BA Journalism and Language Studies

In this global, digital age, the ability to share information with multiple audiences around the world is extremely powerful. Through language we can transmit knowledge, and share stories with people from all corners of the globe. Our BA Journalism and Language Studies allow you to expand your multimedia skills whilst developing fluency in new languages.

Through the modern languages component of this course, you have the opportunity to choose from French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish as a main language and Mandarin Chinese as optional language. This is intertwined with the practical journalism aspect of this course; where you develop your skills in using multi-media channels such as radio, television and online media and deepen your knowledge of journalism on an international scale You have the flexibility to choose the areas of the subject that most interest you and to explore global cultures alongside the native language. Topics which you will be able to study include:

• World Cinema
• Production Skills
• Translation
• International Journalism
• Up to two languages of your choice from the range we offer

As a student at one of the UK's leading social science institutions, you are uniquely placed to acquire a deep understanding of the world you report on. You will join our Department of Languages and Linguistics and our Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies where you will be part of our diverse community of students from all corners of the globe.

Study abroad

This course does not offer a year abroad option.

Our expert staff

At Essex you learn from the best. Core journalism staff include:

• Penny Wrout, a former BBC correspondent and producer who is currently a freelance documentary film-maker and multimedia arts producer.
• Paul Anderson, former editor of Tribune and deputy editor of the New Statesman, who now works as a print/online subeditor on the Guardian.
• Dr Fatima el Issawi, an international correspondent with more than 15 years' experience covering conflict zones for a wide range of broadcast and online outlets including Agence France Press and the BBC.
• Dr Alexandros Antoniou, lecturer in media law and a specialist in communications regulation, intellectual property and cybercrime.

Our modern language teaching staff are native or bilingual speakers of the languages that they teach, some with specialisms in intercultural communication, linguistic mediation and technologies of translation and authors of current text books used in language teaching.

Throughout the course you also have the opportunity to meet visiting lecturers and teachers who are leading figures in different branches of journalism, and who provide an important link to an extended network of industry practitioners.

Specialist facilities

As a journalism student at Essex, your material is published on a dedicated website, and you also spend time gaining on-the-job experience with a range of professional news operations, creating and publishing stories and building up a portfolio of published and broadcast work. You work in a purpose-built newsroom with access to television, radio studios, and computer software that allows journalists to create and edit content across all media and platforms quickly and professionally. The University's Media Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art studios, cameras, audio and lighting equipment, and an industry-standard editing suite.

You can also gain experience with our Students' Union media platform Rebel, and benefit from access to our modern languages facilities:

• A specialist 20-position Interpreting Lab, with equipment also found in the European Commission, the United Nations and the Houses of Parliament
• Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost
• Access to specialist software used for translation and subtitling and dedicated facilities including interpreting booths
• An exciting programme of research seminars and other events

Your future

Studying languages allows you to grow your ability of additional languages to a high level of proficiency so that you can communicate with people from all around the world. This combined with the practical journalism elements of the course, mean that our graduates are equipped to embark on a wide range of career paths.

You compile an impressive portfolio of published work and complete a detailed multimedia project in your final year, allowing you to offer real evidence of your range and capabilities to future employers. You also develop knowledge of a specialist subject – such as business, culture, politics, international affairs or sport – giving you a head start if you want to pursue a career in one of those areas.

You become a multi-skilled and multilingual story-teller both in English and the MFL that you take to Proficiency level, familiar with production techniques in television, radio, online and newspaper journalism, and with the option to gain advanced skills in specific areas in your final year.

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of courses, with most offers at BBC–CCD (112–88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. Grade requirements may be lower in some cases, and some courses may also have subject specific requirements. We consider each application individually so get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here. .

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, 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 then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.

If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

What if my IELTS does not meet your requirements?

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.

Do I need to have achieved an acceptable English language qualification before I apply?

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

What if the English language qualification I hold, or am taking, is not listed?

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please contact Admissions on ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.

What are the requirements for second and final year entry?

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

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

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Teaching

Undergraduate students studying English Language and Linguistics modules would typically attend a two-hour teaching event for each module every week. Seminars would usually have about 20 students.

Undergraduate students studying Modern Languages modules would typically involve two to three hours of classes per week (but note that the intensive language modules would involve four to five hours of classes per week). Classes usually contain up to 20 students within each group.

• Teaching will mainly take place through lectures and classes
• The learning methods in this course include: classes, lectures, workshops, group discussions and debates.
• You will enjoy mentoring from professionals in your specialist subject.
• First year students are required to achieve a minimum 70% attendance at timetabled teaching events for all language modules.

Assessment

• Your final mark for each module is generally determined half by coursework and half by examination
• Assessment may take the form of traditional essays, oral presentations, quizzes, role-plays, vlogs or other.