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
In Stage 2, you will continue to further develop your skills in two languages as well as 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 French or Spanish
- Dutch if you study German
Modules
Year abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in local cultures, meet new people and improve your language skills.
Our year abroad is optional, meaning you can choose to study abroad in your third year (making your degree four years) or you can opt out (which will make your degree three years). You do not have to choose right away and you can talk through your options with your Degree Programme Director once you arrive at Newcastle.
The way you spend your year abroad is up to you. You can:
- work as a British Council teaching assistant in a school (UK nationals only)
- study at a partner university
- undertake an approved work placement
The year abroad is highly flexible and students can choose to either spend their year abroad in one country or divide it between two countries. You can also study at a partner university in one semester and undertake a work placement in another.
Careers placement year
Work experience can enhance your career prospects beyond university. All modern language students not taking a year abroad have the opportunity to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK. This will be in the third year of your study and will make your degree four years long in total.
With a placement year you can choose to do:
- one placement lasting 9-12 months
- two placements which last at least 4.5 months each
Again, you don't need to decide now if you'd like to choose a Placement Year and you'll have the chance to talk to staff about your options.
Stage 4 for those choosing a Year Abroad and Stage 3 for those choosing not to spend a Year Abroad:
In final year, your language studies build on the levels you have developed in Stage 2 or during your Year Abroad and also develop more professional skills. You will be able to choose between studying translation and interpreting or language for professional and academic purposes.
As in Stages 1 and 2, you choose optional modules to further develop your knowledge of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken as well as choosing from optional linguistics modules.