Modern Languages at Newcastle gives you the unique opportunity to study a striking range of languages, countries and cultures, in flexible combinations to match your interests.
We've been teaching modern languages for over 100 years at Newcastle, and our long history is testament to the quality of our teaching and research. We have built up professional networks from across the globe to give you access to excellent opportunities for work and study abroad.
As well as gaining near-native fluency in your chosen language(s), you'll also gain an in-depth insight into the countries where your languages are spoken. We take a multidisciplinary approach to teaching, including cinema, culture, history, politics, society, linguistics and literature.
You'll also spend a year abroad, immersed in the culture and societies of the countries that fascinate you.
Our Modern Languages degree is the most flexible way of combining your languages. You can study one, two or three languages from a choice of:
The degree is designed for students with A level (or equivalent) in one or more of the languages we teach, although you can also choose to study one language at beginners’ level alongside your more advanced study.
Please note that although this degree is very flexible, there are some restrictions.
The School of Modern Languages produces high-level original research in the cultures of the contemporary societies with which it engages. This research feeds directly into our teaching, giving 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:
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.
Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to you at Newcastle University.
All of our modern languages degrees include a compulsory year abroad.
Students studying a European language can:
Students of Chinese or Japanese spend the whole year studying at one of our partner institutions in China or Japan.
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.
We offer lots of help to prepare you for your year abroad including:
Our team of year abroad officers will keep in touch with you while you are abroad, and you will communicate regularly with your personal tutor via the e-portfolio.
We have been teaching languages at Newcastle for over 100 years. This mark of quality and heritage is reflected in the reputation that the School holds.
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.
There are lots of opportunities within the School for you to meet new people and get involved with different activities including joining our student-run societies:
Find out more about Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages on the School website.