Modern Languages BA Hons | University of Chester

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Course Summary

Our BA Modern Languages degree is specifically designed for you to develop your multilingual skills, immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures where these languages are spoken, pursue an overseas adventure, and open the doors to your global future. If you love languages and are excited by the idea of journeying abroad and becoming a global citizen in a connected world, our four-year course will ensure that your studies are both rewarding and fulfilling. You will have invaluable opportunities to meet new people from diverse cultures and backgrounds; through working with our bilateral exchange partners and International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) – a network of over 300 higher education institutions worldwide – you’ll have access to countries across the globe with a full year abroad in your third year. For example, recently, our students have been on year-long study abroad placements in countries ranging from Costa Rica and Mexico to Taiwan and Québec.

The course offers you a unique opportunity to grow your linguistic and communication skills while gaining a deep understanding of the histories, philosophies, identities and cultures of the countries whose languages you choose to study. You’ll learn about society, tradition, food, music, dance, sustainability and everything in between, whilst exploring the complex relationships between global languages and civilizations. You’ll study the politics of different countries, witness contrasting views, opinions and perspectives, and develop an understanding of how significant events within the last century have impacted major debates in the world today.

You will tailor your learning with us according to one of our specialist pathways, choosing studies that focus on Chinese and Spanish, Chinese and French, French and Spanish, or Spanish and Latin American Studies. Whichever pathway you choose, you will share a common first year with your fellow students and will have the option to learn an extra subsidiary language on top of your core choices. We have various language learning levels ranging from beginner right through to A Level learning. In addition, as a student at the University of Chester, you’ll have part-time language taster courses and language evening classes available to you for free while you study.

If you're unable to embark on a four-year journey with us, spend a full year abroad, or travel, we do offer a three-year alternative for this course where you can still take a combination of one, two or three languages.

Why You'll Love It

Gain an additional CELTA qualification as part of your studies

A teacher and a child sitting in a classroom. The child is writing notes with pen on notebook.

Learn flexibly; tailor your language learning to suit you

Embark on a student journey like no other

Languages Courses at the University of Chester

Optional specialist pathways

A specialist pathway is your opportunity to tailor your studies to become an expert in your chosen field. Our pathways provide you with specific modules and opportunities to enable you to tailor your studies towards areas you are passionate about.

When applying for this course with a specialist pathway, it is important to search for and submit your application for 'Modern Languages BA (Hons)'. Your chosen pathway will be confirmed post-application, and this will be the award that you complete your studies with, e.g., Chinese and French BA (Hons). If you choose to study this course without a pathway, your award on completion will be Modern Languages BA (Hons).

What You'll Study

You will take one of four pathways, either combining two languages from Chinese, French and Spanish or specialising in Spanish and Latin American Studies. You will also have the opportunity to take a subsidiary language.

In the first year of the course, you can expect at least 8 contact hours per week spread over three terms of 10 weeks each. In the first two terms, you will study one language per term for an immersive experience. You will spend an hour per week extending your academic skills alongside all students on the course but most of your time will be spent developing your knowledge of language cultures and societies and your linguistic skills through texts, films, recordings and online resources. A weekly informal conversation hour, grammar revision and development of written and listening skills are all included. The third term is divided into two modules which provides the opportunity to further develop your applied language skills in your core language(s), including mediation, or to learn a supplementary language.

Modules

You will be studying Spanish or Chinese in the global context of the contemporary Spanish/Chinese societies. You will immerse yourself in your languages and their related societies through themes such as sustainability and other cultural, social and political issues. Classes will be conducted in a mixture of English and Spanish/Chinese depending on the content of the session and your entry level. For Post A level students most teaching will be delivered in Chinese/Spanish and beginner students will build up the target language content across the term. There will be plenary sessions on academic skills, for example, but language classes will be in workshop mode with an emphasis on practical activities, including group and pair work, information sharing and discussion and you will have conversation classes with a native speaker. In addition to written texts and grammar work, a range of multi-media materials will be used for the development of comprehension and production. These materials will be used in the language laboratories in timetabled sessions as well as in private study time and can be accessed on the module VLE. If you are a Post A level student or have an equivalent level, this module will advance your linguistic knowledge and skills towards a threshold B2 in the CEFR. If you are beginner student, you will be able to develop towards a A2 in the CEFR (A2 equivalent for Chinese). For a beginner, the content will be tailored to accompany your language development. Key skills like autonomous learning and reflection will be worked on through a portfolio of tasks, developed with tutorial support.

