Modern Languages with a Year Abroad

On our Modern Languages degree with a Year Abroad, 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 you to expand your 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.

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)

A- 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.
B- 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.
C- 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.

This programme also includes a year abroad, spent in the country or countries of the language or languages studied. (Expected proficiency C1 on the Common European Framework for Languages Scale)

The Year Abroad offers you the opportunity to study 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.

Your first year of study is made up of compulsory modules covering a range of themes. Compulsory modules are studied by all students on the programme, meaning you are automatically enrolled. Examples of compulsory modules include:
• Introduction to Culture and Linguistic Traditions A
• Introduction to Culture and Linguistic Traditions B

Your second and third years will comprise entirely optional modules from a large range of subject areas. Examples of optional modules in recent years have included:

• Translation Workshop (German/English)
• French for Professional Purposes
• Translation Workshop (Spanish into English)
• Simulated Translation Bureau

Your final year will include an optional independent dissertation project.
For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/modern-lang-translation-interpretation/ba-modern-languages/

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:
• Presentations
• Group Work
• Oral Examinations
Throughout your undergraduate Modern Languages degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
For a full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/modern-lang-translation-interpretation/ba-modern-languages/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk