Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Modern Languages and Linguistics (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

If you would like to study at Warwick, there are other courses available for 2025 entry.

Explore our undergraduate courses for 2025 entry


UCAS Code
R9Q1

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Duration
4 years full-time, normally including a year abroad

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
School of Modern Languages

Location of Study
University of Warwick


Studying our Modern Languages and Linguistics (BA) degree allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge in two languages and cultures while exploring the social contexts of language.


Course overview

This joint honours degree is split 50:50 between Modern Languages and Linguistics. The degree will enable you to gain expertise in two languages while exploring the social contexts of language as well as how language is acquired.

Choose one language from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Choose the second language from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. You’ll normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.


Course structure

In year one you will study one language (French, German, Italian or Spanish) and another from French, German, Italian, Spanish (any level) or Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian (beginner’s or post-GCSE level). You will also take three core modules from Linguistics, ‘Linguistics: Understanding Language’, ‘Language in Society’ and ‘Research, Academic and Professional Skills’.

In your intermediate year you will continue the study of your first and second language and take the following Linguistics modules: ‘Linguistics: Acquisition and Use’ and ‘Sociolinguistics’. You will also have a choice between two modules: ‘Intercultural Business Communication’ or ‘Qualitative Research Methods’.

You will spend your final year continuing to study your first and second language. From Linguistics you will study 'Communication Modes'. You can also select one of the following Linguistics optional modules in your final year: 'English Across Cultures', 'Organisational Communication in International Business'; 'Multilingualism and Culture' or 'Quantitative Research Methods'.


How will I learn?

We employ a variety of teaching styles, including: lectures; seminars and written and spoken language classes in small groups. You will spend the rest of your time studying independently, preparing for classes, reading and analysing materials set for study, writing essays and working on your language skills.


Class sizes

Seminars of around 15 students.


Contact hours

14 hours per week.


How will I be assessed?

We will track your progress through a variety of methods, including language assignments, essays, presentations, portfolio submissions and examinations (written and oral). Throughout your course you will receive detailed, personalised feedback to help you to improve your skills. The final degree classification is determined by your intermediate- and final-year marks; each of these years contributes 50%.


Your year abroad

We strongly recommend that students take a year abroad, if they are able to. Students may move to a three-year degree if circumstances do not permit them to complete a year abroad. In such cases, there will be further language reinforcement work and students will be encouraged to spend time abroad in other ways, during vacation times.

You will usually spend your year abroad doing one of three things:

  • Working as a language assistant teaching English in a primary or secondary school
  • Studying full-time at a partner university in your chosen country
  • On a work placement

The year abroad options are flexible so we recommend you check the department's subject pages for more details.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAB to include grade A in a language
  • You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French/German/Italian/Spanish)

IB:

  • 36 to include 6 in a Higher Level language
  • You must be taking your first choice language (French/German/Italian/Spanish) at Higher Level

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside an A level in their first language choice (French/German/Italian/Spanish)

At what level can I learn each language?

One of your languages must be post A level French, German, Italian or Spanish

Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience)

  • Arabic (see note below)
  • Chinese (see note below)
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese (see note below)
  • Russian (see note below)
  • Spanish
Chinese

Mandarin Chinese can be taken from beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum

Applicants with Mandarin Chinese language ability above this level, including native speakers, would not be able to study this language

Arabic, Japanese or Russian

These languages can usually only be taken at beginner’s level

If you have any prior learning of the language please contact ugadmissions at warwick dot ac dot uk before applying

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


International Students

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about international entry requirements.


Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).


Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.


Taking a gap year

Applications for deferred entry welcomed.


Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Year One

Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)
Language 2 (Arabic†, Chinese**, French, German, Italian, Japanese†, Russian† or Spanish)
Linguistics: Understanding Language

What is language? What is it made of? What rules do we follow when we put sounds together to create words and when we combine words to create sentences? How many languages are spoken in the world today, and in which ways are they similar or different? These are some of the questions that you will explore on this module. Using examples from different languages, you will analyse real-life language data in order to develop the practical skills required for linguistic analysis.

Language in Society

In this module, you will learn to unpack the ways in which language shapes and is shaped by society. You will analyse critically how language operates in different linguistic and cultural settings, using a range of theoretical concepts, empirical research and methodologies to understand, describe and interpret language use in society. This includes an investigative study of language use, during which you will also develop your communication and study skills.

