Newcastle University

Modern Languages BA Honours
UCAS Code: T901 (4 Years)

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

Modern Languages at Newcastle gives you the unique opportunity to study a striking range of languages in unusual combinations.

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:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Spanish

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.

• If you have one language at A level or equivalent, you can choose to add a beginners’ language as your second language
• If you have two languages at A level or equivalent, you can continue to study just those two languages or choose to add a beginners’ language as your third language
• You cannot study Chinese and Japanese together
• If you are taking Spanish, you can take beginners’ modules in Catalan, Quechua or Italian
• If you are taking French, you can take beginners' modules in Catalan or Italian
• If you are taking German, you can take beginners’ modules in Dutch
• If you want to study just one language it must be French or German, at post- A level or equivalent

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 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:

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

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.

School of Modern Languages

We have been teaching languages at Newcastle for over a hundred 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:

• the Anglo-Chinese Society
• the Anglo-Japanese Society
• the Modern Languages Society

Find out more about Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages on the School website.