Course Overview
The BA in Modern Languages and English Literature at Swansea University is an exciting and challenging course, which opens a range of career possibilities by helping you to develop transferable skills that employers value.
You will study French, German or Spanish and centuries of English Literature, helping you to become part of a global community and opening doors to a wide range of careers.
As well as studying your language of choice, course content stretches from national and global literatures including Renaissance writings, Gothic and genre fiction, 19th century literature, modernity and contemporary fiction, gender and culture, creative and professional writing to language, culture, history, cinema, literature fiction, translation and language teaching.
The course can be studied as a three-year course, or you can extend your studies by a year to include a Year Abroad or Year in Industry. These additional options will allow you to further enhance your student experience by giving you access to unique cultural insights and skill-based opportunities.
Why Modern Languages and English Literature at Swansea?
Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;
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.
English at Swansea is ranked:
- 11th in UK for Research Impact (REF 2021)
- Top 20 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Top 25 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
- Top 25 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2025)
- Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Our lecturers and professors are internationally recognised writers, linguists, and translators whose work has been widely published, broadcast and performed. You will learn from research experts who specialise in subjects such as film, gender studies, literature, theatre studies and translation.
Your Modern Languages and English Literature Experience
We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can specialise in your preferred subjects and shape your course to match your interests, whether in national and global literatures, Renaissance, 19th century or contemporary literature, Gothic and genre fiction, creative and professional writing or French history, language, literature, film, translation or teaching.
Swansea’s thriving English Student Society and language societies both organise social and cultural events. There is a vibrant campus culture for language students including regular meet ups for practising language skills.
You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need.
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.
*Securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, but you will be supported throughout your application journey with advice and guidance. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of your second year of your studies, you will transfer onto the three-year programme.
**overseas locations are dependent on VISA restrictions per country.
Modern Languages and English Literature Employment Opportunities
Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:
- Education
- Marketing
- Social media
- Project administration
- Teaching
- Humanitarian work
- Journalism, media and public relations
- Public services
