Linguistics and Modern Languages Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Linguistics and Modern Languages Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Linguistics
This course enables you to delve into the science of language - an everyday phenomenon which impacts our lives on an individual and a global scale. You will explore the sounds and structure of languages across the globe, studying topics such as how languages change over time; how children acquire their first language; how language varies between different groups of people and across regions; how we communicate as individuals and within groups; what languages across the world have in common and how they differ; and what happens when speakers of d...
Linguistics
This course enables you to delve into the science of language - an everyday phenomenon which impacts our lives on an individual and a global scale. You will explore the sounds and structure of languages across the globe, studying topics such as how languages change over time; how children acquire their first language; how language varies between different groups of people and across regions; how we communicate as individuals and within groups; what languages across the world have in common and how they differ; and what happens when speakers of different languages come into contact.
With its diverse local communities, Manchester is an ideal site for carrying out research on linguistic variation and multilingualism. We have two laboratories, where ultrasound imaging, laryngography and eye tracking technology are used for staff and student research projects. You'll also be able to learn quantitative methods and use large language corpora, skills which you'll then be able to apply to other fields throughout your life.
Language learning
You will join a pathway for your chosen language:
The beginner pathway is for students, who do not have any foundation in the language. Some students are complete beginners. Some students may have undertaken some language learning. For example, a UK student who studied a language in Years 7 and 8 at secondary school.
The intermediate pathway is for students, who have a good foundation in the language, and have the equivalent of an A-level in their chosen language.
The advanced pathway is for students, who are already fluent and proficient in their chosen language.
French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish have beginner and intermediate pathways. Arabic has a beginner pathway only. Chinese and Russian have beginner, intermediate, and advanced pathways.
The language you choose will be reflected in your degree title. For example BA (Hons) Linguistics and Modern Languages (Portuguese).
The language learning course units are designed to develop your skills of reception (reading and listening), production (speaking and writing), and translation. For some languages, you will be learning different alphabets and scripts – Modern Standard Arabic, Cyrillic (Russian), Mandarin (Chinese), and Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji (Japanese).
Class sizes are small and led by academics, who are a mix of native speakers, and English speakers who are fluent in the language. Using your language throughout the week really accelerates your learning and we encourage you to use it socially. For example, by joining student societies that enable you to meet students from different countries and following social media influencers and media channels for your chosen language.
World cultures
Alongside your language learning, you’ll also attend lectures and seminars that explore the history, literature, politics, and current affairs of your chosen country. Our students find that this part of their degree really broadens their understanding of where different languages are spoken and their cultural resonance.
Timetable
Each year you take 120 credits of course units. In Year 1, these credits are divided between your chosen language and Linguistics. In Years 2 and 4, you can include 20 credits, per year, as a ‘free choice’. This free choice can be a course unit from another subject area in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures or the University College of Interdisciplinary Learning.
Year 1: Languages (60 credits); Linguistics (60 credits)
Year 2: Languages (40 or 60 credits); Linguistics (40, 60 or 80 credits); Free choice unit (0 or 20 credits)
Year 3: Residence Abroad year. You will live in a country where your chosen language is spoken.
Year 4: Languages (40 or 60 credits); Linguistics (40, 60 or 80 credits); Free choice unit (0 or 20 credits)
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B50-I60
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
ABB. All language pathways are available for either Beginner or Intermediate (post A Level) learners. Applicants offering an A Level in the target language will normally be required to achieve grade B or above and will be placed on the Intermediate language pathway. The beginners pathway accommodates learners whose previous language experience ranges from complete beginner through to GCSE level study. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required. Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements. Typical Contextual Offer: BBC All language pathways are available for either Beginner or Intermediate (post A Level) learners. Applicants offering an A Level in the target language will normally be required to achieve grade B or above and will be placed on the Intermediate language pathway. The beginners pathway accommodates learners whose previous language experience ranges from complete beginner through to GCSE level study. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required. Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects. Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and and 4 or C inMathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. If you are intending to study two languages we will require Advanced Higher at grade B in one of the target languages. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Scottish Advanced Higher
We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. If you are intending to study two languages we will require Advanced Higher at grade B in one of the target languages. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements. For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as an A Level at grade B and EPQ at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course . Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Not accepted
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional A Level at grade B in a Humanities subject
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional A Level at grade B in a Humanities subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional A Levels at grades BB one of which must be in a Humanities subject.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are 30 Distinctions and 9 Merits at Level 3.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.
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Fees and funding
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