Modern European Studies, BA (Hons)

This course invites students to explore history beyond the UK perspective by integrating language learning with cultural and historical studies. By combining one or two European languages with history, participants access diverse source materials and gain deeper insights into contemporary European societies. A highlight is the year abroad, where students immerse themselves in their chosen language and culture, fostering independence and confidence. Two-thirds of study time focuses on languages in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, with the remaining third dedicated to history modules in the Department of History.In the first year, students complete 120 credits, varying by language proficiency: for two languages, this includes 40 credits in history and language-specific modules; for one language, it combines history with intensive language study. Year two mirrors this structure, with history at 40 credits and the rest in language-related topics, counting toward the final degree. Year three involves a placement abroad, while year four emphasizes advanced language skills and a specialized history subject, totaling 120 credits. All requirements must be met for progression.

During your first year you will study 120 credits, but what you study and how your time is broken down will vary depending upon your language ability. If you are studying two languages: You will take 40 credits worth of history modules, In your post-A level language(s) you will take 20 credits of core language and 20 credits of core or optional modules per language, If you are a beginner in French, German, Russian or Spanish, you will take 40 credits of core language modules per language, If you are a beginner in Portuguese or Serbian/Croatian, you will take 20 credits of core language and 20 credits of core or optional modules per language. If you are studying one language post-A level: You will take 40 credits worth of history modules, You will take 20 credits of core language and 60 credits of optional or core and optional modules in topics related to your chosen language. If you are studying one language as a beginner: You will take 40 credits worth of history modules, You will follow an intensive language programme, including optional modules relating to the culture and history of your language totalling 80 credits. You must successfully complete year one but it does not count towards your final degree classification. Again in year two, you will study 120 credits, but what you study and how your time is broken down will vary depending upon your language ability: If you are studying two languages: You will study 40 credits of history, You will study a 20 credit core language module for each of your languages and 20 credits of optional modules, If you are studying one language: You will take 40 credits worth of history modules You will take 80 credits worth of modules from your chosen language, culture and history. You must successfully pass year two and it counts as one third of your final degree classification. In year three, you will spend the equivalent of two semesters abroad on placements in a country or countries where your language(s) are spoken. Depending on your language(s), you could study at one of our exchange universities, teach on the British Council assistantship programme (this option is not available in Russia), or undertake a work placement with a company (this option is not available in Russia). Year Four You'll study 80 credits within your chosen language(s) (split equally if studying two languages). During the year you will develop your command of your language(s), using these skills in increasingly sophisticated contexts, and study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, history, politics, society, media and linguistics. In History, you will study a 40-credit Special Subject, engaging with the latest research in your selected area.