About this course
With this bachelor's degree in German and Spanish linguistics, you'll become proficient in both German and Spanish, and study contemporary culture, society, politics, history, literature and cinema. You'll specialise in Linguistics and explore the structure, use and psychology of both languages. You'll also spend a year abroad in a German- or Spanish-speaking country.
Following our unique system of language development, you’ll start at a level that matches your ability in both German and Spanish. This means we can personalise your learning and you'll make the most rapid progress at each stage of the course.
In Linguistics, you'll study the nature of speech, the structure of language, phonetics, how languages are learnt and their social context.
You’ll also have all the resources you need to support you in our Centre for Language Study.
The third year is spent in a Spanish- or German-speaking country, giving you the opportunity to enhance your linguistic and cultural proficiency. You could choose to spend a year in Spanish-speaking Latin America, Spain, Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
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 German and Spanish
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 German 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 German and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in German and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with 6 Higher Level points in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 for 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 German and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus AB in A level German and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level German and Spanish.
BTEC additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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.
In your first and second years, you'll take a balanced range of modules in German and Spanish. You'll take some Linguistics modules specific to German and Spanish, but also more general topics in areas such as Psycholinguistics, Discourse Analysis and Phonetics.
Your second year also includes preparation for your year abroad. While abroad in the third year, you will study at one of our Erasmus exchange partner institutions and complete an independent research project. In year 4 you'll be encouraged to pursue your interests, including a dissertation.
You can also take modules from different subject areas or learn a different language.
Year 1 overview
You’ll develop your proficiency in speaking and writing German and Spanish and take compulsory modules in topics such as:
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German linguistic studies
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languages of the Spanish-speaking world
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elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
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applications of linguistics
Year 2 overview
You’ll develop your listening, reading, writing and other academic skills. There are compulsory modules on Managing Research and Learning, German Language and Society and Spanish Linguistics.
At the end of the year you'll take a module that helps prepare you for study abroad next year.
You'll also choose from optional topics including:
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accelerated German language
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accelerated Spanish language
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psycholinguistics
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discourse analysis
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sound and voice
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language structure
Year 3 overview
You'll spend a year abroad either:
- as an English language assistant
- studying on a university course
- on an approved work placement
You'll also do an independent study project.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4 overview
After returning to the UK, you can select from an extensive range of modules and focus on areas of interest developed during your studies.
You'll be encouraged to reflect on your experience of being abroad. You'll also get support for the challenges of returning to the UK and career planning.
Module choices include:
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audiovisual translation
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language in society
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translation
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intercultural communication
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second language acquisition
You’ll also do a dissertation exploring a topic of particular interest.
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
As a graduate of our German and Spanish linguistics degree, 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.
There is 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: RRF4
- 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 normally invite all candidates to an interview.
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
