European Studies and Modern Languages University of Essex

Overview

Through the European Studies and Modern Languages programme from  University of Essex  you'll examine Europe's economic, legal, and sociological context, as well as its historical origins whilst acquiring an understanding of Europe's rich cultural traditions. The artists, writers, musicians, composers and film-makers of Europe have exerted a cultural influence that even now is not eclipsed by the dominance of America on the world's stage.

Alongside your European studies modules, you also become fluent in your choice of one or more modern European languages. You can spend your third year in Europe, immersing yourself in European cultures. Language is fundamental to the thought, the relationships, and the civilisations. 

Through language we transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes. How could speaking another language change the way you think about and describe the world?

Here at Essex, the teaching and research offers maximum flexibility for you to study areas that interest you, so you can pursue a wide range of topics including:

• European identity and the development of the EU
• Representations of non-Europeans in art
• Europe's colonial history
• Religion in Europe

• EU law

Career opportunities:

As a graduate in European Studies and Modern Languages programme offered by University of Essex, your year abroad will have developed your confidence, independence, maturity and other invaluable life skills. You will have exactly the combination of skills and experience most in demand from a wide range of employers.

This provides excellent preparation for areas which includes import/export management, banking and financial sectors, academia, airlines, information technology, management, museums, teaching, non-governmental offices, and development agencies in the UK and abroad.

The recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations including:

• The Civil Service (especially the Foreign Office)

• Embassies around the world

• The European Council on Foreign Relations

• The Europe Direct Contact Centre in Brussels

• The Spanish Congress of Deputies

• LEAD Europe

Other recent graduates have also undertaken traineeships with the European Commission, for the Directorate-General for Education and Culture, and various internships in journalism and with NGOs.