BA (Hons) Modern Language Studies

What's it about?

If you want to study Languages and achieve a high level of competence in one foreign language combined with Linguistics, and/or Politics and/or a second foreign language, this course is for you.
You can combine language study with a flexible range of specialist modules that develop your interests in Politics and International Relations and/or Linguistics (including TESOL). A second language can be studied from the second year.

You will take one main language throughout the course, which can be studied post-A level (or equivalent) or from scratch. The languages available are Arabic, French and Spanish.

This course allows you to combine the development of advanced oral and written communication skills in your chosen foreign language with a flexible range of modules to suit your interests.

 

Key Benefits

• An applied non-literary course designed to develop high-level practical communication skills
• Combine language study with the option of studying a second language or taking optional modules in Politics and/or  Linguistics (including TESOL)
• Undertake a work or study placement abroad, and benefit from our extensive network of placement providers
• Benefit from our state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre including Conference Interpreting booths, satellite television and Multimedia equipment

 

Which main languages can I study?

Post A-Level or Beginners: Arabic, French, Spanish

 

What will I learn?

Language modules focus on developing knowledge of contemporary society and language usage. Where practical they are delivered in the foreign language. They are designed to help you develop high-level oral and written communication skills applicable to the world of work.

Year 1
Modules cover related fields such as history and politics, linguistics and translation and interpreting.
You can also choose to study other languages, such as Chinese, on the University-wide Language Programme.

Year 2
The second year includes additional studies in linguistics, international relations, history, politics, film studies and translation and interpreting.

Year 3
The International Placement year takes place in your third year and lasts for one academic year.

Year 4
The final year again allows you choose specialist modules that interest you, while you may also write a dissertation, choosing a topic from one of the areas you have studied.

 

How will I learn and be assessed?

You will learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and project-based teamwork. An emphasis is also placed on independent learning, where you use resources in our state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre.

Assessment is by a combination of assignments, exams and continuous assessment.

 

Can I study overseas or gain work experience?

It is a requirement of the programme that (unless you are studying EFL) you spend at least two semesters abroad in an International Placement Year.

During your international placement year you can choose to study or work abroad. Whether you choose to take a study, work placement or both, you will be looked after by our experienced International Placement Year Tutors who support you during your placement.

 

What are my career prospects?

Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can communicate in more than one European language and also have the analytical skills to deal with complex information in an international multilingual environment.

Recent graduates from our BA Languages programmes went on to work as Translators, Freelance Interpreters, reporters and proof readers.

Find out more about careers with languages and how a degree from the School of Languages can enhance your career prospects.

 

More information

Find out about the English language requirements for international students.

Find out about scholarships and bursaries.

Want to visit the university? Register for an open day.

 

Programme Structure

YEAR 1

• Language Module (101 or 102)
• Structure of English
• Meaning in Language
• Theories and Issues in International Relations I
• Politics and Democracy

 

YEAR 2

• Language Module (301 or 302)

Plus four optional modules from the following list:

• Semantics
• Corpus Approaches to Language
• Syntax
• Key Concepts and Skills in TESOL
• Theories and Issues in International Relations II
• EU in International Relations
• Political Communication: Media and Democracy
• US Foreign Policy since 1945
• Contemporary Security Studies:  
• International Politics and the Media
• Researching in International Relations and Politics
• The Arab-Israeli Conflict
• Terrorism and Radicalisation
• Poverty and Development in International Political Economy
• University-wide Language Programme

 

YEAR 3

International Placement Year

 

YEAR 4

• Language Module 501
• Language Module 601

Plus four optional modules from the following list:

• Current Approaches to Linguistics
• Critical Issues in TESOL
• Pragmatics and Cognition
• World Englishes
• E-Democracy: Politics and the New Media
• International Political Economy
• Ethics and International Relations
• The Politics of European Union Enlargement
• European Union Simulation
• Corruption in Contemporary Politics
• Conflicts, Refugees and Humanitarian Intervention
• The Politics of Islamism
• Dissertation
• University-wide Language Programme

 

 

Entry requirements

GCSE: English Language with a minimum grade C or equivalent.
Advanced GCE level (A-level): 320 UCAS points, normally from 3 A2s.
General Studies is not accepted as an A-level, but results are noted.
The third A-level may be replaced with two AS/A1 levels.
Irish Leaving Certificate/Scottish Highers: Equivalent of 320 UCAS points.
IB: 26-28 points.
University of Salford International Foundation Year: Pass at appropriate level in all modules.

Your qualifications must include one relevant language to be studied at post A-level (or equivalent) standard with minimum grade B, or demonstrate evidence of language learning ability if you intend to study a language at ab intio (beginners) level.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with qualifications equivalent to A-level, including those gained abroad, as are applications from mature students and those with unusual language qualifications, for whom a short written and oral test may be appropriate. In the case of applications to study English as one of the languages, candidates must be non-native speakers of English and must satisfy the University English language entry requirements.