offer students the opportunity to become familiar with linguistic techniques used to describe aspects of the structure of one or more modern languages, or to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in another field (depending on the options chosen) Equip students with a range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.
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: Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in the chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting, and subtitling.
A2: Aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts.
A3: Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse the chosen modern language(s), and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives
Learning methods
Modern Language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad.
Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad. During the year abroad, students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working (language assistantship or work placement) and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad.
Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.
All three types of knowledge and understanding are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess knowledge and understanding on Modern Languages courses test the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) as well as a range of other transferable skills. Assessment typically includes: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse authentic language materials in French and the other chosen modern language(s) from a variety of perspectives
B2: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken materials in French and the other chosen modern language(s
B3: Interact in French and the other chosen modern language(s), expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in French and the other chosen modern language(s) coherently and articulately
C2: Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. do a bibliographic search in the library, access material from online databases and locate and download appropriate modern language materials from the Web
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop practical skills typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess practical skills typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) in French and the other chosen modern language(s), with a level of fluency, accuracy, clarity and effectiveness (and sensitivity to register and style) which depends on the level of the courses taken
D2: Demonstrate a range of IT skills which will typically include the ability to do word processing, use Powerpoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download modern language internet materials, and utilise software packages
D4: Analyse language materials in French and the other chosen modern language(s), identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions
D5: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team
D6: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management; reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others; learn new material; adapt to new ways of learning.
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations, in some cases using Powerpoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.