Learning a language broadens your knowledge, boosts your employability and helps you to make unique academic connections.
York Language Electives are available to students from across academic departments at Beginner, Elementary, Lower-Intermediate and Intermediate levels for Arabic, Chinese, Classical Latin, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Medieval Latin and Spanish. Specialist language modules are also available, including Arabic for Research (final-year module, masters level module), Introducing Italian for Art History (C-level) and Continuing Italian for Art History (C-level).
In 2025/2026, students interested in taking a YLE should ideally apply between Monday 3 February and Monday 17 March through the form available on e:vision (under the ‘Your Study’ section). This will ensure that the electives are scheduled at a time that does not clash with your other core and option modules.
Some York Language Elective modules may be timetabled outside core timetabling hours (e.g. at 6 pm or on Wednesday afternoons). This reduces the risk of clashes with classes for modules that are part of your main degree.
Language electives level and code
Language electives other than the specialist ones listed above are available with different codes to match your academic stage (code ending in C = year 1; code ending in I =year 2; code ending in H: final year or masters level as a dipdown module). This allows you to take two language electives in the same academic year and continue learning a language if you have room in your programme, and the mark will count towards your average for the year like any other module. Please note that students can only take up to three elective modules across your degree, so you will need to check with your supervisor/department beforehand.
Which level and code are the right ones for me?
To choose which level is right for you, please consult our guide.
How to apply?
Students interested in taking a York Language Elective as an option in 2025/26 need to apply in Window 1, between Monday 3 February 2025 and Saturday 8 March 2025. This will ensure that the YLE is scheduled around your timetable to avoid clashes.
The application form is available on e:vision under the ‘Your Study’ section. Just navigate to ‘Module Registrations’ and look for ‘Elective Module Application’ to apply.
Please make sure to check the List of YLEs running in the academic year 2025/26.
General electives available at the Department of Language and Linguistic Science
For language and culture modules at Upper-Intermediate level or above, linguistics and English language modules available as electives, please check the module catalogue by selecting 2025/2026 and the Language and Linguistic Science department.