Why study Modern Languages at MMU?

You will study any two European languages, at least one of which must be post A or AS level or equivalent with Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or a third European language. French and German as a main language will be studied from post A or AS level; Italian and Spanish can be taken from post A or AS level or from scratch and as a main language. All languages are offered at beginner’s level as a third language; Arabic, Chinese and Japanese are only available at beginners or ‘intermediate’ level (some experience but no formal qualification).

• You will develop practical skills which modern graduates need in the world of work such as communication skills, presentation skills, essay and report writing, summary skills, interview and questionnaire techniques, use of ICT and the Internet. Above all, you will acquire the highly desirable portfolio of a degree level competence in two European languages with an intermediate level of competence in a further language. This will enable you to work from, into and between languages in translating and interpreting situations as well as providing you with an understanding of a range of European and non-European cultures
• The additional benefit of a languages degree is the year abroad. The real independence you gain from it and your first hand experience of the wider world will give you the edge in the job market but the particular advantage of this degree is that you can combine two European languages with Arabic, Chinese or Japanese, preparing you to be a true global citizen
• Our courses are well established and highly regarded. The last national inspection of our work saw us obtain excellent marks for our facilities and our staff/student relations

What you learn

• You will study two foreign languages, achieving degree level fluency in both, and a third language to an intermediate level or above depending on your entry point. In both speaking and writing, emphasis is placed on communicating effectively and developing transferable skills useful in the world of work such as translating, interpreting, and presentation techniques
• You will discover the contemporary society and culture of the three countries you are studying. You may take options in the society, history and politics of the three countries and of other communities where your chosen languages are spoken (such as North Africa and Latin America)
• You will be able to choose from a range of options in contemporary studies. You can specialise in fields such as cinema, women’s writing, popular culture, drama, ethnicity and identity. You can also study options in aspects of linguistics, the exploration of how language works

How you learn

• You will be able to take advantage of studying in a modern, up to date language learning environment. A feature of our courses is the use of DVD, information technology and language laboratories as part of the language learning experience. We have an extensive range of DVDs and online resources for use in our purpose-built multimedia centre/satellite television suite as well as a growing stock of computer aidedlanguage learning materials some of which have been designed and produced by our own staff
• In language classes and options alike, you will generally study in small groups. This ensures that attention can be paid to all students as individuals as well as providing the environment in which you can develop and practise the skills required of you by the programme of study
• Many of our staff are native speakers of French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese. Our foreign language assistants, exchange students and international students also add to the multi-cultural atmosphere, ensuring the everyday use of foreign languages in the department. You will also have the opportunity to join ‘buddying’ groups with students who are native speakers of the languages you are learning to encourage informal language learning outside the classroom

Key facts

• Study two European languages to degree level
• Study a third language to intermediate or advanced level (developing on your entry level)
• Up to date language learning environment and multimedia centre
• Focus on communication skills
• Discover the contemporary society and culture of the three countries studied
• Year Three spent in two countries where the European languages are spoken