Course summary

Our BA Modern Languages is designed to allow you to study two or three languages, from French, Italian and Spanish. It is a highly flexible course, allowing you to tailor your degree according to your interests. You'll build your linguistic skills while developing your understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary France and the Francophone world, Italy, and the Hispanic world. Leicester is in the Guardian University Guide 2022's top 20 for Modern Languages and we rank consistently highly for student satisfaction in the annual National Student Survey. In addition, we offer you a unique opportunity at the end of your first year, you will attend one of our fully-funded Summer Schools where you will be able to immerse yourself in the language and culture of one of your chosen languages. If you choose to study one of the two languages at beginner’s level you will spend the summer school in the country of your beginner’s language. If you are studying two languages at advanced level, you may chose which one of those countries to visit. Of the two or three languages that you will study during this course, one can be taken from Beginners level, allowing you to further expand your linguistic and cultural horizons. Our ab initio modules are intensive language course that bring you up to post-GCSE standard within a year. In all language classes – be they beginner or advanced – special attention is paid to contemporary language, both written and spoken. Your writing skills will be developed through work in different styles and registers of written language communication. Oral classes in each language are conducted in small groups, predominantly by native speakers. You will also take cultural studies modules on topics related to historical and contemporary societies, literature, film and the visual arts and cultural histories. These important areas of work add to your linguistic fluency by allowing you to gain the knowledge that is necessary to achieving true cultural competency. They will teach you how to read the societies that communicate in your target languages, and to be able to meaningfully engage with them. As part of the course you will study abroad your third year, during which time you can live as a student or work as a teaching assistant or in another work placement of your choice, with tutors on hand to help. We have links with universities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada and Latin America. In all areas of your studies on this BA programme, the development of key employability-relevant knowledge and skills is a sustained focus. Developing your foreign language skills and cultural awareness gives you a powerful advantage in business and opens up a wide and exciting range of careers. You will be able to immerse yourself in a rich culture of learning-led experience in a supportive and tailored learning environment that will help you make the best of your time here.