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Modern Languages with Linguistics BA

Undergraduate

Year abroad

Start date

27 September 2027

Study location

University of Warwick

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Duration

4 years full-time, normally including a year abroad

Course overview

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

Modern Languages students and staff talking

The degree in Modern Languages with Linguistics (75% Modern Languages, 25% 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 study two or three languages, while exploring the cultural and 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.

This degree will enable you to gain expertise in at least two languages and cultures, as well as in Linguistics.

  • Route One: Choose your Language 1 from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
  • Route Two: Choose your Language 1 and Language 2 from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 3 is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.

For the three-language route, we normally expect you to study two languages at Advanced level: please get in touch with the Director of Admissions if you do not have an A-level in both Language 1 and Language 2.

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.

Entry requirements

Modules

In your first year you will take:

  • Route One: two language modules, one culture or Translation Studies module, and one linguistics module
  • Route Two: three language modules and one linguistics module.

On Route One, you will choose two languages. 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.

On Route Two, you will choose three languages. Language 1 and Language 2 must normally be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 3 can be 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.

Culture modules can be taken from options available with your first language (French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies); Translation Studies modules are available with French, German, Italian or Spanish. 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 two Linguistics modules ‘Phonetics and Phonology’ and ‘Morphology and Syntax’. 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 optional modules in Linguistics. You will also select culture modules if you are studying two languages.

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.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 two languages, 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.

Note that the module catalogue is subject to change for future years of study, as we evolve our courses in response to the latest developments in academia and industry. If optional modules are listed below, these can vary from year to year.

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Teaching and learning

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