English Literature and a Modern Language

Our aim at the School of Modern Languages and the School of English, Communication and Philosophy is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity, and has a wealth of transferable skills.

On our 4-year English Literature and a Modern Language (BA) programme, you’ll develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

English literature at Cardiff University has long enjoyed an international reputation for its teaching and research. But more than this – we pride ourselves on nurturing a friendly, personalised and supportive environment for our students.

Our curriculum offers access to the whole span of English literature, from the early medieval period to the 21st century. It’s also not restricted to the printed word. We are intrigued by the connections between literature and film, art, music, history, language and popular culture, and our teaching reflects these interests.

On the languages side of the programme, you can choose to study one of three different languages we offer. These are Chinese, French and Spanish.

We run two programme pathways. Those with an A level or equivalent competence in a modern language will take an Upper Elementary pathway. Those with limited or no knowledge of a modern language take our Elementary pathway.

You’ll explore the language you’re studying and its social, political, historical and cultural contexts from a global perspective. Through a variety of language learning resources and materials, and range of student-centred learning activities, you’ll develop your reading, writing, oral, listening and mediation skills.

An integral part of this programme is the opportunity to spend time working or living abroad to experience life in the culture of the language you are studying. You’ll have the choice of either studying at a partner university or completing a work placement in each semester.

It’s important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself, it involves the integrated study of language, culture and society. As an English Literature and a Modern Language (BA) student, you’ll find that often there are complementary issues and perspectives that link these subjects. Our joint honours programme offers challenging and stimulating modules emphasising diversity and celebrating cultural and linguistic mobility.

Graduating with a range of academic and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – the confidence to use them and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Extra-curricular activities
A vibrant programme of events – such as language cafes and student societies - supports your language learning and immersion into the culture.

Skills for the future
A structured skills programme embeds academic, transferable and employability skills into learning from the very beginning.

Employability focus
Choose an optional of credit-bearing work placement and gain professional experience.

The world is your classroom
Spend your third year studying or working in the country of your chosen language.

Language ambassadors
Work with local schools and communities to promote language learning and provide mentorship.