Modern Languages with Linguistics (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)
This course is closed
for Clearing 2024
This course is closed for Clearing 2022
If you would like to study at Warwick, there are other courses available for 2025 entry.
- UCAS Code
- R9Q2
- 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 and Cultures
- Location of Study
- University of Warwick
Studying our Modern Languages with Linguistics (BA) degree allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of two languages and cultures while exploring the social contexts of language.
This degree will enable you to gain expertise in at least two languages and cultures, as well as in Linguistics. Choose your first language from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Your second (and third language, where appropriate) is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. This course is split 75:25 between Modern Languages and Linguistics. You will normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.
Course structure
In your first year you will either take two language modules, one culture/translation module and one linguistics module or three languages and one linguistics module. The culture module can be either a culture module from your first language (French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies) or a translation module. From Linguistics you will take one core module ‘Linguistics: Understanding Language’.
In your intermediate year you will take two (or three) core language modules and a Linguistics core module ‘Linguistics: Acquisition and Use’. You will also select cultural modules (if you are studying two languages). Your third year is normally spent abroad, where you may opt to spend a full year in one country or split the year between two countries. We encourage students to spend time in a country where their ab initio language is spoken.
In your final year you will study two (or three) core language modules and Linguistics modules. In Linguistics you can choose to write a Dissertation or two of the following modules: Sociolinguistics, English Across Cultures, Organisational Communication in International Business or Evaluating and Planning Research. You will also select cultural modules if you are studying two languages.
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.
A level:
- AAB to include 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).
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). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner’s level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- 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@warwick.ac.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. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.
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). For full details of standard offers and conditions visit the IFP website.
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)
Language 3◊ or cultural module***
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.
Intermediate Year^
Language 1
Language 2
Language 3◊ or cultural module***
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.
Final Year
Language 1
Language 2
Language 3◊ or cultural module***
Examples of optional modules/options for current students;
Linguistics dissertation or two of the following:
- Sociolinguistics
- English Across Cultures
- Professional Communication
- Communication Modes
- Multilingualism and Culture
^Year Two or Three depending on when the year abroad is taken
◊ If studying three languages (the third language being optional, selected from the second language list).
***For those studying two languages cultural modules are available in all years of the course. These either relate to French, German, Italian or Spanish, or they are of a cross-cultural nature.
† Arabic/Japanese/Russian: 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.
”My passion has always been for languages. I chose to study French and Russian at Warwick not only because of the excellent reputation of the SMLC, but also because I know my degree will set me up for a successful career abroad.”
Anna | 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.
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