Modern Languages with Latin American Studies
Modern languages with Latin American studies opens a gateway to some of the most dynamic, diverse and culturally rich societies in the world. Latin America encompasses over twenty countries and several hundred million people whose languages, cultures, histories and contemporary politics are distinct from those of Spain and Portugal, and whose influence on global culture, economics and politics is growing. Studying modern languages alongside a sustained engagement with Latin American studies gives you linguistic competence and cultural depth that goes beyond the European homeland of those languages, developing a genuinely Americas-oriented perspective on Hispanic and Lusophone civilisations.
This four-year full-time degree at the University of Essex immerses you in all aspects of some of the world's most prominent Hispanic and Lusophone cultures, challenging the constraints on perspective that come from living and thinking within any single national tradition. You will develop advanced language skills in Spanish or Portuguese alongside deep engagement with Latin American history, politics, literature, film and popular culture. The programme asks you to expand your outlook by engaging seriously with societies whose histories of colonialism, revolution, migration and cultural creativity have shaped the modern world in ways that are still unfolding.
Graduates combine advanced bilingual competence with genuine cultural and political knowledge of Latin America, making them competitive for careers in international business, diplomacy, journalism, NGOs, international development, education, translation and cultural organisations with connections to the Americas. The combination of language skills and area knowledge is particularly valuable in organisations working across or within Latin American countries. Further study in Latin American studies, Hispanic studies, international relations or translation is a natural route for graduates who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue academic careers.