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 and experience a year of language and linguistic study that will open up global opportunities.
The Year in Modern Languages enables you to:
- 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 and language-related transferable skills useful in a range of contexts, both educational and professional
- 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 the student ML SocietyA year of study open to all students across the University of Birmingham. You'll spend your time engaging with one or two languages of your choice across a selection of modules. 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 between one to six weeks
- Accelerate your language learning with one of our language school partners
- Destinations in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain
- Potential destinations include China, Japan and Georgia (for Russian study)
A Go Global Student's Experience
Add a quote from a student who has done Go Global (to support the Short Mobility Placement).
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Year in Modern Languages open to?
Who is the Year in Modern Languages open to?
Open to all students across the university, including Birmingham International Academy students and Dubai-based students.
What are the associated costs of the Year in Modern Languages?
What are the associated costs of the Year in Modern Languages?
Students who choose to undertake the Year in Modern Languages pay a tuition fee for the year of £X,XXX.
Are students eligible for maintenance loan for the additional year?
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 exams.
What are the time requirements of the year?
What are the time requirements of the year?
Students completing the Year in Modern Languages will be enrolled for the full academic year (from September to June).
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 Modern Languages Year Abroad team throughout the process, with support from our GoGlobal team in matters of funding, risk assessment etc.
You will retain your personal academic tutor and continue to be able to access all other student resources offered by the university.
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