TESOL & a Modern Language

Level

BSL (beginner) is designed for students with limited or no prior knowledge of the language, focusing on foundational skills.

Studying BSL

Studying British Sign Language (BSL) is a rewarding experience that enhances your communication skills. As you learn BSL, you will gain valuable insights into Deaf identity and culture, making you an asset in various professional fields.

Communicating in BSL opens doors to understanding diverse perspectives. It fosters inclusivity while allowing you to engage meaningfully with the Deaf community. You'll study modules ranging from foundational to advanced skills. This ensures you develop excellent practical language abilities.

Why choose BSL?

We offer a range of modules suited to learners at different levels, from basic communication to advanced BSL grammar and Deaf culture. We emphasise employability skills such as effective communication and cultural awareness. Both of these are highly valued by employers.

By engaging in real-life practice within the Deaf community, you will deepen your understanding and appreciation of BSL. You'll be in a supportive learning environment where we’ll help you achieve your language goals and make a meaningful impact.

Level

Chinese (beginner) for students who have limited or no knowledge of the language and will be able to learn the basics.

Studying Chinese

Learning Chinese (Mandarin) is a transformative experience. You'll master the language spoken by the most people in the world. Explore China’s rich history and culture and gain valuable insights into global perspectives in politics and society. You'll get the essential skills sought by employers, including cross-cultural communication and adaptability.

A standout feature of our programme is the opportunity to visit China, with support from our Confucius Institute. This includes a summer study tour in Beijing after Year 1 and a full year abroad after Year 2.

Why choose Chinese?

We have a variety of Chinese modules for both intensive and non-intensive learning, with generous contact hours in Years 1 and 2. You'll gain a deep understanding of the evolution of the Chinese language and culture.

We provide excellent support throughout your learning journey. This includes guidance from senior students and academic advisors. You'll also take part in extracurricular activities organised by the Confucius Institute and student-led societies. Whether you’re a beginner or have prior experience, we’re here to help you achieve your language goals.

Level

Japanese (beginner) for students who have limited or no knowledge of the language and will be able to learn the basics.

Studying Japanese

Studying Japanese is rewarding and allows you to explore a society where tradition meets modernity. You'll learn to write in three scripts and experience the beauty of spoken Japanese. You will immerse yourself in a culture rich in history and world-famous literature.

You’ll develop skills in both written and spoken Japanese, translating and interpreting a variety of texts and speeches. You will show your language proficiency through interactive portfolios, presentations, and creative writing. You'll also hear from guest speakers and take part Japan-related events. And you can practice your skills with native speakers, including exchange students.

Why choose Japanese?

Experience Japanese culture on campus and prepare for a period abroad at one of nearly 30 partner universities in Japan. Our modules offer a thorough exploration of the language, culture, and history. You'll focus on employability skills like translation and business Japanese.

With research-led teaching from active scholars, you’ll gain valuable insights into various disciplines. You can apply for Japanese government scholarships and be considered for academic prizes. As well as all this, you'll explore many study abroad opportunities.

Level

Korean (beginner) for students who have limited or no knowledge of the language and will be able to learn the basics.

Studying Korean

If you study Korean, you'll cover language learning, history, culture, linguistics, and politics. You'll start your language learning from absolute beginner level. You'll develop speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through interactive activities. And you'll take part in conversation classes led by native Korean students. This means you'll have lots of opportunities for practice and communication.

Alongside language modules, you can take part in Korean speaking and poetry contests and attend conferences. You can also enjoy the Korean Festival, where you can try traditional foods, clothing, and K-pop. Our Korean Society offers a buddy system to connect you with native speakers and fellow students. This creates a supportive learning environment.

Why choose Korean?

We have a dedicated teaching team and a variety of modules to choose from. We also have a strong exchange programme with 15 partner universities in South Korea. This includes institutions in Seoul and Pusan.

Before your year abroad, you'll receive step-by-step guidance. You'll also hear from returning students to enhance your learning and cultural experience. We encourage you to get involved in dynamic activities to enrich your education and extracurricular experience.

Level

Spanish (beginner) for students who have limited or no knowledge of the language and will be able to learn the basics.

Studying Spanish

As a Spanish student, you’ll take part in interactive seminars and workshops. You'll work towards proficiency in Spanish. You'll also deepen your understanding of Hispanic cultures and societies. Beyond the classroom, you’ll expand your skills through various activities. This includes conversation groups, research seminars, employability workshops, and cultural events.

You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish or Latin American life by working or studying abroad. Spanish is a global language with over 450 million speakers. You'll open up a world of diverse career opportunities. This includes teaching, business, translation and interpreting. You could also explore postgraduate studies in fields such as linguistics and cultural studies.

Why choose Spanish?

You’ll study Spanish in small, interactive classes in a supportive and inclusive environment. This allows you to improve your writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. You’ll also have the option to combine Spanish with other subjects in a range of distinctive study combinations.

As well as studying abroad, there are opportunities to visit Spanish-speaking countries. Previous students experience the culture of Granada, Alicante, Barcelona, and Argentina. Our Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile (MIDEX) also looks at contemporary issues through different areas of research. This includes Spanish literature in exile.

In addition to your chosen language, you can also choose one other language as an option study module through our electives programme.

Your studies will include a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study.

Throughout the course you’ll get lots of opportunities to practice teaching with language learners from all over the world. You’ll have access to fantastic facilities, such as our Worldwise Learning Centre, where you can access leading language software such as Rosetta Stone, digital conferencing facilities, and interpreting and translation suites.

As you progress we’ll assess your skills and knowledge through a combination of essays, portfolios, teaching journals, observing experienced and qualified practitioners at work, timed tests, live teaching practice, presentations, case study material and language test development.

The period abroad, undertaken in the third year of the course, is an integral component of your degree. It consists of a minimum of 24 weeks, which is either spent in the country of the main foreign language or split between the countries of your two equal languages.

You can choose to spend your period abroad on a work or study placement or as an English Language Assistant. Even in the first year of your course, you should be thinking about where you will go, and in what capacity you wish to spend this time abroad. We encourage our students to undertake their preparation for the period abroad with a sense of enterprise and independence, although you will of course be supported and helped throughout.

We have close links with employers in the region and overseas:

• UKLC
• International House
• The JET scheme
• Ardmore Language group
• Saxoncourt Teacher training and recruitment

If you already hold a Cambridge CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL or equivalent, but not a degree, or if you have lived in the country of your target language, you may be exempted from some of the modules. Please contact us for more info.