At Westminster we aim to train competent linguists in modern languages ready to enter graduate employment. We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context, and offer high quality teaching in all language skills. We offer Arabic, Chinese, German, French and Spanish, with five other disciplines - English Language, English Literature, Linguistics, International Relations and History - as part of this award.
We accept students at three different entry points: Beginner, Intermediate and Proficient. Proficient speakers can only study a minor in the chosen language, and combinations with History are only available to Intermediate (post-A) entrants. German is only available to Intermediate (post-A) entrants or higher. Please note that we may need to test you to determine your entry point.
You will acquire a good or high level of linguistic competence in your chosen language in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and demonstrate a good or high degree of proficiency in mediating between your chosen language and English. You will be able to function in different cultural situations and acquire the generic qualities and skills of a humanities graduate, particularly in the areas of interpersonal communication and organisational skills, flexibility and tolerance, analysis and argument, autonomy and team working, and team management. These skills and qualities will put you in a very strong position in a competitive job market.
You will study language modules from one or more of the following strands: Language Development (teaching of the four skills by native and non-native speakers), Languages in Action (focus on professional context and communication skills in and out of the target language and English) and Area Studies (cultural context).
Depending on your particular combination you will study a set of core modules or a set of core and optional modules in your other discipline. Please refer to the following pages for information about your other discipline:
- English Language
- English Literature
- History
- International Relations
- Linguistics
Year abroad
If you are studying your language at Beginner or Intermediate Level you have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or approved form of employment in a country where your chosen language is the official language. More information is available under the Modern Languages BA Honours course (see p103).
Length of course
Three or four-year, full-time; four to six, or five to nine years part-time with an optional year abroad
Teaching and assessment
Our teaching methods foster confidence in language and communication skills, promote the ability to analyse and evaluate critically diverse and complex forms of information and argument, and encourage an interdisciplinary approach to cross-cultural practices. Our methods are student centred, through the explicit use of task-based and enquiry-based approaches to learning. Assessment will usually involve course work and an examination.
Associated careers
Our graduates have found employment as translators, interpreters and teachers, and in various other sectors, such as law, marketing, journalism, the civil Service, administration, international business and financial services. Many have also opted for a postgraduate qualification.
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