About this course
With this French and Spanish Linguistics degree, you’ll develop strong language skills and a comprehensive understanding of both cultures. You'll explore how language works through the study of linguistics. By spending a year living and working abroad, you’ll improve your fluency, cultural understanding and employability.
You’ll have the freedom to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. You could, for instance, start a third language, choose modules from other subject areas, or increase your focus on linguistics.
Using our language development system, we’ll make sure you start at a level that matches your ability in French and Spanish. This means, if you’re a strong student, you can start one of these languages from scratch - and make rapid progress in both.
In your year abroad you can choose to:
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work as an English assistant in a school
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study at a university
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take a work placement
You could choose to go to Spain, France, Switzerland or Latin America - we have links in Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Through our innovative scheme in Mexico, developed in partnership with the Mexican Education Ministry, you could work as a Language Resources Assistant in a university.
This course has a strong focus on employability. You’ll have the option to take practical modules looking at teaching, you could take advantage of our vacation work placement schemes and you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB including French and Spanish
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including French and Spanish, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including French and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in French and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with 6 Higher Level points in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with 6 Higher Level points in one language and 6 Standard Level points in the second language will be considered.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
BTEC additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of French and Spanish and your understanding of Linguistics. You’ll have a wide range of options to choose from, allowing you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.
You can also take modules from different subject areas, or learn a third language. If you find a subject you love, you even have the option to make it an official part of your degree as a minor subject.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your proficiency in French and Spanish. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1 overview
We’ll introduce you to the study skills you’ll need as a Modern Languages and Linguistics student and you’ll take compulsory French and Spanish language modules to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities. Other compulsory areas of study include:
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applications of linguistics and sound
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structure and meaning
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an introduction to the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
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the making of modern French
Year 2 overview
You’ll continue to develop your French and Spanish language skills. You'll also take a module that prepares you for your year abroad, including preparation for the research project that you’ll do while you’re away. You’ll also study French and Spanish linguistics.
You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. These might include:
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psycholinguistics
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variation and change in English
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studying language structure
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teaching English as a foreign language
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multilingualism
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modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 3 overview
You can spend this year abroad in a French or Spanish-speaking country:
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as an English language assistant in a school
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studying on a university course
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on an approved work placement
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4 overview
We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad and we’ll help you to talk about your experiences in a way that enhances your employability. You’ll continue to develop your written and spoken French and Spanish and you’ll explore French Sociolinguistics.
You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. Topics might include:
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language teaching
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linguistic variation in the Iberian peninsula and Latin America
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language and identity among US Latinos
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your choice of modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Anthony Campbell is the course leader.
Careers
When you study French and Spanish linguistics, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options. These will make the most of your skills in:
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gathering and interpreting information
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working with and leading teams
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understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
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translation
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interpreting
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teaching
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marketing
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publishing
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international development
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advertising, film and television
Many of our graduates go on to further study. Subjects taken include interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.
We put a great focus on developing employability skills throughout your time with us; this includes a compulsory employability module for all first-year students in the faculty.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: RRC4
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000