Departments

Language and Linguistics

A string of flags criss-crossing between the walls of two buildings.

Everything starts with language. Language starts here.

Language is fundamental to our thoughts, relationships and cultures.

It's at the heart of every interaction we have with each other. From falling in love, to settling global political disputes, and even posting on social media.

At Essex, we explore this uniquely human phenomenon from every angle - from investigating social perceptions of different accents, to teaching a range of modern languages, researching how children and adults learn new languages, and empowering people from underrepresented communities around the world. 

If you have a global outlook, are interested in human interaction and want real-world practical skills, welcome home.

 

Our courses
Two girls looking at a book the background is blue
Our Language and Linguistics courses are now in Clearing!

Find out which courses we're accepting Clearing applications for, browse the modules you can learn during your degree, and apply online with our quick, easy form!

View our courses in Clearing

Why
choose us?

Learn languages from complete beginner up to mastery level
1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (REF 2021)
Only UK university offering MA Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling
Gain a teaching qualification and experience on BA TEFL
Group of students chatting
Staff talking to each other in front of a laptop
Students practising in our interpreting labs
Our latest news stories
ResearchPlus launches to help boost UK research and innovation
26 Jun 2025
Children aged five link certain accents with intelligence
22 Apr 2025
Three Essex graduates up for Study UK Alumni Awards
05 Mar 2025
Two girls reading a book
Get in touch with us

If you would like any more information about language and linguistics or have a question you would like to ask, please complete this short enquiry form.