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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202122
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
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
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, plus BB in A level German and A level Spanish
Access to HE 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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Strong candidates with A2 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.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including German and Spanish
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Strong candidates with D3 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including German and Spanish
or
AB from two A levels including German and Spanish and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate 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
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in German and Spanish
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202223
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
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.
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
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, plus BB in A level German and A level Spanish
Access to HE 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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including German and Spanish
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including German and Spanish at B1
Irish certificate additional information
Strong candidates with A2 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.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including German and Spanish
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Strong candidates with D3 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including German and Spanish or AB from two A levels including German and Spanish and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate 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
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in German and Spanish
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
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
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:
-
German linguistic studies
-
languages of the Spanish-speaking world
-
elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
-
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:
-
accelerated German language
-
accelerated Spanish language
-
psycholinguistics
-
discourse analysis
-
sound and voice
-
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:
-
audiovisual translation
-
language in society
-
translation
-
intercultural communication
-
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module is designed to ease the transition from A-level to the first year of a single or combined honours degree programme by setting out clearly what we expect of you at undergraduate level and equipping you with the resources to be able to operate a...
This unit will introduce you to the main areas relevant to applied language studies.
This module is intended to provide an outline for some of the main aspects of Linguistics.
This module will help you understand how modern German has evolved and introduce you to ways of analysing and describing ‘language in use’ in relation to contemporary German from sociolinguistic and pragmatic perspectives.
The aim of this course will be to introduce students to the general issues surrounding the role of language in society, and in particular its role in nation-building. This general context will be presented through a study of the Spanish-speaking world.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
The unit introduces you to relevant issues of contemporary Spanish linguistics and establishes the basis for future application of linguistic principles.
The first part of the course considers the position of German in the world: the importance of the geo-political position of the German-speaking countries in the centre of Europe and the status of German as an international language.
The module will clarify the links between the Year Abroad project and modules in years two and four.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
This course highlights and analyses the link between language structure and its situation of occurrence.
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
This course examines three areas of psycholinguistics which help to understand what the relationship between language and the human mind might be.
This course builds on the basic concepts of phonetics introduced in the first year, with an introduction to acoustic science for the study of speech sounds.
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
The YEAR Abroad Research Project is a 6000 word piece of independent academic writing which you complete in the target language during your residence abroad (or during the summer between your second and final year, in case of exemption from the Year Abroa...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
The module will introduce the main theoretical ideas of language and identity alongside tracing the historical, social and linguistic background to the presence of the so-called Latinos in the US. Issues of language policies in general and those affectin...
One of the socially and culturally most significant consequences of transnational mobility is that urban populations in particular are increasingly multilingual: in global cities such as London, New York and Berlin there are speakers of hundreds of differ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module explores the rise of English as a global language focusing on the factors that have led to, and the issues that have arisen from, its dominant status. You will learn about the interrelation between globalisation, standardisation and variabilit...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not only ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not only ...
This unit examines the theory and practice of language teaching and explores 'reflective practice' as a set of skills that can be applied to your future working life.
This module develops awareness of how language testing and assessment have developed in educational and wider social contexts. It focusses on both purposes and processes of language testing and assessment, and critically examines applications in policy ar...
This unit will allow students to undertake independent research to produce an in-depth study of a specific topic located in one of the fields within Modern Languages.
This final year module builds on the theoretical grounding students gained in LING 2011 Variation and Change in English and the instrumental analysis techniques from LING 2008 Sound and Voice. In Sociophonetic Project Module, students will put the theory ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not only ...
The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not only ...
The unit will take you through the process, the product and the place of writing. Process will deal primarily with modelling cognitive operations, analysis of composing strategies, and individual differences and changes in processes over time. Product wil...
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
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
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:
-
gathering and interpreting information
-
working with and leading teams
-
understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
-
translation
-
interpreting
-
teaching
-
marketing
-
publishing
-
international development
-
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
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