Global Studies and Modern Languages

Global studies and modern languages is a combination that addresses one of the central paradoxes of contemporary life: the world is increasingly interconnected in economic, political, and technological terms, yet the borders constituted by language communities continue to exert enormous influence over how people understand and engage with that interconnected world. Global studies examines the international character of contemporary problems and developments, from globalisation and climate change to migration, conflict, and development. Modern languages gives you the linguistic tools to engage with those problems directly in the languages of the people they affect.

At the University of Essex, this four-year full-time programme engages with the complexity of the modern world, examining how today's challenges are profoundly international in character and how effective communication across language barriers remains as essential as ever. You will study the theoretical and empirical content of global studies alongside intensive language study in your chosen modern language, developing both analytical understanding of global processes and the linguistic competence to engage with them beyond the English-speaking world. Essex has a strong reputation in both international studies and modern languages, and the programme benefits from that combined intellectual community.

You will develop research skills, intercultural awareness, analytical and written communication, and the linguistic competence in your modern language needed to work effectively in international professional contexts.

Graduates from global studies and modern languages programmes pursue careers in international organisations, NGOs, the foreign service, journalism, international business, development, human rights, education, and a wide range of other fields where understanding global processes and communicating across languages are valued. Postgraduate study in international relations, area studies, translation, or development is a natural continuation.