(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Global Studies and Modern Languages (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Area Studies
BA LR04
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
If Portuguese is taken as the major language, A Level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or first language level fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish is required.
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.
To study Portuguese as your major language, you need a pass in Higher Level Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish.
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
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
CS241-5-SP is strongly recommended in the second year if students plan to take CS831-6-FY – Final Year Dissertation.
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 students with a distinctive skill-set required to understand and analyse contemporary developments and policy challenges from an international perspective.
- To provide students with opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons by taking up the challenge of studying new disciplines such as Art History, Philosophy, Literature, History, Sociology, Languages, Film Studies.
- 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 provide students with the necessary skills to undertake further study and/or pursue vocational training in employment.
- Enable students to become proficient in a modern language, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the language as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and (where relevant higher-level courses are taken) developing a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting, and creative writing.
- Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries that use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts, and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture.
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: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the social, political and economic processes that have shaped the world.
A2: Students will be able to demonstrate through a variety of means, a knowledge and understanding of the different styles of enquiry in a range of Humanities and Social Science disciplines
A3: 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 creative writing
A4: Aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a meduim of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts
A5: 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
A1 and A2 are acquired through core module lectures and classes in years 1, 2 and the final year.
A3 and A4 are developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad (during which 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 as a language assistant and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad). Skills of linguistic analysis A5 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class. A3-A5 are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.
Assessment methods
A1 and A2 are assessed in continuous coursework plus oral and written exams in all years.
A3-A5 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Students will use their discipline-based training to think critically and analytically in relation to a number of different academic disciplines
B2: Students will be capable of appropriately applying a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources.
B3: Students will be able to identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate techniques of writing, methodologies and theories.
B4: Students will be able to demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.
B5: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken modern language materials
B6: Interact in the chosen modern language(s), expressing their own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
B7: Analyse authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives
Learning methods
B1-B4 are acquired in classes and seminars, in group discussion and through the submission of coursework in all years. Students are expected to do independent research to consolidate classwork. B1 and B3 are also acquired through lectures and feedback on course work. Students are encouraged to compare the approaches of different disciplines and to think across disciplines.
B5-B7 are developed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which 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; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.
Assessment methods
B1-B4 intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations.
B5-B7 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
C: Practical skills
C1: Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly and coherently in a range of disciplines in both written and oral form
C2: Students will be able to present written materials using appropriate language and referencing
C3: Students will be able to work independently, write and think under pressure, meet deadlines, manage their own time and workload and demonstrate initiative.
C4: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
All practical skills are acquired through classes, the submission of course work and preparation for examinations in all years of study.
C4 is acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad.
Assessment methods
Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, and written examinations.
C1 is also assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
C4 is assessed throughout the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D1: Students will be able to present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and creative manner
D2: Students will be able to use the relevant information technology to research and present written work
D3: Students will be able to identify problems and apply relevant research methodologies and techniques of writing to resolve them.
D4: Students will develop skills in collaborative learning and research - and gain experience in group presentations of research results.
D5: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their own performance, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.
Learning methods
Key skills are acquired through participatory classwork in all years of study, through the presentation of continuous coursework and preparation for examinations. Students are encouraged to engage in discussion, to listen effectively and to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole. On many courses oral presentation skills are assessed.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through the submission of coursework and through written examinations. Some modules assess D1 and D5 through assessed oral participation or presentations.