Objectives
Modern Languages at Leicester include French, German, Italian and Spanish and a wide range of degree programmes. These include Joint Honours, Honours degrees with two or three languages or three subjects including a language, Combined Studies, Modern Languages with Management, and French, Italian or Spanish and English. While all our courses normally last four years, there is also the possibility of completing them in three years where circumstances make this appropriate. French, German, Italian and Spanish can all be studied from Beginners’ or Advanced level.
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements * There are varying language requirements for each of our degrees. * A/AS levels: Three A levels normally required. Two AS levels considered in place of one A Level. General Studies accepted. Please indicate in section 3 (f) of your UCAS form which languages you wish to study. * GCSE: No specific requirements * Access to HE course: Pass with a substantial number of credits at level 3. * European Baccalaureate: Pass with 65% overall (70% with 8 in English for French and English, Italian and English, Spanish and English). * International Baccalaureate: Modern Languages: Pass Diploma with 28-30 points. French and English, Italian and English, Spanish and English: Pass Diploma with 32 points, including 6 at Higher Level English, and a qualification in a foreign language. * Leicestershire Progression Accord: 230-270 points as above plus full Accord credits. * BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma at DMM, plus any subject requirements. * Other Qualifications: Other national and international qualifications welcomed. * Mature students welcomed: Alternative qualifications considered. * Second Year Entry: Possible for those with advanced qualifications compatible with our degree structure. * Applicants are not normally interviewed. All applicants receiving an offer will be invited to visit the School. * Native speakers: Students whose native language is either French, German, Italian, or Spanish, and who wish to study this language at Leicester, will normally be required in the first year of study to take English language modules in lieu of the foreign language modules in their native tongue. Students with native speaker fluency in both English and the foreign language they wish to study will normally be required to substitute content modules for the relevant language modules. * The School of Modern Languages may consider applicants wishing to complete their studies on a part-time basis. Please contact us.
Course description
BA European Studies
Programme
First Year
As well as acquiring a high level of language skills, both written and spoken, you will take modules in contemporary social issues and the history and culture of the country of your main language. In Politics you will concentrate on International Relations since 1945, Introduction to Political Systems, or Current Issues in International Relations. Students taking additional modules in Politics can also study Political Theory. Other possible options to complete your first-year programme include Law, History, History of Art, Economics, Geography. Alternatively, you may take a second language either to intermediate or to full degree level. A special feature of the degree are the summer schools during the first summer vacation, consisting of three-week courses in the country of your chosen language, heavily subsidised by the University.
Second Year
You will take further courses and options to develop skills in your chosen language(s). You are also offered a choice of Politics and International Relations modules, which could include in the first semester Political Theory, the British Government or Globalisation. In the second semester, all students take European Union Politics.
Third Year - Study Abroad*
You can choose to spend the year at a university in a country where your main language is spoken or divide the year between universities in two countries (one of which may be in Central or Eastern Europe), such as Tampere (Finland), Pécs (Hungary), Salamanca, Pisa, Paris, or Heidelberg.
You may also go as an English assistant in a foreign school, or alternatively take up other approved employment.
* It is possible, in exceptional cases, to complete this degree in three years, without a year abroad.
Fourth Year
In the final year you will be given a choice of Politics options with a European focus, which might include Democratisation in East-Central Europe, Politics and Society in Italy, Parliamentary Politics. Written and spoken skills in your chosen language(s) will continue to be developed, and you will have a choice of options covering areas such as film, popular culture, contemporary literature, historical and social issues, specialist aspects of language. You may also choose to write a dissertation in place of one of your options in Politics or your language(s).
