Course summary

If you want to study a course that explores a wide range of literary texts from the early medieval period to the present day, while developing your linguistic capabilities in languages, then BA Modern Languages / English Literature at Aberystwyth University is for you. We enable our students to develop their powers of expression, critical thinking, and establish specialist knowledge and research skills in both subject areas. On this culturally enriching course, you will develop a detailed and broad understanding of literary history and applied knowledge of literary theory in combination with regular language classes in your chosen language. Why study Modern Languages / English Literature at Aberystwyth?

• You can study your choice of languages from beginners' or advanced level - choose from French, German, Spanish and Italian. Beginners will follow an intensive course in the first year.

• You will receive four hours of linguistic and grammar classes per week. The Department of Modern Languages is a relatively small and close-knit department, which means that you will benefit from our unique approach to language development. All of our language tutors are native speakers or experts in the relevant target language.

• Your year abroad will be spent in a country related to your chosen language. You can choose to study at one of our partnered universities, undertake a paid or unpaid work placement, or a combination of the two.

• You can engage with a wide variety of approaches to literature and cultural history, combining critical thinking with scholarship.

• You will have the opportunity to explore literary theory - philosophical and conceptual ideas that inform, challenge and problematise the ways we read.

• In your final year you will have the option to take part in a writing retreat at a country house in mid Wales - an amazing opportunity to spend time with fellow students and staff, developing your final year projects and dissertations, in a splendid rural setting.

• The Department of English & Creative Writing is home to New Welsh Review, Wales’ foremost literary magazine - this could be an exciting opportunity for you to get involved.

• You will be immersed in a supportive and vibrant community of creative and critical thinkers, literary experts, and published scholars from every field.

• We have one of the biggest libraries in the world, the National Library of Wales, on our doorstep. This copyright institution receives a copy of every book published in the UK.

• Both departments pride themselves for their exceptionally friendly atmosphere, where contact with staff is regular.