Course summary

Language is fundamental to our thoughts, our relationships, and our civilisations. Through language, we transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes. You integrate your undergraduate and postgraduate studies into one course, graduating with an Integrated Masters in Modern Languages: European Languages and Translation. You specialise in at least two modern languages, becoming highly proficient in at least one language. Language study is combined from the third year with translation skills. In your first and second years, you study practical language modules to develop your language skills. French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish can be studied with Mandarin Chinese taken as an option. These languages are all widely used in the business world and many of our graduates have developed successful global careers with international firms. Your third year is spent studying abroad with modules taken in language and translation. You also develop your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and expand your linguistic and translation skills and communication proficiency in your chosen language. In your fourth year, you return to Essex and carry out an independent research project, supported by your supervisor. This project develops your ability to conduct research, work with complex sources of information in your chosen language and employ research methods. You also develop your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and expand your linguistic and translation skills and communication proficiency in your chosen language. The project is the culmination of both your undergraduate studies and preparation for your final year where you take postgraduate modules. In addition to the language skills you develop, you explore themes relating to global cultures, history, and politics to gain in-depth knowledge of the countries where the languages you’re studying are spoken. In your fifth year you study modules in translation and subtitling at postgraduate level.