Modern Languages
Entry requirements
A level
We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success. If you are predicted a grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
Our BA Modern Languages degree programme is aimed at students who wish to enhance their employability in an increasingly interdependent world by being able to work with other languages, cultures and societies.
Students studying this programme take at least one language, either at introductory level (ab initio) or advanced level (post-A level) - equivalent to either A1/A2 or B1/B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students with an A-level or equivalent in a foreign language can study an additional language from introductory level (ab initio). Students with two language A-levels or equivalent can learn a third language ab initio.
The principal languages currently offered at Swansea University are French and Spanish. Currently, German is only offered ab initio. As well as compulsory language modules, students studying the BA (Hons) Modern Languages select modules from our dedicated and flexible pathways in cultural studies, teaching and translation. These integrated pathways span all three years of this degree programme, allowing students to specialise in a particular area if they already know the area in which they intend to seek employment. Alternatively, students are able to select modules from a different pathway in each year for a more rounded educational experience.
All students will obtain a degree in Modern Languages (BA Hons) regardless of languages studied or pathway selected. In Year 3, students studying the BA (Hons) Modern Languages go on their Intercalary Year Abroad. With connections in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain and Latin America, students able to study at a university through the Erasmus exchange programme, work as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher through the British Council, or undertake a work placement (paid or voluntary) with an international company or organization.
During their year abroad, students not only hone and refine their language skills, but also develop intercultural awareness, resilience, empathy and adaptability in preparation for the world of work. Such transferable personal skills increase students’ employability, with previous graduates going on to careers in: international aid/development, diplomacy, broadcasting, logistics and distribution, marketing, sales, and hospitality, amongst others. (See also: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/modern-languages).
In addition, the BA (Hons) Modern Languages can be a good foundation for postgraduate study in translation (e.g. MA Translation and Interpreting) and/or teaching (PGCE), as well as postgraduate study in Modern Languages.
Modules
Students choose whether to study one language, two languages or three languages, with our provision currently covering French, German and Spanish. Within the Languages for All Programme, students can take French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, or Arabic from beginner level.
ONE LANGUAGE OPTION Students with no qualifications in their chosen language take beginner level language modules. Students with a A-level or equivalent in their chosen language take advanced level language modules. Students take culture, teaching and/or translation modules regardless of their level.
TWO LANGUAGES OPTION Students can study two languages at advanced level if they have an A-level or equivalent in both languages. Otherwise, students study one language at advanced level and one language at beginner level. Students cannot study two languages at beginner level. Students take culture, teaching and/or translation modules regardless of their level.
THREE LANGUAGES OPTION Students who choose three languages study two languages at advanced level – they need to have an A-level or equivalent in both languages. Students cannot study two languages at beginner level. The third language would be taken at beginner level.
Module options include but are not limited to:
Year 1 Language-specific modules in French, German, and Spanish, including language specific cultural and linguistic topics;
(Translation pathway): Concepts in Translation; Grammar and Meaning
(Teaching pathway): Modern Languages: Introduction to Language Teaching
(Culture pathway): Modern European Fiction; Modern European Film
Year 2 Language-specific modules in French, German and Spanish, including language specific cultural and linguistic topics;
(Translation): Computer-Assisted Translation Tools, Translation Workshops in French, German, and Spanish
(Teaching): Teaching Modern Languages to Young Learners
(Culture): Conflict in European Film
Year 3
Language-specific modules in French, German and Spanish, including language specific cultural and linguistic topics;
(Translation): Terminology Management, Translation Workshops in French, German, and Spanish;
(Teaching) Modern Languages Classroom Practice
(Culture): From Page to Screen: Adapting the European Classics; Modern Languages Dissertation.
Assessment methods
Assessment of the Modern Languages programme is underpinned by Swansea University Assessment Policies and Swansea University's current Learning and Teaching strategy, i.e. 'ensuring all teaching and assessment is inclusive, accessible to all students and that inclusivity is embedded within programmes of study and learner support'. All students will be provided with detailed information regarding assessment and reassessment within module handbooks, programme handbook and College handbook on our Virtual Learning Platform, Canvas. Comprehensive assessment guidelines and marking criteria, including marking grids, for all assessments will be available via Canvas. The assessments are linked to the overall programme aims and to the learning outcomes for each module. A range of assessment methods will be used to assess knowledge, intellectual skills, practical skills and transferable skills across all levels. These include, but are not limited to short written work, essays, research reports, reflections, presentations, research proposals, portfolios, written and oral examinations. These multiple forms of assessment will be used to meet the diverse learning styles and previous educational experiences of students. Students will receive written feedback for all summative assessments followed by verbal clarification (individual/group) as required. In addition, students will receive feedback on formative assessment and class time will be set aside for exam preparation and feedback. The programme team will provide feedback within a three week period as per University policy and students will be encouraged to access and read their feedback. In addition, assessment submission and exam dates will be staggered allowing students to benefit from feedback in advance of the next submission. All students will have access to the College assessment timetable via Canvas. Assessment of the Study Abroad placement learning activity will be the responsibility of the partner university / British Council for EFL teaching placement / work placement or volunteering opportunity provider. The Year Abroad Coordinator team will work closely with external partners to obtain and identify any positive or negative feedback. The module convenor will work with the Disability Office and the programme director to ensure that individual needs are met. The College will make reasonable adjustments and/or develop alternative arrangements for assessment in conjunction with the student.
Extra funding
Home Fee £9,000.00 Overseas Fee £14,250.00
Source of student funding: Student Fees; Financial Support available to 'Home' students via Student Loans from Student Finance Wales and the Student Loan Company. No statutory funding available to international students.
The Uni
Singleton Park Campus
College of Arts and Humanities
What students say
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Linguistics
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This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Modern languages
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
English studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is not a particularly common subject at first degree level and most of the degrees that fall in this category are offered by the University of Durham. If you fancy one of these broad degrees, it is probably best to speak directly to tutors to find out what your options on your degree might be and what they can lead to,
Languages and area studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a broad subject for a variety of European languages. No matter which you take, the general theme is that some graduates go to that country to work, often as English language teachers, some go into further study, often to train as teachers or translators, but most get jobs in the UK in education - most often as language tutors, unsurprisingly, or translators. Modern language grads can also be in demand in business roles where communication and language skills are particularly useful, such as marketing and PR, and in finance or law. But remember — whilst employers say they rate graduates who have graduates who have more than one language, you need to have them as part of a whole package of good skills.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
English studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£15k
£22k
£24k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Languages and area studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£22k
£24k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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