European Studies BA, 4 years

Start date:

2020
2021

Course information

Typical offer ABB

UK/EU fee £9,250

UCAS code RL99

International fee £17,450

Institute code L34

Taught by Modern Languages

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+44 (0)116 252 5281
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Modern Languages website

Combine the in-depth study of French, Spanish or Italian language and culture with that of contemporary European politics.

Course description

Course description

Due to the ongoing impact of the global pandemic we have had to evaluate all of our courses to ensure that we adhere to Government guidelines to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and students. This means that as we work through these changes the modules, delivery methods and assessments shown, including those shown for future years, are subject to change.

Our European Studies BA is ideal for you if you enjoy learning a language and want to explore your abilities while expanding your knowledge of European politics. Leicester is one of the top ten places in the UK to study Modern Languages*, and you’ll benefit from our teaching excellence and our political expertise - politics has been taught at Leicester since the 1940s and we have always been at the cutting edge of British political science.

You can choose to specialise in French and Francophone Studies, Italian Studies, or Spanish and Latin American Studies, or a combination of two of these languages and subject areas. If you choose to study two languages, only one language can be taken at beginner-level. When you study a language at beginner-level you will receive an intensive language course that brings you up to post-GCSE standard within a year. The other language must be taken from post-A-level standard.

The course is designed to be very flexible, letting you tailor your programme to your individual interests. There are three main elements to the European Studies degree:

  • Language skills
  • Contemporary European Politics
  • Option modules related to your chosen language, or a second language.

Our language classes are taught predominantly by native speakers with colloquial insight into the languages they teach and the cultures they represent. Meanwhile, the wide range of cultural studies modules you can choose from are taught by tutors who are experts in their respective areas of knowledge.

Developing your foreign language skills gives you a powerful advantage in business and opens up a wide and exciting range of careers. You will be able to immerse yourself in a rich culture of learning-led experience in a supportive learning environment and you will be supported by our team of personal tutors to help you make the best of your time here.

You will study abroad for a year, during which time you can live as a student or work as a teaching assistant, with tutors on hand to help throughout the year. We have links with universities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Latin America. Alternatively, you can take up an approved work placement. It is even possible to split the year between study abroad and work placement, giving you the best of both worlds. However, it is possible, in exceptional cases, to complete this degree in three years, without a year abroad.

Here at Modern Languages at Leicester, we offer a rich and diverse learning experience, with great facilities, knowledgeable staff who are experts in their fields, and a unique chance to study abroad and build your international communication skills.

*The Guardian University Guide 2020

Download a prospectus (PDF, 6MB)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • A/AS-levels: ABB at A-level including French or Spanish or Italian. Two AS-levels may be considered in place of one A-level. General Studies is accepted.
  • EPQ with A-levels: BBB at A-level including French or Spanish or Italian + EPQ at grade B.
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction. Plus grade B in A-level (or equivalent) in French or Spanish or Italian.
  • International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points including 6 in Higher Level French or Spanish or Italian.
  • BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma at DDM. Plus grade B at A-level (or equivalent) in French or Spanish or Italian.

You can choose to study and focus on just one language only; either at Advanced level or Beginner level. For Advanced level study you should have an A-level (or equivalent) in your chosen language (French or Spanish or Italian). For Beginners level study you should have an A-level (or equivalent) in a foreign language.

Other national and international qualifications considered. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you can apply for the International Foundation Year – Society and Culture run by the Global Study Centre. The GSC provides academic support to help you progress to your chosen undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester.

Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.

Selection Process

When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the department.

Native Speakers

If your native language is French, Italian or Spanish, and you wish to study this language at Leicester, you will normally be required, in the first year of study, to take English language modules in lieu of the foreign language modules in your native tongue. If you have native speaker fluency in both English and your chosen foreign language(s), you will normally be required to substitute content modules for the relevant language modules.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK and EU Students

Starting in 2020

  • £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
  • Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

International Students

Starting in 2020

  • £17,450 per year
  • Year Abroad: £4,362.50, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

In most cases your Year Abroad can include a year-long teaching assistantship or you could spend one or two semesters on a work placement approved by the University.

Our annual Careers Week includes seminars exploring diverse career paths. Speakers have come from European embassies and the EU.

