Modern Languages and Linguistics
BA Honours
- UCAS code: QT19
- Full time
- 4 years
- Next start date: September 2021
Explore how languages change, develop and are used while gaining an expert knowledge of two languages on our Modern Languages and Linguistics degree.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £18600
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB-BBB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This four-year Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours degree focuses on the study of linguistics.
You'll build on your knowledge of the culture, literature, history and society of the countries where your languages are spoken, gaining a firm foundation of how language works, its structure and its history.
You will apply your knowledge and skills to strengthen your fluency of your chosen languages. You will immerse yourself in the culture of another country while studying or working abroad, further developing your language confidence and skills.
This exciting programme is shaped by the research specialisms of our world-leading staff. It ensures your studies explore the latest ideas and most exciting areas of linguistics, such as:
- computational linguistics
- language variation
- psycholinguistics
- theoretical linguistics
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Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Quality and ranking
- 10th in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 (Linguistics)
- 10th in UK for Linguistics - The Complete University Guide 2022
- top 150 – Linguistics category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
- top 150 – Arts and Humanities category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2021
- 6th in the UK for research power – Research Excellence Framework 2014
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You will spend two-thirds of your time studying two languages at a level that reflects your language ability. You’ll then spend the remaining third of your time studying linguistics, concentrating on the structure, history and use of both the English language and your foreign languages.
You will also have the opportunity to study beginners’ modules in:
- Catalan or Italian if you study Spanish
- Catalan or Italian if you study French
- Dutch if you study German
You will also select from a wide range of optional cultural modules to complement your language studies.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Syntax and Phonology | 20 |
| Introduction to the Structure of Language 2: Morphology and Meaning | 20 |
In Stage 2 you will continue to study linguistics theory and will study compulsory modules that cover Syntactic Theory and an Introduction to Child and Adult Language Acquisition. You will also choose from a range of optional linguistics modules.
You will develop your language skills and also have the opportunity to enhance these through a range of optional cultural modules.
Modules
You will spend your year abroad studying at one of our partner universities, on a work placement, or a combination of the two. You can spend the whole year in one country or divide the year between two countries where your chosen languages are spoken.
If you want to study Chinese or Japanese at Stage 4 you must spend this year studying in China or Japan.
We recommend you use the summer vacations on either side of this to visit French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking countries, depending on the other languages you are studying.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad ePortfolio (YAeP) | 100 |
In Stage 4 you will study translation and interpreting modules, helping you to develop professional skills and an awareness of issues in translation and interpreting. You will also have the opportunity to study advanced writing skills in your chosen languages.
Optional modules allow you to explore the history and culture of foreign countries.
Modules
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
The majority of language modules are taught by native speakers. You also work in language laboratories and undertake self-study in our Language Resource Centre.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Dossier
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Research skills
You have the option of writing a dissertation in your final year, which allows you to explore and discuss a topic of interest in great detail, while developing your research skills.
Opportunities
Year abroad
This Modern Languages degree includes a compulsory year abroad.
Students studying a European language can:
- study at one of our partner universities
- undertake a work or voluntary placement
- undertake a combination of both (ensuring they do not overlap)
You usually divide the year between the countries relating to your chosen languages, although it may be possible to spend the entire year in one country.
Students of Chinese or Japanese will spend the year studying at one of our partner institutions in China or Japan.
Support for year abroad
You will receive lots of help to prepare for your year abroad, including:
- briefings covering practicalities like insurance, visas and student safety
- support in finding a work placement
- a Tandem Learning Scheme, to practise conversation in your foreign language and make in-country contacts, before you travel
- a training course for language assistants
There are also events in your second year where you can meet students who have already done their year abroad, students from our partner universities in Europe, and Chinese and Japanese exchange students from our host universities in East Asia.
You'll be in contact with our Year Abroad team during your time abroad, and communicate with your personal tutor. You'll also write blog posts, reflecting on your linguistic, personal and professional development.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Modern Languages student, you'll be based at our city-centre campus, in the School of Modern Languages. We've been teaching modern languages in Newcastle for more than 100 years.
You will have access to language laboratories and the award-winning Language Resource Centre, with self-study resources for over 50 languages. You'll also have access to:
- specialist language learning software
- dictionaries
- films
- live foreign-language TV channels
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. Employers value the linguistic skills and cultural awareness of graduates.
With ever more European and international connections, language skills are important and give you a real advantage in applying for a wide range of graduate jobs.
For some graduates teaching is a popular career choice, undertaking primary and secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad. Others go into jobs where their language skills are desirable, such as the media, sales, e-commerce, and areas of finance.
Make a difference
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
ABB-BBB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£18600
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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