BA Modern Languages & Cultures (BAMLC)
At Sheffield, you can choose from degree programmes with one, two or three languages as part of the BA Modern Languages and Cultures (BAMLC). In addition to the language classes, we offer a broad range of culture courses.
We offer 10 languages in the School of languages and cultures: French, German, Spanish, Russian, Catalan, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Czech and Luxembourgish. You can study all these languages as a beginner, and French, German, Spanish and Russian as a post A-Level student.
Our programme is flexible, in particular in your first year: we want to give you the opportunity to engage fully with our rich offer of language and culture courses.
This short videos explains the degree programme.
Our students will take, throughout their degree, at least one language and its associated culture module. In your first year, our languages modules offer generally 3 or 4 classes per week. Most of the languages we teach also have a cultural studies module (generally 1 or 2 contact hours per week). You don’t have to take both for all the languages you choose, but most students do. In your second and fourth year, you will bolt your chosen culture courses onto your core language programme. For a list of available modules on the BA Modern Languages & Cultures, please visit the individual language pages below.
Three, two or one language?
Which language and how many you study is up to you. It is possible to switch or drop languages after your first year. We are always happy to discuss your options with you.
Three languages
Most of our students split their three languages equally in their first year, so three equal packages of language and culture classes; one for each language. You are free to choose two languages from scratch. We don’t recommend taking more than two beginners’ languages in your first year. Note that there is a degree of variation here, but generally you will have about 16-18 contact hours per week.
After your first year, you can stick with three, swap one of your languages, or drop to two or even one.
Two languages
You can combine any of our 10 languages, but there are some restrictions: Italian and Catalan offer language only and those keen to start with Luxembourgish, will have to wait until second year.
When you’ve picked your two language packages you fill the rest of your timetable with guided module choices from across the University. That can be another course in one of your languages, a school-wide, or even a university-wide course from a guided selection.
In your second and final year there is flexibility too: you can choose to prioritise one of your languages or keep an equal split. You will normally split your year abroad over two language areas.
One language
If you want to study one language, it will have to be one of these four: French, Spanish, German or Russian. We offer these languages as a post a-level or beginners course.
In your first year you select one language package. This is the compulsory element, so you are free to choose courses you are interested in for the remaining ⅔ of your timetable. This will involve courses outside of your chosen language. The university is a place with many options, and studying one language gives you a lot of freedom of choice in your first year.
Please note: if you opt for one language, there will be less optionality in your Second and Fourth year. We offer a broad programme at Sheffield and that is something to bear in mind if you want to concentrate on one language. Check our language pages to see if we offer enough specificity for you.
Third Year Abroad
Whichever language or language combination you choose, you will spend your third year abroad. This is often the most memorable year of your degree because you get the opportunity to try, practise and improve you language in a real life situation.
Please check our Year Abroad page for more information.
If you want to combine a modern language with a non-language subject, please consult our information on Dual Degrees with Modern Languages and Cultures
Further information can be found at our online prospectus