Research, Academic and Professional Skills

Providing a foundation for modules ET214 (Qualitative Research) and ET215 (Quantitative Research Methods), this module will help you develop the research, academic and professional skills needed to succeed at university and beyond. You will explore research, data-collection and analytical methodologies, using real-life examples of language, culture and communication. You will develop an analytical toolkit to serve you in multiple contexts, including your future career. You will also become familiar with research conventions, including ethical approval, literature review, communication and critical understanding of academic writing.

Intermediate Year^

Language 1
Language 2
Linguistics: Acquisition and Use

What do the world’s languages have in common and how are they different? Why do languages change? How is language acquired? Does language influence how we think? Drawing on concepts introduced in ET118 (Linguistics: Understanding Language), you will acquire core knowledge and skills in all fields of language study, including more advanced study of phonetics, and the phonological and morpho-syntactic features of a wide range of the world’s languages and dialects. You’ll explore methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document, study and analyse real-world language data. You’ll also be introduced to research in subfields of linguistics, such as second language acquisition and language change.

Sociolinguistics

Why do we speak differently in different situations? Can you identify the features of a Geordie and a Scouse accent? Do men and women speak differently, and if so, why? These are questions you will explore as we examine the relationship between language use and social context. Building on module ET119 (Language in Society), you will develop a greater understanding of linguistic variation. With the opportunity to conduct your own research study, you can expect to complete your course armed with a set of theories, insights and skills to enable you to address such questions, and to explore your own questions about the role of language in society.

Research, Academic and Professional Skills

Providing a foundation for modules ET214 (Qualitative Research) and ET215 (Quantitative Research Methods), this module will help you develop the research, academic and professional skills needed to succeed at university and beyond. You will explore research, data-collection and analytical methodologies, using real-life examples of language, culture and communication. You will develop an analytical toolkit to serve you in multiple contexts, including your future career. You will also become familiar with research conventions, including ethical approval, literature review, communication and critical understanding of academic writing.


Intercultural Business Communication

OR

Qualitative Research

In this module, you will develop your ability to conduct qualitative research on language, culture and communication related topics and issues. As well as content from engaging lectures and seminars, you will drive your own learning by designing, carrying out and writing up your own original qualitative research project on a language, culture and communication issue or topic you are interested in. You will be guided every step of the way through constructive feedback and reflective tasks as you put your qualitative toolkit into practice to build your own theoretical ideas about language, culture and communication. Additionally, this module is designed to give you an opportunity to develop skills and attributes you need to be able to conduct research in the future including resilience, intellectual curiosity, confidence in making decisions, personal and project management and critical thinking. The ability to conduct research is a highly sought-after skill by employers as the world becomes increasingly reliant on research-informed insights and this module arms you with a toolkit to meet this need.


Final Year

Language 1
Language 2
Communication Modes

In this module, you will learn how the sounds, gestures and facial expressions we make combine with linguistic choices to give meaning to our messages and influence our interpretation of the messages of others. You will develop a deeper awareness of the impact of different modes of communication and increase your understanding of the research and analysis that underpin our knowledge of human communication in all its complexity.

Examples of optional modules/options for current students (choose one of four):

English Across Cultures; Professional Communication; Multilingualism and Culture; Quantitative Research Methods


^Year Two or Three depending on when the year abroad is taken

†Arabic/Russian/Japanese: These languages can usually only be taken at beginner’s or post-GCSE (or equivalent) level maximum. The course aims to bring you to B2 standard (CEFR) in this language (this approximates to A level) or beyond by the end of the degree. If you have any prior learning of the language please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying.

**Chinese: This language can be taken at beginner’s, post-GCSE or post-A level (or equivalent) level maximum. This course would not be suitable for applicants with language ability above this level, including native speakers.

Tuition fees

Find out more about fees and funding


Additional course costs

There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: Amazon, British Airways, Civil Service, Grayce Consulting, HM Revenue and Customs, HSBC, Ipsos Mori, Lidl, NBC Universal, Save the Children International and The Department for International Trade.

They have pursued careers such as: business and financial project management professionals; chartered and certified accountants; financial accounts managers; human resources and industrial relations officers; management consultants and business analysts; public services associate professionals, teachers and other educational professionals.

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant who works within Student Careers and Skills to help you as an individual. Additionally your Senior Careers Consultant offers impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events, tailored to our department, throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

What are you doing after Warwick? Career planning for final year language students

  • Careers in the Public Sector
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages
  • Reflecting on Your Year Abroad
  • Languages Alumni Evening

Visit the Careers & Skills website for further details.

Isabella, current student

"Friendly and easy to talk to"

"The department is incredible, they’re always on hand to help me whether it was with my year abroad queries or just general language-related issues. The best thing about them is that they’re really friendly and easy to talk to."

Isabella

BA Modern Languages

This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.