21 October 2024

Updated content

Removed:

26 September 2024

Updated entry requirements:

A level contextual offer

Old:

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. For the 1-language pathway you will need grade B in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek. For the 2-language pathway you will need grade B in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian) for 2-language pathway. See if you’re eligible.Link opens in a new window

New:

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is BBB. For the 1-language pathway you will need grade B in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek. For the 2-language pathway you will need grade B in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.Link opens in a new window

IB

Old:

IB typical offer

34 to include 5 in a Higher Level language. For the 2-language pathway, you must be taking your Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32. For the 1-language pathway you will need grade 5 at Higher Level in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek. For the 2-language pathway you will need grade 5 at Higher Level in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.Link opens in a new window

New:

IB typical offer

32 to include 5 in a Higher Level language. For the 2-language pathway, you must be taking the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 30. For the 1-language pathway you will need 5 at Higher Level in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek. For the 2-language pathway you will need 5 at Higher Level in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.Link opens in a new window

Scotland Advanced Highers

Old:

AA in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects.

AB in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved AAB in three further Highers subjects. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an Advanced Higher in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

New:

AB in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved BBB in three further Highers subjects. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an Advanced Higher in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Welsh Baccalaureate

Old:

ABB in three subjects at A level including a language, plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

New:

BBB in three subjects at A level including a language, plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

24 September 2024

Updated content

Old:

Modern Languages is the study of specific languages in combination with an understanding of the contexts in which they are spoken. A Modern Languages degree looks at the very heart of how we communicate with other people and societies, focusing on the different nuances and cultural debates that can shape our interactions with one another.

Applied Linguistics at Warwick offers a unique approach to the study of language: we apply linguistic knowledge and theory to solve real-world problems. Your Linguistics modules will help you build an interdisciplinary foundation from leading research in language and communication. Then you will apply your learning to explore, challenge, understand, and address problems and find meaningful solutions.

Our flexible Modern Languages and Linguistics (BA) degree programme allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of one language and its related cultural contexts, or study two languages, while exploring the social contexts of language.

You will graduate as a highly qualified linguist, with specialist communication, research, critical and evaluative skills that are highly sought after by employers.

New:

Do you have a passion for language learning, intercultural communication, and the study of cultures and societies? Are you looking to study one or two languages, with a focus on understanding how languages help us communicate and establish our identities?

The degree in Modern Languages and Linguistics (50% Modern Languages, 50% Applied Linguistics) combines specialist language learning with the application of linguistic knowledge and theory to solve real-world problems. Modern Languages looks at the very heart of how we communicate with other people and societies, focusing on the different nuances and cultural debates that can shape our interactions with one another. Meanwhile, your Linguistics modules will help you build an interdisciplinary foundation from leading research in language and communication. Then you will apply your learning to explore, challenge, understand, and address problems and find meaningful solutions.

Our flexible programme allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of one language and its related cultural contexts, or study two languages, while exploring the social contexts of language in general. Your second or third year is normally spent abroad, either as a language assistant, or working or studying at one of our partner universities. This is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the linguistic and cultural contexts where your languages are spoken, enhance your language skills and build international connections.

You will have access to outstanding facilities and resources. This includes flexible collaborative and individual learning spaces, as well as a vast selection of print, digital and multimedia learning materials.

You will graduate as a highly qualified linguist, with advanced intercultural skills and a sophisticated understanding of key concepts and debates in the cultures you have studied. The specialist communication, research, critical and evaluative skills you will gain are all highly sought after by employers.

Core modules

Old

Route one

In your first year you will take a module in your chosen language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) and one module focusing on the cultural contexts of that language. You will also take three core modules from Linguistics:

• Linguistics: Understanding Language
• Language in Society
• Research, Academic and Professional Skills

In your intermediate year you will continue to study your chosen language. You will select further modules from the wide range of options available across the School.

You will take the following Linguistics modules:

• Phonetics and Phonology, and Morphology and Syntax
• Sociolinguistics

You will also have a choice between two modules:

• Intercultural Business Communication
• Qualitative Research

You will spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your linguistic and intercultural skills. You will continue to study your chosen language in final year and will be able to choose from the full range of final-year modules available in the School.

In Linguistics you will study 'Communication Modes' and a further module of your choice. You will also complete a Linguistics dissertation.

Route two

In your first year you will take two language modules. You will also take three core modules from Linguistics:

• Linguistics: Understanding Language
• Language in Society
• Research, Academic and Professional Skills

In your intermediate year you will continue to study your chosen languages. You will take the following Linguistics modules:

• Phonetics and Phonology, and Morphology and Syntax
• Sociolinguistics

You will also have a choice between two modules:

• Intercultural Business Communication
• Qualitative Research

You will spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your linguistic and intercultural skills. You will continue to study your chosen languages in final year.

