Course summary

The combination of linguistics and modern languages and cultures will deepen your understanding of how language and languages work. You'll study the inner workings of language, and apply this knowledge to your study of either one or two modern foreign languages. You will also examine the history, literature and culture of those languages. 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 linguistics 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 linguistics, core modules will teach you the analytical techniques and concepts that are essential for studying human language. Optional modules give you the chance to specialise in areas of the subject that catch your imagination, including language acquisition, historical linguistics, or the study of language in its social and cultural contexts. 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 your degree, there are many opportunities to develop your interests, insights and critical faculties.