Planning Your Degree

You will receive more detailed information from the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics including school policies on attendance at lectures and tutorials, submission of coursework and who to contact with queries etc.  Here is some information on the structure of your programme that will help you as you start your studies. 

The languages offered by the School are French, German, Italian and Spanish.  French is offered at non-beginners level only while German, Italian and Spanish can be taken at taken at beginners level and non-beginners level. 

In Stage 1, you will study two languages at either beginner level or non-beginner level as well as modules in linguistics, literature, history and cultural studies.  There is also the option to take a third language if you so wish.  Stage 1 is made up of Core modules, Language 1, Language 2 and Option modules along with 1 elective module and you must take a minimum of 50 credits from modules offered by the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. 

You are pre-registered to the two languages you chose on your CAO Application Form.  If you are considering making any changes to the languages you chose, you should seek advice from the School Office and the College Office. 

Each stage of your language builds on what you learn in the previous stage.  Therefore you will need to pass certain modules in Stage 1 before you take the language in Stage 2.  Further details for progression in each language will be provided to you by the School when you arrive. 

In Stage 2, you must take a total of 50 credits from modules offered in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, including core modules, language 1, language 2, option and elective modules.  In addition, in Stage 2 you may still use your 10 elective credits for a third language. If you wish to have a third language recognized as a ‘structured elective’ on your degree transcript, you must complete at least 15 credits in language modules during Stages 2 and 4 (NB: in Italian this must include Italian Language 3a).  If you are not taking a third language, we strongly recommend you use as many elective credits as possible to deepen your knowledge of your chosen languages. 

In Stage 3 you will spend the year abroad in one of our partner universities where one of your chosen languages is spoken.  You will be expected to attend classes and complete assessments in the host country (detailed requirements are supplied by each language subject) and attend classes and complete assessments in your other language.  While the grades gained abroad will not count for your GPA, you must satisfy the requirements set by the host university to qualify for an international degree.  The Year Abroad is an integral part of the BA International Modern Languages.  If you do not want to, or are unable to study for a Year Abroad, you can apply to transfer to the BA Arts programme.  If you are thinking about doing this, you should consult with the School and the College Office as soon as possible as there are terms and conditions for changing programmes.  Towards the middle of Trimester 1 in Stage 2, there will be an information session on the selection of destinations for your Year Abroad and eligibility criteria. 

In Stage 4 you will continue your studies in two languages along with modules in linguistics, literature, history and cultural studies.  You will take a total of 50 credits from modules offered in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics.  In Stage 4 you may still use 10 elective credits for a third language or you may elect to focus on two languages only. Remember that if you wish to have a third language recognized as a structured elective on your degree transcript, you must complete at least 15 credits in language modules during years 2 and 4 (NB: in Italian this must include Italian Language 3a).  If you are not taking a third language we strongly recommend you use as many elective credits as possible to deepen your knowledge of your chosen languages. 

Full information on the course structure and module details are available on Course Search here: (opens in a new window)DN541 - International Modern Languages Course Search . 

Completing your Degree

To complete your degree, you must complete 240 credits and this includes all core, option and elective modules set out in your programme.  You must also have the correct combination of modules from different levels. This means that you cannot have more than 80 Level 1 (or below) credits as part of your 240 credits. Of those Level 1 credits, no more than 10 credits may be at Level 0. You must also have at least 40 credits at Level 3 or above. The remaining credits can be at Level 2. 

Your Degree GPA will be based on your performance in the modules that you take at Stage 2 and Stage 4.  Your Grade Points for Stage 2 will be weighted by a factor of 3 and your Grade Points for Stage 4 will be weighted by a factor of 7.  The modules you take in Stage 1 form the foundation of your degree and are critical to your smooth progression through your degree, so while they do not contribute to your final GPA, they require the same level of commitment and effort as modules that you will take later on.