Course summary

This degree will give you a deeper understanding of the crucial relationship between language, culture and society, both within Europe and beyond. You'll study either one or two modern foreign languages, and explore the history, literature and culture of the languages you're learning. Through English modules, you'll study a range of literary arts, including poetry, prose, film, theatre, and creative writing, and engage with diverse texts from all over the world, both in English and in translation. As a dual honours student, you'll divide your studies between the School of English and the School of Languages and Cultures. Choice and flexibility are at the heart of our teaching, which means you can pursue and develop your own interests. At every level, there is a wide variety of modules to choose from. You will be taught by world-leading experts from both departments. You'll be required to take a minimum number of credits within both departments each year, but how you choose to divide your modules after this is up to you: split your modules evenly between English and modern languages and cultures, or choose to weight your degree in favour of one subject or the other. For the modern languages and cultures side of your course, you'll focus on one or two languages, choosing from French, German, Russian, Spanish, Dutch, Czech, Italian (available as a second language only), Catalan, Luxembourgish (available to study from second year) or Portuguese. You can take any language from beginner's level, and you can take French, German, Russian or Spanish post-A Level (or equivalent). As well as taking modules that focus on practical language skills, you'll also explore topics such as linguistics, literature, society, politics, history, philosophy and film studies. In English, you'll explore literature from the medieval to the present day, covering topics as diverse as animal studies, the history of the Gothic, American literature and the analysis of film. You'll spend the third year of your course abroad. We have a wide range of destinations on offer, both within Europe and beyond. Choose to study at a leading university, carry out an approved work placement, or in some cases take part in exciting volunteering opportunities. Please be aware that we do not offer a year abroad option in Italy. Research is central to the student experience here in Sheffield. All our teaching is informed by the latest findings, and all our students have the opportunity to carry out their own research project as part of their degree. Outside of your degree, there are many opportunities to develop your interests, insights and critical faculties.