About this course

On this integrated master's in German and Spanish linguistics you'll become fluent 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.

You’ll start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written German and Spanish, which will help you to progress quickly. You’ll also have excellent resources to support you. Our Centre for Language Study has everything you need.

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 the opportunity to prepare a final year dissertation on a language or linguistics topic of specific interest to you, with guidance from a supervisor. The third year of the course is spent in a Spanish- or German-speaking country, giving you the opportunity to enhance your linguistic and cultural proficiency.

Most students of Spanish go to Spain, but you could spend a year in Spanish-speaking Latin America. Most students of German choose Germany, although Austria and Switzerland are also options.

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.

ODT

Download 2021-22 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including Grades AA in German and Spanish

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

More information about A-levels

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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in German and Spanish

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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 National Extended Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish. Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish. Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish. Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish.

Select additional entry requirements to display

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

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

Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of German and Spanish with a wide range of options.

You'll take Linguistics modules specific to German and Spanish, but also more general topics in areas such as psycholinguistics, discourse analysis, and phonetics. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.

Your second year also includes preparation for your year abroad in year 3, when you'll 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 courses from different subject areas or learn another language.

Year 1 overview

You’ll develop your proficiency in speaking and writing German and Spanish with optional accelerated language modules. You'll take compulsory modules in topics such as:

the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
German linguistic studies
elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
applications of linguistics

Year 2 overview

You’ll continue to improve your German and Spanish language skills and have the opportunity to concentrate on your own particular interests. There will also be a module that prepares you for the year abroad.

Options include topics such as:

language and society in the German-speaking world
Spanish linguistics
language structure
psycholinguistics
gender, race and nation in modern Latin America
sound and voice

Year 3 overview

You’ll spend a year abroad in a German- or Spanish-speaking country on a study placement at one of our specially selected partner universities.

Find out more about the year abroad.

You’ll also do an independent study project.

Year 4 overview

You’ll do a dissertation and you’ll also choose options to explore your special interests - or even consider new directions after your experiences abroad.

Module choices include:

audiovisual translation
writing and written language
developing approaches to language teaching
intercultural communication
memory in national and transnational Contexts
nation, culture and power
transnational movement in the age of globalisation

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

23%

Scheduled learning & teaching

77%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

composition portfolios
dissertations
essays
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

33%

Written exam

39%

Coursework

28%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £19,300.

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.

German and Spanish Linguistic Studies (MLang)

About this course

Course location

Awarding body