BA (Hons) Modern Languages

What’s it about?

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

 

Key benefits

• An applied non-literary course designed to develop high-level practical communication skills
• Develop practical skills and study two languages to degree level, with the option of studying a third 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

 

Which main languages can I study?

Post A-Level or Ab initio (Beginners):  French, German, Italian, Spanish

English as a Foreign Language (for non-native speakers of English) but you must have IELTS (6.5 or above).

 

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.

If you choose to combine your languages with related studies:

• Year 1 allows you to follow a range of foundation modules such as linguistics and the politics and history of Europe.
• Year 2 allows you to add to your language studies by choosing modules in linguistics, international relations, history, politics, film studies and translation.
• The International Placement Year takes place in your third year and lasts for one academic year.
• Year 4 again allows you to choose modules that interest you, whilst you can also write a dissertation specialising in 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 not only communicate in more than one European language, but who also have the skills to deal with complex information in an international multilingual environment.

Choosing languages with related specialist modules equips you with these skills and opens up a wide range of careers in the UK and abroad.

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: BA (Hons) Modern Languages

 

YEAR 1

• Language Module for each language

• Structure of English

• Politics and Democracy

 

YEAR 2

• Language Module for each language

Two options from the following:

• Semantics

• Syntax

• Key Concepts and Skills in TESOL

• Corpus Approaches to Language

• EU in International Relations

• Political Communication

• US Foreign Policy since 1945

• International Politics and the Media

• Poverty and Development in the IPE

• University-Wide Language Programme

 

YEAR 3

International Placement Year

YEAR 4

• Language Module 501 for each language

• Language Module 601 for each language

Two options from the following:

• Current Approaches to Linguistics

• Critical Issues in TESOL

• Pragmatics and Cognition

• World Englishes

• E-Democracy

• International Political Economy

• Ethics and International Relations

• The Politics of EU Enlargement

• EU Simulation

• Corruption in Contemporary Politics

• Conflicts, Refugees and Humanitarian Intervention

• University-wide Language Programme

 

Entry requirements

GCSE: English Language with a minimum grade C or equivalent.

Advanced GCE level (A-level): 300 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 300 UCAS points.

IB: 25-27 points.

University of Salford International Foundation Year: Pass at appropriate level in all modules.

Your qualifications must include at least one relevant language to be studied at post A-level (or equivalent) standard at minimum grade B.

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 a foreign language as one of the languages, candidates must be non-native speakers of English and must satisfy the University English language entry requirements.