Year in Modern Languages
Develop the linguistic, intercultural and transferable skills you need to enhance your employability and global outlook.
Studying Accounting or Anthropology? Classics or Chemistry? Marketing or Music? No matter what your main degree subject is, you can choose to combine this with a Year in Modern Languages on our Edgbaston campus and experience a year of language and linguistic study that will open up global opportunities.
The Year in Modern Languages enables you to:
- Develop confidence in one or two languages from a choice of French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian
- Achieve the appropriate level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (B1 and normally B2 for Advanced language or A1 and normally A2 for Beginner language). This framework is widely recognised by employers
- Gain language skills, global cultural awareness, intercultural competences and language-related transferable skills essential in a range of contexts, both educational and professional
- Develop the skills needed to become a lifelong language learner
- Respond to national and international needs for advanced strategic competence in a variety of world languages
- Gain knowledge of the society and cultures of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken
- Take advantage of a placement abroad to increase your language skillset
What is the Year in Modern Languages?
Read about our student ML SocietyAn additional year of study open to all undergraduate students across the University of Birmingham who are not already studying Modern Languages (overseas students should check that their visa status permits their participation). You'll spend your time engaging with one or two languages of your choice across a selection of modules which combine language learning with topics exploring culture, history, society, media, and global issues. From target language seminars and problem-based learning to language work (where you apply techniques learnt in class) and group projects, you'll be fully immersed in linguistic study.
The Short Mobility Placement - an overview
- Optional summer short course
- Offered at the end of your Year in Modern Languages
- Lasting one week or longer, depending on language choice
- Accelerate your language learning with one of our language school partners
- European and international destinations available, subject to change each year
- We will support you to secure funding but we cannot guarantee that funding will be available for any specific destination
My time in Germany was a brilliant experience. It allowed me to use my target language on a daily basis in a variety of situations and really helped me to be confident in my ability to speak German. I made lots of brilliant international friends who I certainly would never have otherwise met. I feel that this course has helped me to develop my confidence and confirmed to me that I would like to continue to live abroad and experience different cultures in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Year in Modern Languages open to?
Who is the Year in Modern Languages open to?
The Year in Modern Languages is open to all undergraduate students across the University who are not already studying Modern Languages. Overseas students should ensure that their visa status will allow them to add an additional year to their degree.
When does the additional year take place?
When does the additional year take place?
The additional year is undertaken in the penultimate year of your original honours degree. In the additional year you will study core Modern Languages modules, and in your final year you will return to your home subject (i.e. you would sign up in Year 2, study the YML in Year 3, and return to your original programme in Year 4). You will need to fulfil all of the necessary entry requirements before being considered.
What are the time requirements of the year?
What are the time requirements of the year?
You'll be enrolled on the Year in Modern Languages for the full academic year (from September to June). You'll complete 120 credits and should expect to be studying full-time. This will take place between years 2 and 3.
What are the entry requirements?
What are the entry requirements?
The Year in Modern Languages is available to all students who are studying any subject other than Modern Languages, and:
- achieve an average of at least 55% in their second year of study and can provide evidence of their average in the first year
- demonstrate their ability and enthusiasm for the course in their application
- have an A level grade B for any advanced language they wish to study
Please note that whilst a conditional offer can initially be made, admission onto the Year in Modern Languages cannot be confirmed until the results of your current year examinations are released and you have the permission of your home school.
What languages can I study?
What languages can I study?
Route 1: One language
Route 2: Two languages
The languages available include:
- Advanced: French, German, Spanish
- Beginner: French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian
If you choose to study two languages, they can’t be from the same group.
- Group 1: Italian, Japanese and Russian
- Group 2: Mandarin Chinese, German and Portuguese
- Group 3: Spanish
- Group 4: French and Catalan Minor
What are the associated costs of the Year in Modern Languages?
What are the associated costs of the Year in Modern Languages?
In terms of cost, the Year in Modern Languages should be viewed simply as an additional year of study.
If you pay your own tuition fees, then you will have an extra year's tuition fee to pay. For those eligible, an additional year of study loan should be available to apply for - please contact the Student Loans Company to arrange this (confirming you wish to study an additional Year in Modern Languages as part of your degree).
How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods include coursework such as essays, project work, presentations, target language projects and written and oral exams.
What support will be available to me through the year?
What support will be available to me through the year?
You’ll be supported by the programme lead, by tutors and by the Modern Languages Year Abroad team and GoGlobal team.
You'll retain your personal academic tutor and continue to be able to access all other student resources offered by the university.
What do I get at the end of it?
What do I get at the end of it?
Successful students will graduate with a degree in their home subject, with the addition of 'with Year in Modern Languages'.
The Year in Modern Languages is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not contribute to the final degree classification. Credits gained during the year will not contribute to the credits required for your main degree, nor will marks contribute towards your degree classification in the main subject. In this respect, the YML is similar to a 'Year Abroad/in Industry' and for this reason the YML should be considered an integral part of your degree.
How do I apply?
How do I apply?
There's no need to decide now, you will be able to apply for the Year in Modern Languages in the second year of your studies at Birmingham following a discussion with your tutor. You'll need to fulfil all of the necessary entry requirements before being considered.
Contact
Contact
For enquiries about the Year in Modern Languages, please contact the Education Support Office at domlyear1@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Take a look at our Go Global Instagram page for a taste of some of the places you could visit on your Short Mobility Placement.
Learning a language is about so much more than grammar and vocabulary (although these are, of course, important); learning languages unlocks new cultures, new opportunities, and new worlds.