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Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours

  • UCAS code: QT19
  • Full time
  • 4 years

Explore how languages change, develop and are used while gaining an expert knowledge of two languages on our Modern Languages and Linguistics degree.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £21000

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • 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 two languages and linguistics. You can choose from French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, as well as Chinese or Japanese.

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 in your chosen languages. 

The third year of your degree will be spent abroad, so you can develop your language skills among native speakers and experience a different culture.

This exciting Modern Languages and Linguistics 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
  • second language acquisition

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
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, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

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 can choose from Chinese or Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. You’ll then spend the remaining third of your time studying linguistics. You will concentrate on the structure, history and use of both the English language and your foreign languages.

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
Optional Modules Credits
Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese II 20
France and the Francophone World 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) French I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) French II 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) French 20
Introduction to German history, culture and society 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) German I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) German II 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) German 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese II 20
Introducción a América Latina 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Portuguese I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Portuguese II 20
The Nature of Language 20
Language Variation and Change: Dealing with Data 20
Introduction to Literature 20
Introduction to Linguistics 20
Introduction to International Film 20
Introduction to Cultural Studies 20
Introduction to History, Culture and Society of the Iberian Peninsula 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Spanish I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Spanish II 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish 20

In Stage 2, you will continue to study two languages and linguistics theory. You will also choose from a range of cultural modules related to the languages you are studying and optional linguistics modules.

In addition, you will 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

Modules

Optional Modules Credits
Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese 40
France and the Francophone World 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) French (Ex-Level A) 20
Classic French Cinema 20
Paris: Aspects of History and Culture 20
How to Build an Empire 20
French for Business 20
Linguistic Variation in France 20
French Caribbean Literature 20
Level C (HE Advanced) French 20
Introduction to German history, culture and society 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) German (Ex-Level A) 20
Berlin: culture, literature and film from the Weimar Republic to the Berlin Republic 20
Beginners' Dutch 20
Writers, media, society in West Germany 20
Level C (HE Advanced) German 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese 40
Introducción a América Latina 20
Cultura y poder en América latina: debates desde la antropología 20
Comparative History of Hispano-America and Brazil: from Independence to the Mexican Revolution (1789/1810-1917) 20
Cultures and Societies of the Portuguese-Speaking World 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Portuguese 20
Phonological Theory 20
Syntactic Theory 20
Sociolinguistics 20
Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20
Speakers as Wordsmiths: the creation of new words in present-day English 20
Experimental Methods in Linguistics 20
Multilingualism 20
CHiLD: Current Hypotheses in Language Development 20
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition 20
Introduction to Literature 20
Introduction to International Film 20
Introduction to Cultural Studies 20
An Introduction to Italian language and culture 20
Introduction to History, Culture and Society of the Iberian Peninsula 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish (Ex-Level A) 20
World Spanish 20
Introduction to Catalan 20
Representaciones de Revolución, Dictadura y Democracia en España y América Latina 20
Language Diversity in Spain 20
Food, Football and Fiction: Constructing Catalan Cultural Identity 20
Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish 20

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

Year Abroad Tutor Posts (100 credits)

Optional Modules

Study Abroad (20 credits)

Year Abroad Work Placement Report (Semester 1) (20 credits)

Year Abroad Work Placement Report (Semester 2) (20 credits)

Year Abroad Project (Semester 1) (20 credits)

Year Abroad Project (Semester 2) (20 credits)

In Stage 4, your language studies build on the levels you have developed during your year abroad and also develop more professional skills. You will be able to choose between studying advanced translation and interpreting or language for professional purposes.

You also select further optional modules to explore the cultures and histories of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken as well as choosing from optional linguistics modules.

Modules

Optional Modules Credits
Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese 40
Classic French Cinema 20
Paris: Aspects of History and Culture 20
How to Build an Empire 20
Linguistic Variation in France 20
French Caribbean Literature 20
Level C (HE Advanced) French 20
Occupation and Resistance: Literary and Cinematic Responses to the Second World War in France 20
Images d'Algerie 20
Historical Perspectives on the French Language 20
From Experimental to Explicit: Translating Women's Writing in French 20
Writing Elsewhere: Cultures of Travel in French 20
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Advanced Writing Skills 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Language for Professional & Academic Purposes 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Translation & Interpreting 10
Berlin: culture, literature and film from the Weimar Republic to the Berlin Republic 20
Writers, media, society in West Germany 20
Level C (HE Advanced) German 20
Intermediate Dutch 20
A Comparative History of German and English: phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon. 20
Berlin: culture, literature and film from the Weimar Republic to the Berlin Republic 20
Place, belonging and identity in the German-speaking Alps 20
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Advanced Writing Skills 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Language for Professional & Academic Purposes 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Translation & Interpreting 10
Level C (HE Advanced) Japanese 40
Cultura y poder en América latina: debates desde la antropología 20
Comparative History of Hispano-America and Brazil: from Independence to the Mexican Revolution (1789/1810-1917) 20
Inter-American Relations from the Spanish-American War (1898) to the end of the Cold War (1989/1991) 20
Language Endangerment and Revitalisation in Latin America 20
Latin American Art and Theory 20
Cultura y Política en Colombia 20
Identidades Pós-Coloniais Luso-Afro-Brasileiras 20
Level C (HE Advanced) Portuguese 20
Language in the City 20
Language and Ageing 20
Comparative Syntax: English in a cross-linguistic context 20
Advanced Second Language Acquisition 20
Advocating and Teaching Languages in Schools 20
Intermediate Italian 20
Dissertation 20
World Spanish 20
Representaciones de Revolución, Dictadura y Democracia en España y América Latina 20
Language Diversity in Spain 20
Food, Football and Fiction: Constructing Catalan Cultural Identity 20
Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish 20
Intermediate Catalan 20
Cultura Popular en España y Cuba 20
Spectres of the Past: Memory in Contemporary Spanish Culture 20
Spanish and Romance word analysis 20
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Advanced Writing Skills 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Language for Professional & Academic Purposes 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Translation & Interpreting 10

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

  • Reflective report/journal

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

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 and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

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. 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.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

21000

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

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 UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

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