Immerse yourself in the language and culture of these two fascinating and widely spoken languages.
Course overview
If you want to combine two languages, then this popular joint honours degree is a great choice for you. It enables you to shape your study according to your strengths, interests and career ambitions.
You'll study the French and Spanish language and culture through a range of lively options including modules that examine French cinema and literature and contemporary Spanish and Latin American politics.
In Year Three, you can spend time working or studying abroad in France, Spain or South America. Our partner universities are in Aix-en-Provence, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Strasbourg, Nice, Besançon, Montpellier, Versailles, Alcala, Avila, Leon, Madrid, Salamanca, Santander, Valencia, and Santiago in Chile.
Levels of study
Study this course full-time with a year abroad (sandwich) or part-time. See How to Apply section for more information.
How you're taught
How will I learn?
Each year you'll choose a range of core and optional modules from the lists above. The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects but at the end of Year One, you'll have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway, depending on your interests.
Teaching principally takes place through a combination of lectures, where tutors introduce the key ideas, and seminars, where smaller groups discuss those ideas.
Contact hours
If you're struggling with a topic or require additional support or guidance, you can arrange to see your tutors in small groups or one-to-one, to discuss essay plans or to seek some specific academic guidance.
It is the nature of the subjects offered in the School of Arts and Humanities, however, that much of your time will be spent engaged in independent study. We recognise that this marks a change of culture from school or college, and we have in place a system of study support to help you adapt to this.
International exchange
You'll also have the option to take part in an international exchange at a partner university. These options will enable you to gain impressive international experience, and broaden your perspective and career ambitions.
You'll experience other cultures, travel the globe and open your eyes to a world of opportunities. Our exchange partnership with a number of international universities enables you to live and study in another country in your second year. Find out more.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 written (63%) and practical (37%)
- Year 2 coursework (83%), written (12%) and practical (5%)
- Final Year coursework (37%), written (53%) and practical (10%)
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (29%), independent study (71%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (29%), independent study (69%) and placements (2%)
- Year 3 placements (100%)
- Year 4 lectures/seminars/workshops (31%), independent study (69%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
This is a major part of the curriculum. Key transferable skills are emphasised and there are opportunities to develop links with organisations and potential employers. As a result we have an outstanding record of graduate employment.
Joint honours courses develop a wide range of skills. These include:
- written and oral communication skills
- critical analysis
- the ability to work independently and in groups
- time management
- self-motivation
- a variety of IT skills.
