BA English and Modern Languages & Cultures

This degree will give you a deeper understanding of the crucial relationship between language, culture and society, both within Europe and beyond.

You’ll study either one or two modern foreign languages, and explore the history, literature and culture of the languages you’re learning.

Through English modules, you’ll study a range of literary arts, including poetry, prose, film, theatre, and creative writing, and engage with diverse texts from all over the world, both in English and in translation.

As a dual honours student, you’ll divide your studies between the School of English and the School of Languages and Cultures. Choice and flexibility are at the heart of our teaching, which means you can pursue and develop your own interests. At every level, there is a wide variety of modules to choose from. You will be taught by world-leading experts from both departments.

You’ll be required to take a minimum number of credits within both departments each year, but how you choose to divide your modules after this is up to you: split your modules evenly between English and modern languages and cultures, or choose to weight your degree in favour of one subject or the other.

For the modern languages and cultures side of your course, you’ll focus on one or two languages, choosing from French, German, Russian, Spanish, Dutch, Czech, Italian (available as a second language only), Catalan, Luxembourgish (available to study from second year) or Portuguese.

You can take any language from beginner’s level, and you can take French, German, Russian or Spanish post-A Level (or equivalent). As well as taking modules that focus on practical language skills, you’ll also explore topics such as linguistics, literature, society, politics, history, philosophy and film studies. In English, you’ll explore literature from the medieval to the present day, covering topics as diverse as animal studies, the history of the Gothic, American literature and the analysis of film.

You’ll spend the third year of your course abroad. We have a wide range of destinations on offer, both within Europe and beyond. Choose to study at a leading university, carry out an approved work placement, or in some cases take part in exciting volunteering opportunities. Please be aware that we do not offer a year abroad option in Italy.

Research is central to the student experience here in Sheffield. All our teaching is informed by the latest findings, and all our students have the opportunity to carry out their own research project as part of their degree. Outside of your degree, there are many opportunities to develop your interests, insights and critical faculties.

Modules

English

In your first year, all students take the core module Renaissance to Revolution (40 credits). The remaining 20 credits can be used on modules from the list of optional English modules listed below, all 20 credits.

English

A maximum of 80 credits can be selected from English modules, which includes a minimum of 40 credits worth of core modules from within the School of English. You might choose to take one or both of the following core modules in their entirety, or you might take 20 credits from each core module in the Autumn semester.

Modern Languages & Cultures

You’ll spend the third year of your course abroad, speaking the language and living the culture of either one or two of your chosen languages.

English

A maximum of 80 credits can be selected from English modules. There are no core module requirements. At least 40 credits must be used on optional English modules.

Entry requirements

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
typically including a modern foreign language

A Levels + additional qualifications BBB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in the EPQ

International Baccalaureate 33, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language

BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in a relevant subject

Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher AABBB + B typically in a modern foreign language

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AB, typically including a modern foreign language

Access to HE Diploma 60 credits overall in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit

Other requirements

• If you are not studying a modern foreign language, the department will consider other evidence of aptitude for language learning (such as a languages GCSE at grade 4/C or, for non-native speakers of English, an English language qualification)

Fees and funding

Fees

Applications for places on courses starting the following September (except Medicine and Dentistry) should be submitted to UCAS between:

• 1 September and 25 January to be guaranteed equal consideration with other applicants
• 26 January and 30 June for further consideration, although we may not be able to consider your application if all the places on the course you’ve applied for have been filled

Applications for places on Medicine and Dentistry courses must be submitted between 1 September and 15 October.