Joe Nash, recent graduate, who describes his time studying languages at Swansea as "transformative". Clockwise from top left: Portuguese, Catalan, Italian, Brazilian flags
More languages are now available to students at Swansea, with the addition of Catalan, Italian and Portuguese to the main degree programme, at the same time as a new link with the Association for Language Learning has been set up: two signs that show languages are thriving at Swansea University.
Studying modern languages at Swansea allows students to follow undergraduate degrees covering French, German, and Spanish, along with the related disciplines of translation and interpreting, with opportunities to study and work abroad.
Students following the main degree programme, BA Modern Languages, can now also include Catalan, Italian and Portuguese as options from beginners’ level if they wish. Other pathways they can follow cover cultural studies, second-language teaching, and translation.
Another recent boost to languages at Swansea comes from a partnership just established with the Association for Language Learning (ALL), the major subject association for those involved in teaching international languages at all levels.
Swansea has become a corporate member of ALL, joining a range of prestigious bodies including the British Council, Collins the dictionary publishers, and the Institut Français and Goethe Institut, which are the main organisations promoting French and German respectively across the UK.
The main benefit of being an ALL partner is that it will further improve the Swansea Modern Languages team’s links with schools as ALL has a network of over 4000 teachers across the UK. Already, the Swansea team have been offering virtual outreach sessions to school pupils, for example on a set text they are studying, with a recent event for local schools attracting around 250 pupils.
Swansea becoming a partner of ALL also coincides with a new ALL Cymru branch being launched in Wales.
Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting at Swansea - find out more and get in touch
Most recently, Swansea University has also launched a new liberal arts programme, the BA Combined Honours. In addition to the full suite of French, German and Spanish language modules students are also able to choose modules from all other subject areas within the School of Culture and Communication: another boost for aspiring linguists both in Wales and further afield.
Dr Greg Herman, senior lecturer in Modern Languages, said:
“More languages on offer for our students and stronger links with school pupils through the Association for Language Learning; these two recent developments, along with a rise in admissions over the past five years, show how languages are thriving at Swansea University.
Offering Catalan, Italian and Portuguese will mean more choice for our students. The ALL partnership will help us promote languages in schools across the UK.
Studying languages at Swansea gives you not just a wide choice of options to follow, but also access to language labs, streaming services, and translation and interpreting technology. Plus, of course, you have the option to spend your third year abroad, supported by our staff, in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations.
We’re looking forward to hearing from anyone who wants to find out more about studying languages with us here at Swansea. Please do get in touch!”
Student comments:
Freddie Bercow:
“Italian for Starters was a brilliant introduction to the language and culture – engaging, fun, and a great foundation for my modern languages journey!”
Bryher Thornton-Brake:
“I've wanted to learn Italian since I was very young, and it was incredibly rewarding to pick up the language and get to speak so fast, especially in such a fun and low-pressure atmosphere. I'm excited to continue studying Italian this year.”
Joe Nash, recent graduate and Welsh Champion, summed up his time studying Modern Languages at Swansea:
“Studying Spanish at Swansea University has been transformative. From supportive lecturers to intellectually stimulating modules, every moment has deepened my love for the language. My time here was unforgettable and has shaped my confidence as a global communicator.”