Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

On our Modern Languages degree, you can study up to two principal languages (selected from French, German, or Spanish), helping you to become part of a global community and opening doors to a wide range of careers.

In addition to your principal language modules, via our dedicated and unique pathways you will also choose from modules in cultural studies (covering literature, film, poetry and more), education (second language teaching and pedagogy in the primary and secondary classroom) and translation (both into and out of the target language, and including documentary, instrumental and computer-assisted translation). There is also a possibility for students wishing to expand their range of languages to study introductory modules in Catalan, Italian and Portuguese.

French, German and Spanish can be studied at the following levels and in the following combinations:

  • If you have an A-level in two of these languages, you can continue to study both languages with us at an advanced level.
  • If you have an A-level in one of these languages, you can either concentrate exclusively on that language or learn another language, simultaneously, via our dedicated beginner language pathways.
  • If you have not had the chance to study a language at A-level or GCSE, you can concentrate on one beginner’s language (selected from French, German or Spanish) for the duration of your degree. Alternatively, you can also pick up a second beginner’s language (selected from French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish) during the second year of your degree. This will enable you to graduate with advanced proficiency (C1) in your first language, and intermediate-advanced proficiency (B2-C1) in your second language.

Why Modern Languages at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula:

  • You will be taught by research experts whose specialisms include film, gender studies, medieval and early modern literature, theatre studies and translation.
  • You will have a personal tutor who will provide you with any support you may need.
  • You can meet exchange students at weekly language cafés to chat in the languages you are studying.
  • You will be able to join our FrenchGerman and Spanish Student Societies for weekly social events including ‘Raclette Night’, film screenings, pub quizzes and more!

Modern Languages at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • 1st for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2024)*
  • 2nd for Teaching (NSS 2024)**
  • 2nd for Student Voice (NSS 2024)***
  • 5th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 5 to 9 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
**Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
***Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Modern Languages Experience

To enable you to shape your course to match your goals and interests, you can choose from:

  • A 4-year programme with a year spent in the country or countries of the language or languages studied. (Expected proficiency C1 on the Common European Framework for Languages Scale)
  • A 4-year programme with a dedicated Year in Industry, in the UK or further afield. (Expected proficiency B2-C1)
  • A 3-year programme without a Year Abroad or Year in Industry, offering a more direct route into employment or postgraduate study. (Expected proficiency B2-C1)*

The Year Abroad offers you the opportunity of studying at one of our partner institutions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Germany or Austria. Alternatively, you may choose to work as an English Foreign Language teacher through the British Council. For students of Spanish, there are additional opportunities available in Latin-America. Spending a year abroad, either on a paid work placement or studying in one of our partner institutions is an exciting and valuable opportunity which will further boost your student experience and employment prospects.

The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas**, giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid placements, which on average have a salary of £20,000+. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with several organisations who provide a range of opportunities. Students are supported throughout the application journey with advice, guidance and resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of study, you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.

*Levels of attainment can vary from student to student for reasons outside of Swansea University’s control.
**Overseas locations are dependent on VISA restrictions per country.

Modern Languages Employment Opportunities

This degree can open doors to exciting career opportunities in the UK and internationally.

Our graduates have careers in:

  • Education
  • Translation and interpreting
  • Journalism, media and public relations
  • Government, politics and humanitarian organisation
  • Business and commerce
  • Public services

Modules

      

Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

Modern Languages with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Modern Languages with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)