The BA Modern Languages suite of programmes has been designed for those who wish to specialise in the study of two or more languages. We are looking for highly motivated students who can demonstrate a real interest in, and flair for, languages.

The BA Modern Languages degree allows you to study two or three languages in various weightings and combinations. We offer French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and English. You have considerable flexibility in choosing modules from this range of languages to make up the total of 120 credits required in each year of study. Thus your programme can follow one of three ‘pathways’ or patterns.

The programme is delivered by departments grouped within the Centre for European Languages and Cultures (CELC). The Centre is housed in a dedicated Languages building on the main University campus. All Languages departments received a rating of 5 or 5* in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.

First year

Pathway 1: You study two languages of equal weight (60:60 credit split). Combinations available are:

• French Studies and German Studies
• French Studies and Hispanic Studies
• French Studies and Italian Studies
• French Studies and Portuguese
• French Studies and Russian Studies
• German Studies and Hispanic Studies
• German Studies and Italian Studies
• German Studies and Portuguese
• German Studies and Russian Studies
• Hispanic Studies and Italian Studies
• Hispanic Studies and Portuguese
• Italian Studies and Russian Studies
• Portuguese and Russian Studies

Pathway 2: You study two languages in a Major/Minor combination (80:40 credit split). Combinations available are:

• All combinations listed in Pathway 1. Arabic, Catalan, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and English Language are also available as a 40-credit minor.

Pathway 3: You study three languages, all as Minor subjects (40:40:40 credit split). Combinations available are:

• Any three languages from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Catalan, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and English Language, subject to the conditions outlined below.

Please note:

• Each pathway allows you to study just one language from beginners’ level (except French and English, which are only available from post-A level or equivalent).
• In Pathway 2, an A level in the language is normally required in the subject proposed as the 80-credit Major. Italian, Spanish and Russian are the exceptions and can be taken ab initio.
• If you choose to study three languages, you are expected to have followed two of them to A level standard.
• Catalan, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and English Language are available only as a 40-credit Minor in Pathways 2 and 3.
• Timetable constraints mean that it is not possible to combine Spanish with Russian, Italian with Portuguese, Italian with Mandarin Chinese or Japanese with Arabic in any of the pathways.
• The English Language Minor is not normally taken as a second language. It consists of advanced linguistics and requires the linguistic competence of a native speaker of English; non-English native speakers will only be considered if they have this level of competence.

Second year

Although most students simply continue along the pathway chosen in their first year, our programme allows students to change emphasis at this point in order to devote a different proportion of their time to the study of one or two languages. Thus you may:

• Choose to remain on the same pathway
• Move from Pathway 1 to Pathway 2 or vice versa
• Move from Pathway 3 to either Pathway 1 or 2

The only change not permitted is from Pathways 1 or 2 to Pathway 3.

Year abroad

The third year is spent abroad. You will normally study at a university or teach in the countries of two of your languages. If you are studying three languages, it is possible to follow a vacation course in the third language.

Fourth year

In the final year, you will normally follow the same pathway as in Years 2 and 3.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is done via language classes, small group seminars, lectures, workshops and language laboratories. Assessment consists of a mix of continuous assessment – essays and language assignments – and end-of-year examinations.

Career opportunities

This programme produces graduates who can offer employers linguistic expertise in two or more languages, allied to highly marketable transferable skills. These include the ability to work independently, the ability to analyse complex material, well-developed communication skills and intercultural awareness. This combination of language proficiency with broader cultural understanding and high-level intellectual skills gives our graduates excellent prospects for employment both in the UK and abroad.

Other ways to study Modern Languages

You can study Modern Languages in a wide range of other degree programmes and in combination with many other subjects. Please see the Modern Languages course list for all available courses.

Related links

Centre for European Languages and Cultures website: www.celc.bham.ac.uk
Other courses in Arts and Law

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