Modern Languages BA (Hons)

Our degree course in Modern Languages is specifically designed for you to develop your multilingual skills, immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures where our 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 4-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 ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) – 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 that range from Costa Rica and Mexico to Taiwan and Québec.

Our Modern Languages BA 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 varying levels with which to do this, 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, whilst you study.

If, for any reason, you can’t embark on a 4-year journey with us, spend a full year abroad, or travel, we do offer a 3-year alternative for this course, where you can still take a combination of one, two or three languages.

On this degree course, you can study one, two or three languages.  

If you take just one language, that will be on the Spanish and Latin American Studies pathway and requires and A level in Spanish. You will also take a subsidiary language in your first year.  

If you take two languages, you can choose from Chinese, French and Spanish, all offered with sets at post-A level (or equivalent) or at beginner/GCSE entry level. 

If you take three languages you can add a subsidiary language from the following: either German with post-A level and beginner entry sets, Chinese with post-GCSE entry, French or Spanish with post-A level or beginner entry and Italian with beginner entry level only.  

We study languages in their global contexts so, at Level 4, you will develop your language skills while exploring societies and cultures across the world in the areas where your language or languages are spoken. At Level 5 your languages are further applied to real-world situations in preparation for living, studying or working abroad. 

With a placement available at the end of Level 5, before your year abroad, you have the opportunity to maximise your experience of other language cultures and flexibility in how you manage your languages. Should you choose not to travel during that term, there are taught modules here in Chester and the opportunity to undertake a Cambridge CELTA qualification for teaching English to speakers of other languages. 

During the year abroad you can live, study or work in countries where your language(s) are spoken. You may wish to be a language assistant, find a work placement or attend one of our partner universities. 

At Level 6 you will delve deeper into the study of your language or languages in their cultural contexts. You will be able to explore languages in the business world, apply them to translation and mediation and direct your studies to suit your ambitions through your personal guided project.  

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.

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, you will do so via UCAS. 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 Langauges BA (Hons).

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.