This immersive module will offer you, as a student of French/Spanish, the opportunity to develop your language from beginner or Post A level through the study of French/Spanish speaking cultures from around the world. A wide variety of materials will be used, appropriate to your level, to support your language learning and allow you to explore the geography, history and diversity of regions of the world where French and Spanish are spoken. For Spanish, the emphasis is on Latin America and, for French, West Africa, North America and the Caribbean. You will build proficiency in grammar, comprehension and written and oral communication and survey cultural themes through film, literature, music and art. You will extend your academic skills, including strategies for independent learning, and apply these in assessments.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills.

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

During your second year of the course an hour per week is shared between all language students in the first two terms and focuses on preparation for residence abroad. Once again, most of your time will be spent on extending your knowledge of contemporary culture and society and current affairs in the areas of the world where your language(s) are spoken alongside your ongoing language development. The third term may include a placement module with an intensive summer school with one of our overseas partners or you might choose to undertake a module in intercultural learning or acquire a Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages both taught here in Chester.

Most students on the course will spend the third year abroad, either as a student at a partner university, on a work placement or as a British Council Language Assistant. In most cases, it is possible to split the year between two countries or two types of placement. For those who are unable to travel for all or part of the year, flexible virtual programmes of self-directed study with tutorial support provide opportunities to continue developing your language skills and cultural and intercultural learning ready for the final year. For a range of reasons, some students may opt for the three-year version of the course in which a module of intensive learning over the summer at the end of the second year replaces the year abroad.

Chinese and Spanish Pathway Core Modules:

Understanding Changing China
Spain and Latin America: Between Resistance and Rebellion

Chinese and French Pathway Core Modules

Understanding Changing China
Configuring Contemporary France

French and Spanish Pathway Core Modules:

Encountering Contemporary Spain
Configuring Contemporary France

Spanish and Latin American Studies Pathway Core Modules:

Encountering Contemporary Spain
Spain and Latin America: Between Resistance and Rebellion

This module will enable you to improve your linguistic proficiency by building on your existing competences and knowledge, while also developing vocational language skills and broader cultural awareness. You will learn about important themes and patterns in the history and configuration of France and its place in the wider world. Using a range of written and audio-visual texts in target language, you will study topics such as Paris and the periphery, economic and political challenges and debates, the Algerian War and cultural memory, and migration and multiculturalism. You will advance towards a B1 or B2 level on the CEFR, depending on your initial level. All material is tailored to support your language level. Part of the module focuses on practical issues and real world situations and is orientated towards preparation for your in-person or virtual immersive experience in the French language, as well as for the world of work. You will enhance key skills such as reflecting on your learning and identifying personal and professional development opportunities, language mediation, and carrying out research.

This module is an important step in your language learning journey and prepares you for your residence abroad in person or equivalent immersive experience in Spanish. It combines contemporary Spanish history and current societal and cultural issues with developing language skills and competencies related to the workplace which will enhance your employability profile. The overall aim is to support your success in a Spanish-speaking professional context as well as in your everyday interactions.

Students will advance towards a B2 level on the CEFR. The material is tailored to support your language level. You will build on key skills such as reflecting on your learning and identifying development opportunities, participating in group work and carrying out research.

This module is an important step in your language learning journey and prepares you for your residence abroad in China, or equivalent immersive experience. It combines contemporary Chinese history and current societal and cultural issues with developing language skills and competencies related to the workplace which will enhance your employability profile. The overall aim is to support your success in a Chinese-speaking professional context as well as in your everyday interactions.

You will advance towards a B1 equivalent for Chinese. The material is tailored to support your language level. You will build on key skills such as reflecting on your learning and identifying development opportunities, participating in group work and carrying out research.

