About This Course
On our Modern Languages course, you can combine up to three languages from Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish (from beginners or advanced level) and learn Dutch and Galician. A detailed insight into these languages, developing written skills such as translation as well as oral skills, is complemented with a range of cultural. Together with the cultural and linguistic immersion of the year abroad, in this course you will gain a set of valuable transferable skills that will make you a multilingual and employable global citizen.
All language modules include written skills (e.g. translation and essay writing) and oral skills taught by a native speaker.
The flexibility involved in our courses means that you may be able to try out a new language during your first year. In addition, you may decide at the end of the first year that you wish to focus on one language rather than two, or two instead of three.
In addition to what takes place in the classroom, there are lots of exciting opportunities for you to boost your language skills and increase your cultural awareness thanks to extra-curricular activities. LangSoc, our student-run society for students who are passionate about languages, runs a variety of cultural and social events. In addition, you can practice your language(s) with native speakers outside of the classroom thanks to our Language Buddy Scheme that pairs up Bangor students and incoming foreign exchange students. Bangor University’s Confucius Institute also runs regular events connected to Chinese culture.
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures is a lively, friendly and welcoming place, and we will do all we can to support you on your exciting journey as a student with us.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish are taught from Year 1; Galician and Dutch are taught in Year 2.
- Flexible degree structure to tailor the course to your interests.
- Top 10 for German, French and Spanish (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
- Top 20 for Student Satisfaction in Modern Languages & Linguistics (Guardian University Guide 2021).
- The fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons during a year abroad.
Course Content
You will have 3-4 hours of language classes per week for each language plus classes in your other chosen modules. Tuition is mainly in small groups and there are few formal lectures. In total, you are likely to have approximately 10-12 hours of classes each week.
Assessment involves coursework and written and oral examinations. You will also complete a dissertation as part of your degree.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
Studying Modern Languages opens the door to a wide variety of careers. Some modern languages graduates work in teaching and translating. However, graduates on this type of course also embark upon successful careers in wide variety of areas. These include the civil service, business and commerce, industry and the media. The skills you learn whilst studying Modern Languages – cultural awareness, communication, accuracy, planning and logical analysis – are valued highly by employers from a wide variety of different sectors.
EXPLORE MORE IN SPANISH
Our Spanish courses have been developed to provide you with advanced skills in the Spanish language, together with specialised and detailed insights into the culture, society and history that go with it.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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