In Linguistics you will study 'Communication Modes' and a further module of your choice. You will also complete a Linguistics dissertation.

---

Year One

Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)

Cultural module in Language 1

or

Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)

A note on the languages

Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.

Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at beginner or intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.

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.

Read more about the Linguistics: Understanding Language moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Language in Society moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Research, Academic and Professional Skills moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Intermediate Year

Core modules in language(s) 1 and 2

Route 1 only: cultural module(s) in Language 1 (including an optional cross-cultural module in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures)

Phonetics and Phonology

This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in phonetics and phonology as essential fields of language study. It aims to:

• Familiarise students with the phonetic and phonological systems of the world’s languages
• Introduce methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document, study, and analyse language data
• Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically
• Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics

Read more about the Phonetics and Phonology moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Morphology and Syntax

What structures do the world’s languages have in common and how are they different? How can we classify languages? Why do languages change? This module expands on concepts introduced during Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax. You’ll learn about more advanced morpho-syntactic features of a wide range of the world’s languages and how these features interact with semantics. You’ll explore methodologies to document, study, and analyse real-world language data. You’ll also be introduced to research in subfields of linguistics such as typology and language change.

Read more about the Morphology and Syntax moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Sociolinguistics moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Intercultural Business Communication

How does culture affect the way we do business? How can we communicate effectively across culturally different workplaces and with diverse stakeholders? What is (g)localisation and why is it relevant? This module will help you to gain a better understanding of communication within and across global businesses at individual and corporate levels, internally and externally. You'll try out different IBC training activities in the seminars, which is an approach designed to give you hands-on insights into the ways global companies develop their staff. We’ll consider the way digital technology has changed the landscape of business communication and how values and beliefs about culture are having an impact on new media use in the modern business world. This module will promote your awareness and understanding of key aspects of communication, and importantly help you to develop your ability to communicate effectively across differences within the context of global business culture.

Read more about the Intercultural Business Communication moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

or

Qualitative Research Methods

Have you got an inquisitive mind? Would you like to learn how to design, develop and conduct research in issues related to language, communication and culture? The ability to conduct research is a great skill to have and is one that is highly sought after by employers. In this course you will develop an understanding of qualitative research, including the primary approaches to carrying out qualitative research, some of the important data collection techniques, and how to analyse qualitative data. You will also have an opportunity to hone the crucial skills and attributes you need to be able to conduct research in the future including resilience, intellectual curiosity, personal and project management and critical thinking. This course will give you an opportunity to formulate, design and conduct your own qualitative research project related to a language, culture and communication issue you are interested in, and will provide you with support and feedback along the way to help foster your development as a researcher.

Read more about the Qualitative Research Methods moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Final Year

Core modules in language(s) 1 and 2

Route 1 only: cultural module(s) in Language 1 (including an optional cross-cultural module in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures)

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.

Read more about the Communication Modes moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Dissertation

Do you have a topic or question about Language, Culture and Communication or English Language and Linguistics that you would like to explore in depth? By the time you get to the third year you are likely to have a lot of potential areas of interest. For the dissertation module you get the opportunity to develop a project around one of these interests and, with the support of a supervisor, conduct research and write it up! As well as developing content knowledge in an area of interest to you, the dissertation will help you enhance your research, critical and creative thinking, time management and academic writing skills. The dissertation module also provides excellent training if you are interested in undertaking postgraduate study beyond the BA.

Read more about the Dissertation moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Optional modules

• Explore our optional modules in Applied Linguistics.Link opens in a new window

New:

Route one

In your first year you will take a module in your chosen language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) and one module focusing on the cultural contexts of that language. You will also take three core modules from Linguistics:

• Linguistics: Understanding Language
• Language in Society
• Research, Academic and Professional Skills

In your intermediate year you will continue to study your chosen language. You will select further modules from the wide range of options available across the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

You will take the following Linguistics modules:

• Phonetics and Phonology, and Morphology and Syntax
• Sociolinguistics

You will also have a choice between two modules:

• Intercultural Business Communication
• Qualitative Research

You will spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your linguistic and intercultural skills. You will continue to study your chosen language in final year and will be able to choose from the full range of final-year modules available in the School.

In Linguistics you will study 'Communication Modes' and a further module of your choice. You will also complete a Linguistics dissertation.

Route Two

In your first year you will take two language modules. Language 1 must be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 can be either French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian. Of these, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin can be taken at Beginner or Advanced level, whereas Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian will normally be taken at Beginner or post-GCSE level.

