What are modern languages?
A modern language is any human language that is currently in use. The term is used to distinguish between languages such as French and German, which are spoken by millions of people and are learned as tools of communication, and classical languages such as Latin, which are studied for their cultural or linguistic value.
How will I study?
In all our courses, we aim to develop your practical abilities in the language studied to a very high level, and to familiarise you with the culture that is bound up with the language. In the different courses, the emphasis can be on literature, history, linguistics, society or politics. We also aim to develop your intellectual abilities and to train you in a range of transferable skills.
We attach great importance to small-group work, and much of the teaching takes place in small classes. Language tuition makes considerable use of language laboratories and satellite television facilities. You will also be taught in larger groups through lectures.
Language learning is supported by the Self-Access Centre which houses a range of resources for independent study, including networked PCs, digital TV, CDs, DVDs and reference books. The facility is also available to all University staff and students.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a mixture of coursework and exams. As you move from the first to the final year of study, your assignments will become more research- and project-based, and you may opt to undertake a dissertation.
Studying abroad
For all these courses, you will spend your third year abroad. The School has a large number of exchange programmes with universities in Europe, and Latin America. Alternatively, depending on your course, you may opt for a work placement or an assistantship in a school.
In addition, you also have the opportunity to apply to spend a semester in your second year studying at a partner university in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden or the United States, through the Universitas 21 programme.
Career prospects
Modern language graduates are well-equipped for careers in management and administration, civil service and the Foreign Office, public relations and journalism, international agencies, teaching, translating, postgraduate training in law and accountancy, banking and business, and for further study.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. Students with non-standard entry requirements may be invited to an interview.
Open days
UCAS visit days for students offered a place are normally held from late January to March. You are welcome to visit at other times – please contact us or for dates of our open days visit
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays