(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Language Studies and Linguistics (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Languages, Cultures and Societies
Linguistics
BA R115
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
UK and EU applicants:
All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you
- think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
- have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
- are returning to university after some time away from education; or
- are looking for more support during the transition into university study.
Standard offer:
Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.
Examples of the above tariff may include:
- A-levels: DDD
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
- T-levels: Pass with E in core
To study Portuguese as your major language, you need an A-level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish.
If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.
Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:
We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.
International applicants:
Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 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 required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 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.
Additional Notes
Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen 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 Laurence Richard
Director Centre for Language Study
University of Southampton
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.
- Introduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language. Offer a varied and flexible curriculum which allows students to choose their own areas of specialisation within Linguistics.
- Develop students' knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria and research methods used in contemporary work in the chosen areas of specialisation in Linguistics, and of associated theoretical, descriptive and methodological 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.
Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the social and political issues that have influenced the development of Latin America.
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 contemporary work in the chosen areas of specialisation in Linguistics
A6: Key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, methods and materials used in the chosen areas of specialism in Linguistics, and associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and (where relevant) 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.
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 Linguistics (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 Linguistics (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 behaviour or data, or other materials in the chosen area of Linguistics using appropriate analytic techniques
B5: Critically evaluate contrasting linguistic theories/ accounts/explanations/approaches, 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, video, 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 Linguistics 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 Linguistics 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 work in Linguistics 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 Linguistics 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 Linguistics 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: Analyse relevant materials, 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, responding constructively to feedback and learning new material and techniques.
Learning methods
All skills are developed by a range of methods which typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, video, 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 Linguistics 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 Linguistics 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.