University of Essex
Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons)
University of Essex

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This four-year course includes a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by a further three years of study. During Year Zero, you study four academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module. Studying languages opens doors to new horizons. You develop your language skills in Spanish and Portuguese to a high proficiency level and gain a deep understanding of the Hispanic and Lusophone cultures. Our courses are unique because they have a triple focus on developing language proficiency, cultural awareness and professional skills – not only translation/interpreting skills, but also web and publishing skills, and film production and video-editing skills such as subtitling and voiceover. Our focus on skills helps you acquire a wide range of employability skills which enhance your career prospects. You spend your third year abroad experiencing, engaging with and integrating into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner university or by working as a language assistant.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 53 graduates of Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons) at University of Essex for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Portuguese Language.

Overall student satisfaction
76 /100
53 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates of Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons) at University of Essex

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22000 £22000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £24000 £19000 - £27500 £22500 - £33500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Portuguese Language

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24336 £24507 £29151
25-75 percentile range £20564 - £27775 £19323 - £31679 £21991 - £39076

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year), BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Modules

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans

Utilise skills from studies

Work is meaningful

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% Skilled jobs

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons) at University of Essex

20% Business and public service associate professionals
15% Administrative occupations
15% Teaching Professionals
15% Customer service occupations
10% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
10% Secretarial and related occupations
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
5% Sales occupations

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

To include 2 full A-levels (or equivalent)

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

To study Portuguese as your major language, you need an A-level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, Spanish or Portuguese or fluency in Italian, Romanian or Spanish. UK and EU applicants: All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you • think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course; • have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC); • are returning to university after some time away from education; or • are looking for more support during the transition into university study. Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds: We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees

Please note that this course is not open to international applicants.
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year), BA (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
EU £16850 year 1
International £16850 year 1

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for 2021-22 entry. Fees will increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of University of Essex in top UK and global rankings.

See all university rankings of University of Essex

What students say about studying Portuguese Language in the UK?

  • The Portuguese Language and What Makes it Intriguing
  • Temple University Spanish & Portuguese Graduate Program
  • The Sound of the European Portuguese language (UDHR, Numbers, Greetings, Words & Sample Text)
  • Spanish & Portuguese

About University of Essex

The University of Essex, is a public, research university where curiosity prevails and thinking outside the box isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. Based in the county of the same name, Essex, the main campus is located in Wivenhoe Park, near Colchester. It is home to the university’s three faculties, Humanities, Science & Health and Social Sciences, as well as a very large community of local rabbits, and other small fauna typical of the English countryside.

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Where is this programme taught

Colchester Campus
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Colchester Campus
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