(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Language Studies and Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Languages, Cultures and Societies
BA R116
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.)
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.
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.
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 required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or 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 here.
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
Mrs Enza Siciliano Verruccio
Associate Professor
University of Reading
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 one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the chosen language(s) 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 which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts.
- ntroduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning and language teaching. Familiarise students with (and encourage them to critically evaluate) contemporary materials and methods in teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL, and give them practice in producing TEFL materials and course design.
- Develop students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, and research and teaching methods used in contemporary work in TEFL; equip students with a set of techniques for the description of aspects of English; and make them aware of associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues.
- 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 the relevant higher-level course when only ONE language is studied: 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.
A knowledge and understanding of the fundamental historical processes that have shaped Latin America.
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
A4: Contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning, and language teaching and how researchers in another country approach the study of language.
A5: A selection of work in language learning, TEFL, and the pedagogical description of English.
A6: Key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, research methods, teaching practices and types of materials used in contemporary work in TEFL, and associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues
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 exposure to authentic materials (literature, media, film) from the countries where the language is spoken ,
Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.
A1-A3 are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.
A4-A6 are developed on TEFL (LG) courses through a range of teaching and learning methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work.
Assessment methods
A1-A3 are assessed on Modern Languages (LA) 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.
A4-A6 are assessed on TEFL (LG) courses by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken language materials
B2: Interact in the chosen languages, expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
B3: Analyse authentic Modern Language materials from a variety of perspectives
B4: Make observations and generalisations about data or behaviour or other materials in the chosen areas of English Language specialism using appropriate analytic techniques
B5: Critically evaluate contrasting theories/accounts/explanations/approaches in relevant English Language work, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data or practice
Learning methods
B1-B3 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.
B1, B4 and B5 are developed on TEFL courses through a range of teaching and learning methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work
Assessment methods
B1-B3 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.
B1, B4 and B5 are assessed on TEFL courses by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the chosen modern language(s) coherently and in a manner both accurate and appropriate for the context.
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
C3: Plan, undertake and present an independent piece of English Language work which involves reviewing existing work on a given topic, making use of standard referencing conventions
C4: Utilise specialised techniques for the collection, analysis, presentation or evaluation of relevant English Language materials, data or behaviour
Learning methods
C1 and C2 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.
C2-C4 are developed on TEFL courses through a range of teaching and learning methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work
Assessment methods
C1 and C2 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.
C2-C4 are developed on English Language courses through a range of teaching and learning methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work.
D: Key skills
D1: Present ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) effectively and clearly in English and the chosen Modern Language/s (with the level of Modern Language fluency depending on the level of the modules taken)
D2: Demonstrate a range of IT skills which will typically include the ability to produce word processed documents, use PowerPoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download internet materials in English/the foreign language(s), and utilise software packages.
D3: Manage projects and timetables; find, understand and organise information; work with ideas; analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and creatively proposing solutions
D4: Analysing modern language materials, identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions
D5: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team
D6: Working autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management
Learning methods
All skills are developed 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.
Skills are also developed on TEFL courses through a range of methods which typically include lectures, seminars, and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; advice in Departmental Handbooks; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff.
Generic IT skills are also taught on induction courses run by the University and the Department
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations which may involve the use of Powerpoint; 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.
Skills are assessed on TEFL courses by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.