This module will enable you to improve your linguistic proficiency by building on your existing competencies and knowledge, while also developing vocational language skills and intercultural awareness. As part of your language development, you will learn about important shared themes and patterns in the history of Latin America and Spain from a comparative perspective, with a view to understanding how these overlapping histories have shaped contemporary societies in both regions. Using a range of written and audio-visual texts in target language, you will study topics such as revolutions, dictatorships, cultural exchanges, and migration flows resulting from political and economic changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

You will advance towards a B1 or B2 level on the CEFR, depending on your set. All material is tailored to support your language level. Part of the module focuses on practical issues and is orientated towards preparation for your in-person or virtual immersive experience in the Spanish language, as well as for the world of work. You will enhance key skills such as reflecting on your learning and identifying personal and professional development opportunities, language mediation, and carrying out research. For example, you will develop new practical mediation skills by participating in tasks such as film subtitling.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts.

This module provides the opportunity to achieve the University of Cambridge’s CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualification, which is an internationally recognised initial ELT (English Language Teaching) teacher qualification. The standards of teaching required in this are in accordance with CELTA standards. The CELTA is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis for the purposes of the University of Chester. There are pass grades A, B & C Pass, which are applied by Cambridge and will be indicated on the certificate issued by them on completion of the course. These grades do not apply to the grading of the university.

The multiple facets of global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication
Culture shock
Cultural adjustment
Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Languages Immersive Year Option

With tutorial guidance, you will create a personalised learning agenda through SMART targets and a Learning Agreement, aligned to your individual context and supported by a series of online tutorials. This will include immersive learning experiences. If you study in person, these may be modules studied at partner universities, work placements or English Language Assistantships. If you study all or part of the year virtually, this will include a number of the following: a selection of MOOCs and online learning from the virtual residence abroad menu; tandem learning partnerships, digital language learning tools, Languages for All evening classes and research into socio-cultural issues.

Languages Immersive Summer (40 Credits) Option

Choose this if you are NOT taking the full academic year abroad

This flexible module enables students taking the course in 3 years to undertake a placement or equivalent virtual study which will equip them to progress to the final year with the required linguistic development and cultural and intercultural knowledge.

The final year of the course has a particular emphasis on preparing you for your future careers, building on the practical language skills and cultural and intercultural skills acquired in the previous stages of learning. A core language module in the first term enables you to demonstrate high level skills in research and critical analysis in your target language(s). For students of one language, this is accompanied by the study of contemporary global cultural movements. In the second and third terms modules specialising in translation editing, liaison interpreting and business language are taught in parallel with a supervised major project which provides you with the flexibility to explore in depth an aspect of your future career or a topic in which you are particularly interested.

Chinese and Spanish Pathway Core Modules:

Advanced Chinese Studies
Social Changes in the Spanish-Speaking World Today

Chinese and French Pathway Core Modules

Advanced Chinese Studies
Future French

French and Spanish Pathway Core Modules:

Future French
Social Changes in the Spanish-Speaking World Today

Spanish and Latin American Studies Pathway Core Modules:

Social Changes in the Spanish-Speaking World Today
Voicing Global Identities

Modules

The module centres on the study, translation and post-editing of written texts, as well as the practice of interpreting.

Texts for translation will be linguistically demanding, illustrating different genres, styles and registers, and will cover varied subject matter, including current affairs, advertising, and contemporary literature. With a view to developing your employability profile, you will be introduced to current practices in professional translation, such as revision, post-editing and the use of appropriate Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and of artificial intelligence. You will also study methods and principles of translation and related terminology to be able to reflect critically on translation processes.

Additionally, the module will focus on interpreting as a vocational skill. You will explore different methods of interpreting and will practise applying these in simulated professional contexts, for example business meetings and public sector environments. In so doing, you will develop an awareness of the specialised language and register appropriate to each.

The module begins with an overview of the business world in the relevant target language. You then focus on analysing and developing the specialised language and register required in a variety of business contexts. For example, in the fields of marketing and advertising, and when writing formal correspondence and attending business meetings. You will work with authentic and simulated materials to undertake a business negotiation in target language and produce a dossier that links to career progression. Employer guest speakers will contribute to cross-module sessions delivered in English.

