Languages and Contemporary European Studies (BA)

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

This degree combines compulsory modules with a wide range of optional modules that deepen your understanding of Europe. These options also let you tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.

Each year you can choose modules from other subject areas, or learn a third language. You can even add a subject to your degree as a Minor.

To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your ability. We'll then put you in the most appropriate stage to develop your spoken and written skills in both languages.

Year 1 overview

You'll take a module for Modern Language students, which offers guidance on study skills, and outlines the academic conventions you'll need to know. Compulsory language modules will develop your skills in both your chosen languages.

You'll explore political systems and the key concepts of social change, then choose from a range of optional modules on topics including:

• German history, politics and society

• the history and politics of the Hispanic world

• French society and political culture

Year 2 overview

You'll continue to develop your language skills. Compulsory modules will examine the European business environment and explore European identity.

You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules. These might include:

• psycholinguistics

• language structure

• learning about culture through ethnography

• company law

• media perspectives on Germany after 1968

• post-war French thought

• modules from other subject areas, including other languages

A special module will help you plan your year abroad.

Year 3 overview

We’ll help you choose a placement abroad that interests you. You can:

• study at one of our partner universities

• work as an English language assistant in a school

• find an approved work placement

During your time away, you’ll produce an independent research project in your chosen language. It will show original thought and help improve your language skills.

Find out more about the year abroad.

Year 4 overview

You'll take a module examining your experiences abroad. This will help you produce an enhanced CV.

You’ll continue with language modules, and take optional modules in topics such as:

• US Latino language and identity

• public service interpreting

• language teaching

• globalisation and world politics

• multicultural Germany

• comparative sociology

You can also choose to take a Modern Languages dissertation.

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

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

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:

As a Modern Languages graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of careers. Many of our graduates also go on to further study.

You'll develop many skills, including:

• 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

During the course, you can take modules to improve your career skills, including:

• interpreting and translating

• law

• accountancy

• management

• international relations

There is an 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 2022). 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.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: R900
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2022 entry

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within two to six weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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