French and Spanish Linguistic Studies

Overview

Course Details

At the French and Spanish Linguistic Studies MLang course offered by the University of Southampton you’ll start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written French and Spanish, which will help you to progress quickly. You’ll also have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton has everything you need.

Your language learning is complemented by modules in French and Spanish Linguistics.

A module in year 2 will make sure you’re ready for the following year abroad. You'll spend your year abroad on a study placement with one of our selected partner universities in countries such as France, Spain, or Mexico.

Year 1 overview

This year provides an introduction to Linguistics, the role of language in society, and its importance in nation-building. It also helps you build on your academic skills.

You’ll take modules that develop your confidence in applying linguistic tools to the study of language data and language behaviour. Topics include:

• an introduction to the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
• applications of linguistics
• the making of modern French

Year 2 overview

You’ll continue to improve your language skills and understand how French and Spanish relate to other languages. There will also be a module that prepares you for the year abroad.

Options include:

• psycholinguistics
• language structure
• discourse analysis
• teaching English as a foreign language
• language, ideologies and attitudes

Year 3 overview

You can spend this year abroad:

• as an English language assistant
• studying on a university course
• on an approved work placement

You’ll also do an independent study project.

Year 4 overview

After returning to the UK, you’ll take Masters-level modules and can focus on areas of interest you've developed during your studies.

You’ll complete a dissertation exploring a topic of particular interest to you in greater depth.

You can take French and Spanish language modules, and choose from others such as:

• teaching foreign languages to younger learners
• translation
• developing approaches to language teaching
• audiovisual translation
• transnational movement in the age of globalisation
• intercultural communication

Career Opportunities

Employability is embedded into modules from the first year onwards, right from the first lecture. 

A year abroad can also give you the chance to achieve something away from education-centred activity, such as gaining relevant work experience to help form your future plans. With many employers now expecting extracurricular or voluntary experience, this can prove vital.

Your specialities in intercultural communication, listening and language will be highly valued by employers.

By successfully completing the MLang you will be in a strong position for future PhD study and an academic career. Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:

• translation
• interpreting
• teaching
• marketing
• publishing
• international development
• advertising, film and television