BA Modern Languages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language
University of Essex
Key Information
Campus location
Colchester, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
BA Modern Languages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Learn the essentials for teaching languages to others, while simultaneously going through the experience of learning a language yourself.
Our course is ideal if you want to teach English to non-native speakers, but the knowledge and skills you develop will also prepare you for a range of other possible careers in the media, in administration, in business and in education; in fact, any job where the ability to apply critical thinking to problems, to conduct independent research and to communicate the results of your work to others are required.
You study topics which give you a thorough grounding in English Language, and teaching English Language to others, including:
- Linguistics and sociolinguistics
- The structure of the English language
- Second language learning
- Practical training in TEFL methods
You also study up to two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese, completing at least one language to Mastery level. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and can take you to a level of near-fluency, and so many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking for language specialists.
We also offer a month-long summer course with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Understanding Data in Linguistics
- Introduction to TEFL Methodology
- Theory and Practice in English Language Teaching
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year 2
- Initial Teaching Practice
- Research methods for language and linguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year Away
- Year Abroad Modules
Final Year
- Project: Linguistics
- Literature and Language Teaching
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Companies and organisations in the UK and abroad are struggling to find university graduates who are fluent in at least one other language, apart from English.
Being an Essex modern languages graduate places you in a very advantageous position. You will be able to speak and write fluently, or to a very competent standard, in up to four languages. Language skills are in scarce supply and can be used in almost any job.
Our graduates become teachers, translators, administrators and journalists. Their valued language skills have enabled them to work in diverse fields including banking, entertainment, media, education and tourism, as well as for a host of UK and international companies. In particular, a degree in modern languages lends itself to a career in education, translation, interpretation, trade, PR, communications, immigration or diplomacy.
For example, one of our recent graduates is now a newspaper editor in Spain, while another teaches modern languages in Southampton.
We also work with the University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Program delivery
- Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminar sessions or discussion classes
- State-of-the-art technologies and materials create an ideal learning environment
- Activities designed to develop your practical language skills, such as role-play and class presentations
- Cultural and social themes are explored through film, music, the internet, theatre and literature