Languages
The Languages area of study differs to some extent from the other areas in that only one language may be chosen and this must be studied progressively over three years. Note that it is not possible to choose a single course unit in any language: multiples of two or three must be taken together. In general, there is a balance between study of the language and reading of literature, which are both considered essential by the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures.
In the case of modern languages, there is also a requirement to spend at least eight weeks between second and third years in a country where the language is widely spoken or spending a whole year abroad if you wish to devote half of your degree (180 credits) to the study of a language.
Admission to modern language courses is also more strictly related to A-level performance with a B grade required for French, German and Spanish. Beginners' courses are available in Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish. Ancient Greek and Latin are currently available from Year 2 onwards. Admission to a beginners' course will depend on evidence of competence in language learning at GCSE or usually A-level.
Whilst the pattern of language study is therefore more strictly defined, students are still able to select at later stages of their course from a wide range of options; every aspect from morphology to media studies is catered for. There is a strong emphasis on oral performance, and students have access to sophisticated language laboratory and video learning facilities. The University Language Centre offers excellent facilities for following TV broadcasts from several European countries.
NOTE: Modern languages require a four-year programme (one year abroad) when languages form half (180 credits) of the degree.