Accessibility statement

Pathway 2: Focus on two languages (with minimal linguistics), one language ab initio

Our two language courses allow you to study any two of French, German, Italian and Spanish. The two languages are referred to simply as 'Language 1' and 'Language 2', in the outline below. This outline is for students who will take one of the languages ab initio (either German, Italian or Spanish). If you already have an A-level in both languages, see the post-A-level programme.

The full descriptions of our current modules show more details about individual module content. (Note that optional module offerings vary from year to year. Not every option is offered every year.)

Stage one (first year), 5 modules

  • Two modules in Language 1: Grammar, Language and Society I
  • Two modules in Language 2: Ab Initio Language Skills, Ab Initio Language and Society
  • One introductory core linguistics module. Choose from:
    • Introduction to Syntax, OR
    • Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology

Stage two (second year), 6 modules

  • Two modules in Language 1: Language and Society II, and a Language 1 module of your choice
  • Two modules in Language 2: Language and Society II, and a Language 2 module of your choice
  • One introductory core linguistics module. Choose from:
    • Introduction to Syntax, OR
    • Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology (whichever you didn't take in stage one)
  • One language option (e.g., European Cinema focusing on either Language 1 or Language 2), or (e.g., Teaching English as a Foreign Language), or an elective*

Year abroad (third year)

Your year abroad is divided between two locations, a country where Language 1 is spoken and a country where Language 2 is spoken. In each location, you will be at a university, on an English teaching assistantship, or on a work placement in industry.

Stage three (final year), 6 modules

  • Two modules in Language 1: Language and Society III, and a Language 1 module of your choice
  • Two modules in Language 2: Language and Society III, and a Language 2 module of your choice
  • Two Linguistics option modules
  • Up to two electives (in place of option modules)*

A wide range of final-year language and linguistics modules is offered, including Translation Methodology and Practice, Phonetics of French/German/Italian/Spanish, European Cinema, Second Language Syntax, Bilingualism, and Historical-comparative methods in linguistics. See our current final-year offerings for a typical full range. (Note that module offerings vary from year to year. Not every module is offered every year.)

*An elective is a module from another department. All electives are offered subject to departmental approval and timetable availability.