You will also take three core modules from Linguistics:

• Linguistics: Understanding Language
• Language in Society
• Research, Academic and Professional Skills

In your intermediate year you will continue to study your chosen languages. You will take the following Linguistics modules:

• Phonetics and Phonology, and Morphology and Syntax
• Sociolinguistics

You will also have a choice between two modules:

• Intercultural Business Communication
• Qualitative Research

You will spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your linguistic and intercultural skills. You will continue to study your chosen languages in final year.

In Linguistics you will study 'Communication Modes' and a further module of your choice. You will also complete a Linguistics dissertation.

A note on the languages

Mandarin Chinese can be taken at Beginner, Intermediate or post A Level (or equivalent) maximum. If you have Chinese at A Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.

Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at Beginner or Intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability.

If studying three languages, two of your languages should be chosen from French, German, Italian or Spanish.

A note on culture and translation modules

For those studying one language, culture or translation modules are available in all years of the course. Cultural modules either relate to French, German, Italian or Spanish, or they are of a cross-cultural nature, embracing multilingual perspectives on a topic. Translation modules are available with Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

---

Year One

Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)

Cultural module in Language 1

or

Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)

A note on the languages

Mandarin Chinese can be taken at Beginner, Intermediate or post A Level (or equivalent) maximum. If you have Chinese at A Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.

Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at Beginner or Intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability.

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.

Read more about the Linguistics: Understanding Language moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Language in Society moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Research, Academic and Professional Skills moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Intermediate Year

Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)

Culture module(s) in Language 1 (including cross-cultural modules in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures)

or

Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)

Phonetics and Phonology

This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in phonetics and phonology as essential fields of language study. It aims to:

• Familiarise students with the phonetic and phonological systems of the world’s languages
• Introduce methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document, study, and analyse language data
• Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically
• Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics

Read more about the Phonetics and Phonology moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Morphology and Syntax

What structures do the world’s languages have in common and how are they different? How can we classify languages? Why do languages change? This module expands on concepts introduced during Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax. You’ll learn about more advanced morpho-syntactic features of a wide range of the world’s languages and how these features interact with semantics. You’ll explore methodologies to document, study, and analyse real-world language data. You’ll also be introduced to research in subfields of linguistics such as typology and language change.

Read more about the Morphology and Syntax moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

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.

Read more about the Sociolinguistics moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Intercultural Business Communication

How does culture affect the way we do business? How can we communicate effectively across culturally different workplaces and with diverse stakeholders? What is (g)localisation and why is it relevant? This module will help you to gain a better understanding of communication within and across global businesses at individual and corporate levels, internally and externally. You'll try out different IBC training activities in the seminars, which is an approach designed to give you hands-on insights into the ways global companies develop their staff. We’ll consider the way digital technology has changed the landscape of business communication and how values and beliefs about culture are having an impact on new media use in the modern business world. This module will promote your awareness and understanding of key aspects of communication, and importantly help you to develop your ability to communicate effectively across differences within the context of global business culture.

Read more about the Intercultural Business Communication moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

or

Qualitative Research Methods

Have you got an inquisitive mind? Would you like to learn how to design, develop and conduct research in issues related to language, communication and culture? The ability to conduct research is a great skill to have and is one that is highly sought after by employers. In this course you will develop an understanding of qualitative research, including the primary approaches to carrying out qualitative research, some of the important data collection techniques, and how to analyse qualitative data. You will also have an opportunity to hone the crucial skills and attributes you need to be able to conduct research in the future including resilience, intellectual curiosity, personal and project management and critical thinking. This course will give you an opportunity to formulate, design and conduct your own qualitative research project related to a language, culture and communication issue you are interested in, and will provide you with support and feedback along the way to help foster your development as a researcher.

Read more about the Qualitative Research Methods moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Final Year

Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)

Culture module(s) in Language 1 (including cross-cultural modules in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures)

or

Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)

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.

Read more about the Communication Modes moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

Dissertation

Do you have a topic or question about Language, Culture and Communication or English Language and Linguistics that you would like to explore in depth? By the time you get to the third year you are likely to have a lot of potential areas of interest. For the dissertation module you get the opportunity to develop a project around one of these interests and, with the support of a supervisor, conduct research and write it up! As well as developing content knowledge in an area of interest to you, the dissertation will help you enhance your research, critical and creative thinking, time management and academic writing skills. The dissertation module also provides excellent training if you are interested in undertaking postgraduate study beyond the BA.

Read more about the Dissertation moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).

---

Optional modules

• Explore our optional modules in Applied Linguistics.Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

• Explore our optional SMLC modulesLink opens in a new window

20 September 2024

Apdated A level entry requirements

Old:

AAB to include a language. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

New:

ABB to include a language. For the 2-language pathway, you must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).