BA (Hons) in Modern Languages
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
48 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* For up-to-date fee information, please see website.
Introduction
Overview
With around 250 million French speakers and 400 million Spanish speakers on the planet, a firm grasp of both languages can open up boundless opportunities.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 We are ranked 2nd in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Iberian Languages and 2nd in Scotland, top 10 in the UK for French (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
#2 2nd in Scotland for course satisfaction in French (National Student Survey 2022)
#3 3rd in Scotland, Top 10 in the UK for course satisfaction in Iberian studies (National Student Survey 2022)
Curriculum
At the University of Stirling, we specialise in teaching French and Spanish in a contemporary, global context. You’ll develop high-level written and spoken linguistic skills in both languages, as well as build an understanding of the diverse societies, literature and visual cultures that surround them. You’ll also enjoy extensive opportunities to sharpen your French and Spanish skills through our study abroad links with universities in France, Spain, Morocco, Switzerland, Canada and Latin America.
To help you find the perfect professional context for your Modern Languages study, you’ll combine the course with one of several other subjects, ranging from Business Studies to Psychology. Wherever you hope your new-found knowledge of French and Spanish will lead you, we’ll pour all our energy and expert knowledge into helping you get there.
Please note: Modern Languages at Stirling is studied as part of a combined degree with a range of other subjects.
Course details
We recognise that you may not have studied a language before. That’s why we enable you to start your study of French or Spanish from a beginner, as well as advanced level. During Year 2, both streams merge and students graduate at the end of their degree with advanced language skills.
Teaching
As you study Spanish and French, you’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and small group language classes. The development of high-level language skills and cultural awareness is further encouraged by experienced native language assistants and the use of the latest language-learning software. Our aim is to ensure that both languages are understood in a global context and a range of historical periods and geographical areas.
Study abroad
On most degree courses involving both languages, you must spend Semester 6 Abroad studying at one of our partner universities or business schools. Please note that Semester 6 Abroad is not, however, available for students taking Languages and Psychology. Please see the note below for further information for Education students.
For students undertaking Semester 6 Abroad in a French-speaking environment, we have exchange agreements with the Universities of Aix, Clermont-Ferrand, Geneva, Laval (Quebec), Limoges, Nancy, Perpignan, Rabat (Morocco), Sciences Po, Tours and UCO Angers. We also have partnerships with business schools in Cergy-Pontoise, near Paris, and Strasbourg.
For students on Semester 6 Abroad in a Spanish-speaking environment, our partner institutions include the Universities of Córdoba, Navarra, Granada, León, Santander and Santiago de Compostela in Spain - as well as in Latin America, there are also exchange agreements with universities in Mexico City, Santiago de Chile and Córdoba in Argentina.
All students on programmes involving both French and Spanish (including Education) can also apply for an English Language Assistantship through the British Council. This is a competitive scheme and successful applicants spend a year in paid employment between Semester 4 and 5 in France or another French-speaking country, Spain or Latin America.
For students studying both French and Spanish who are eligible for the British Council scheme, an assistantship would fulfil our residence requirement for one language and you would spend Semester 6 in the country of the second language. Students of French and Spanish who do not undertake an assistantship will be required to fulfil our minimum residence requirement (usually 4 weeks spent in a French or Spanish-speaking country, often at a language school). This minimum residence is undertaken at the student’s own expense and during vacation time.
Education students: There are specific professional residence requirements and guidance that apply to Education programmes in order for students to fulfil GTC requirements, as well as those set by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stirling. All Education students should consult with staff in Education at Stirling for full details of these. Secondary Education students who do not undertake an assistantship must discuss the professional implications with staff in Education as well as consulting French/Spanish Programme Director/s in order to ensure that they fulfil our minimum language residence requirement.