Philosophy and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
School of Languages and Cultures
Apply for this course >Course details
A Levels ABB Other entry requirementsUCAS code RV60
Duration 4 years
Fee Look up fee
Related subjects English Language and Linguistics Czech Spanish Dutch English Literature Luxembourgish Politics Catalan Film studies German Hispanic Studies History Modern Languages Philosophy Italian Portuguese French Russian
Any questions?
Admissions Tutor, Modern Languages
School of Languages and Cultures
Telephone +44 (0)114 222 2864
Email slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Website sheffield.ac.uk/slc/undergraduate/courses
School of Languages and Cultures
Top 10 in the Russell Group for research impact
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Course description
Explore the connections between language and philosophical thought with this degree. Get an insight into how philosophical thought has shaped many of the cultures of modern Europe.
Philosophical reflection requires a distinctive combination of imagination and exact reasoning. You'll develop these skills through a wide range of modules on the philosophy side of the degree. There are no compulsory modules so you can shape your own course. We cover key areas such as ethics, philosophy of mind, theory of knowledge, political philosophy, metaphysics and logic.
The flexibility of the modern languages part of the degree means you have the option to study philosophy with either one or two of these languages: Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. You can study Italian on this degree but only alongside a second language as well as music. Luxembourg Studies is available as an option from year two onwards, either on its own or with a second language and music.
You can take any language from beginner's level, and you can take French, German, Russian or Spanish post-A Level (or equivalent).
You'll develop your communication skills in your chosen language or languages to a high level. Optional modules include linguistics, literature, society and politics, history, philosophy and film studies.
We have recommended pathways through the languages and modules to enable you to create combinations that work well together. However, our flexible approach means you are not constrained by those pathways and we support you to make the choices that are best for you.
You'll spend the third year of your course abroad. We have a wide range of destinations on offer, both within Europe and beyond. You can choose to study at a leading university, carry out an approved work placement, or in some cases take part in exciting volunteering opportunities.
This degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, close to home and further afield. You'll get extensive training in analytical writing and techniques, as well as other transferable skills. You'll develop highly valuable language skills, and you'll gain a sophisticated understanding of the countries where your chosen language or languages are spoken.
Studying in another country will greatly enhance your transferable as well as language skills, making you even more attractive to employers.
Financial help from the University - bursaries
If you're a UK student, you could be entitled to a University bursary. A bursary is the same as a grant - you don't have to pay it back.
Entry requirements
Qualification | Grades |
---|---|
A Levels | ABB, typically including a modern foreign language |
A Levels + Extended Project Qualification | BBB, typically including a modern foreign language + B |
International Baccalaureate | 33, typically with 6 in Higher Level in a modern foreign language |
BTEC | DDD in a relevant subject |
Cambridge Pre-U | D3 M2 M2, typically including a modern foreign language |
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AABBB + B, typically including a modern foreign language |
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AB, typically including a modern foreign language |
Access to HE | Entry requirements for mature students |
Other qualifications |
Other UK qualifications
Other EU/international qualifications |
Other requirements
|
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If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department |
Modules - what you study and when
Our students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
You can find out more by:
- Viewing course information on School of Languages and Cultures website
- Visiting the Department of Philosophy website
- Contacting the department using the details in the 'More' section
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.
In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
School of Languages and Cultures

At the School of Languages and Cultures you'll develop your linguistic skills to a very high level and deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the countries where your languages are spoken.
We offer a particularly wide range of languages - Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Right from the start, you'll work with the school's top specialists and native speakers who will help you realise your linguistic potential. Language teaching is in small groups, so you'll get plenty of support tailored to your needs and get to know your tutors well.
We're a leading centre for modern languages and cultures research. Our work spans identity, gender, linguistics, politics, migration and literary studies. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and languages across cultures and countries.
You'll be able to study optional modules either in your individual languages, or across the school so you'll acquire an in-depth understanding of your chosen languages and their cultures, and how they relate to other languages and cultures across modern languages disciplines.
Our student-run language societies organise multilingual events, trips and creative projects. There are opportunities to volunteer in the community and in schools, inspiring others to try new languages.
School of Languages and Cultures website
Department of Philosophy
We pride ourselves on the diversity of our modules and the high quality of our teaching. Our staff are among the best in the world at what they do. They're active researchers so your lectures and seminars are informed, relevant and exciting. We'll teach you how to think carefully, analytically and creatively.
Our staff and students use philosophy to engage with real world issues. You will be able to use what you learn to make a difference in the community, through projects like Philosophy in the City, an innovative and award-winning programme that enables students to teach philosophy in schools, homeless shelters and centres for the elderly. Out students run a thriving Philosophy Society and the only UK undergraduate philosophy journal. Our Centre for Engaged Philosophy pursues research into questions of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics, all topics that are covered in our teaching. Philosophy changes our perspective on the world, and equips and motivates us to make a difference.
Department of Philosophy website
What our graduates do
Our graduates are excellent communicators, adaptable and culturally aware. They work in international development organisations, business and banking, translating and interpreting, intelligence services, journalism, teaching, publishing, and international sales and marketing. Many go on to further study.
Student profile
"Sheffield's fantastic because the lectures are really friendly and they're all really approachable, and there are loads of different ways to get involved apart from your lectures.""
Emma Shephard
Philosophy
"I'm in love with Sheffield, it was definitely a good choice. Studying languages means I can pretty much go anywhere, meet people and have a conversation. It has opened up another world."
Samantha O'nion
Languages
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply:
How to apply >When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
ucas.com >Contact us
Admissions Tutor, Modern Languages
School of Languages and Cultures
Telephone
+44 (0)114 222 2864
Email
slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
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Campus tours
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