Newcastle University

Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours
UCAS Code: QT19 (4 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

This degree is run by the School of Modern Languages together with the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. It combines the study of foreign languages with linguistic theory to explore how language works.

You spend two thirds of your time studying two languages from a choice of Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish (with at least one in French, German or Spanish at post-A level or equivalent).

You spend the remaining third studying linguistics, concentrating on the structure, history, and sociological aspects of the English language.

Teaching and assessment

The School of Modern Languages produces high-level original research in the cultures of the contemporary societies with which it engages. This gives you the chance to really get to know the modern societies connected to your chosen languages before experiencing them first hand in the countries where they are spoken. We have particular research expertise in:

• Film Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Medieval Studies

The Language and Linguistics section within the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is part of one of the largest concentrations of research expertise in Linguistics and Language Sciences in the UK. Our current research expertise includes:

• Computational linguistics
• Language variation
• Psycholinguistics
• Theoretical linguistics

You spend two thirds of your time studying your two languages and the remaining third studying linguistics. The majority of practical language modules are taught through classes led by native speakers, as well as through work in language laboratories and self-study in our Language Resource Centre. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment involves oral and language laboratory work and written examinations at the end of each Stage, as well as course work submitted during the year. During your year abroad in Stage 3 you are required to complete a personal learning record (a diary exercise consisting of three short pieces of work) and either write a project in the relevant language or submit marks from modules taken at the exchange university. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Year abroad

All of our modern languages degrees include a compulsory year abroad. You can spend your year abroad studying at one of our partner universities, as an English language assistant or on a work placement.

• If you’re studying more than one language you usually divide the year between the two countries relating to your chosen languages, although it may be possible to spend the whole year in one country
• If you are studying three languages we encourage you to spend some time during the summer vacation in the country of your third language

To help you prepare for your year abroad, we can partner you with a native speaker through our Tandem Learning Scheme, for regular conversation in your chosen language outside of class.

Our Language Resource Centre also offers free access to DVD, computer and print resources in over 50 languages to support your independent study.

Modern Languages and Linguistics at Newcastle

As a Modern Languages and Linguistics student at Newcastle you will divide your time between the School of Modern Languages and the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.

Our outstanding facilities ensure that you have everything you need to support your language learning, from state-of-the-art language laboratories to an award-winning Language Resource Centre.

You will also receive lots of support from both Schools to help you settle in and feel at home. This includes a personal tutor and a busy programme of social and academic events, organised by our two very active student-run societies:

• the Modern Languages Society
• the Linguistics Society