This module allows you the space to explore an area of language, culture or professional practice in greater depth, giving you the opportunity to steer your degree in a direction of your choosing. With your tutor's support, your guided project can be designed to suit your individual goals. This is an opportunity for you to find out more about a possible career path you may be considering or the scope of using your language in business and industry, you may wish to carry out further academic research on a topic related to languages and cultures or undertake a more practical project in the application of your language skills. Your guided project will consolidate skills and knowledge you have acquired elsewhere on the course and possible categories include: translation revision and post-editing; investigating freelance subtitling; pedagogical practice with school liaison linking theory and practice; business projects and academic research essays. The module allows you greater independence and choice in your final year and further develops transferable and employable skills.

This module will re-engage you to study more formally and put in context with all your previous experiences from placements and taught modules at level 5, by taking an analytical and in-depth study of China’s culture and society as well as everyday life in China today. This module will offer the possibility of developing your target language skills in a practical, immersive and interactive way. The module also offers plenty of opportunities for oral practice and student input through class presentations and discussions.

In this module you will build on the higher level language skills acquired during in person or virtual placements and apply these to a more analytical and in-depth study of French as a global language. The module offers the possibility of developing your target language skills in practical and interactive ways with opportunities for topic research, oral practice and student input through presentations and class discussions. Using a range of written and recorded materials you will investigate how historical and political events have led to the use of French in different regions of the world and what the diversity of contemporary cultural, economic and ethical conditions means for the future of French.

This module will re-engage you in studying more formally and put in context all your previous experiences whether in your placements or taught modules at level 5, by taking a more analytical and in-depth study of salient societal changes in the Spanish speaking world. This module will also offer the possibility of developing your target language skills in a practical, immersive and interactive way. The module offers plenty of opportunities for oral practice and student input through class presentations, discussions and debates.

This module will offer you the opportunity to examine thematically some of the challenges of representing identity and giving voice to diversity in contemporary global societies. You will explore a range of literary, visual, audio and cinematic texts (all available in English translation) from across the different language cultures studied on this course. These texts will be structured around dominant themes drawn from, among others: decolonising the intellectual; ableism, hip hop and oral traditions in the 21st century; visual representations of difference; young voices in protest; identity politics in action. You will analyse and discuss cultural representations of contemporary identities and be invited to suggest and present ideas for new texts to include.

How You'll Learn

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprising either one or two modules.

The course is delivered through seminars and language workshops. There will be some plenary sessions in larger cohorts, but language work is done in smaller groups with target language used as much as possible at the appropriate level. You will have access to digital language laboratories and a dedicated study and social hub.

You should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, conversation classes, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods covering all four language skills; reception, production, mediation and interaction. You will be assessed via portfolios of language work and professional skills, group discussions, presentations, recorded podcasts, reflective and research essays, and an extended project. Where possible, assessment will draw on real-world situations such as job interviews, business negotiations, mediated dialogues and translation post-editing. There are no exams on the Modern Languages course.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Whether you study a single, double or triple language option a GCSE in language/s is required. An A Level in your main language is required for post A Level sets. Typical offer – BCC-BBC
BTEC	Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DMM Alongside relevant Language qualification as stated above.
International Baccalaureate	28 points - To include 5 in a HL Language for post A Level sets. Or a GCSE in language/s is required for cohort 2.
Irish / Scottish Highers	Leaving Certificate in Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above Alongside relevant language qualification as stated above.
T Level	Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Your Future Career

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Modern Languages BA (Hons)

Course Summary

Why You'll Love It

Gain an additional CELTA qualification as part of your studies

Learn flexibly; tailor your language learning to suit you

Embark on a student journey like no other

Languages Courses at the University of Chester

What Our Students Think

Optional specialist pathways

Chinese and French Pathway

French and Spanish Pathway

Chinese and Spanish Pathway

Spanish and Latin American Studies Pathway

What You'll Study

Modules

Modules

How You'll Learn

Entry Requirements

Fees and Funding