In most cases your Year Abroad can include a year-long teaching assistantship or you could spend one or two semesters on a work placement approved by the University.

Our annual Careers Week includes seminars exploring diverse career paths. Speakers have come from European embassies and the EU.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from our Modern Languages degrees have gone on to work for a wide range of employers including:

  • Amazon Emirates
  • Airlines Ford Credit
  • Europe Ministerio de Educación
  • Cultura y Deporte (Spain)
  • Resilient PLC
  • STA International
  • Sweet Cherry Publishing

After graduating from Leicester, Joanna went on to work for one of the largest translation services in the world.

Career Development Service


Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Career Development Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Find out more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Course structure

French

French

Year 1

You will study:

You will also study these three modules:

If you want to study a 50:50 balance of language and politics, you will study these two modules:

And you will choose one module from this list:

Or if you prefer to study a 75:25 split of language and politics, you will study 'Language and Society' and choose two modules from that list.

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

You will study:

If you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

French modules

Cross-language modules

Politics modules

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study French Language (Proficiency)

As with Year 2, if you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

French modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Politics modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Italian

Italian

Year 1

You will study:

You will also study these three modules:

If you want to study a 50:50 balance of language and politics, you will study these two modules:

And you will choose one module from this list:

Or if you prefer to study a 75:25 split of language and politics, you will study 'Language and Society' and choose two modules from that list.

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

You will study:

If you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

Italian modules

Cross-language modules

Politics modules

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study Italian Language (Proficiency)

As with Year 2, if you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

Italian modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Politics modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Spanish

Spanish

Year 1

You will study:

You will also study these three modules:

If you want to study a 50:50 balance of language and politics, you will study these two modules:

And you will choose one module from this list:

Or if you prefer to study a 75:25 split of language and politics, you will study 'Language and Society' and choose two modules from that list.

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

You will study:

If you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

Politics modules

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study Spanish Language (Proficiency)

As with Year 2, if you are studying a 50:50 balance, you will choose two language modules and four politics modules from the lists below.

Or, if you are studying a 75:25 split, you will choose four language modules and two politics modules from the lists below.

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Politics modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

French and Italian

French and Italian

Year 1

If you study French at Advanced level and Italian at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

On the other hand, if you study Italian at Advanced level and French at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

(It is also possible to take both languages at Advanced level if you have A-levels in both.)

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

If French is your Advanced level language you will study:

Or, if Italian is your Advanced level language, you will study:

(It is also possible to continue both languages at Advanced level.)

You will choose two modules from this list:

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

French modules

Italian modules

Cross-language modules

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study these two modules:

You will choose two modules from this list:

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

French modules

Italian modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

French and Spanish

French and Spanish

Year 1

If you study French at Advanced level and Spanish at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

On the other hand, if you study Spanish at Advanced level and French at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

(It is also possible to take both languages at Advanced level if you have A-levels in both.)

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

If French is your Advanced level language you will study:

Or, if Italian is your Advanced level language, you will study:

(It is also possible to continue both languages at Advanced level.)

You will choose two modules from this list:

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

French modules

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study these two modules:

You will choose two modules from this list:

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

French modules

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Italian and Spanish

Italian and Spanish

Year 1

If you study Italian at Advanced level and Spanish at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

On the other hand, if you study Spanish at Advanced level and Italian at Beginner level, you will study these six modules:

And you will then choose one module from this list:

(It is also possible to take both languages at Advanced level if you have A-levels in both.)

Summer School

During the summer between your first and second years of study, you will attend a fully-funded Modern Languages Summer School in one of three beautiful destinations in France, Italy and Spain.

If you are taking one language as a Beginner-level student, you will attend the summer school for that language.

If you are taking two or three languages from Advanced level, then your tutors will help you decide which summer school you would most benefit from in terms of your language learning needs and experiences.

Year 2

If Italian is your Advanced level language you will study:

Or, if Spanish is your Advanced level language, you will study:

(It is also possible to continue both languages at Advanced level.)

You will choose two modules from this list:

* must be taken together and are compulsory if you wish to undertake a Dissertation in Politics in your final year

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

Italian modules

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

Year Abroad

Please see the separate section of this page for details of the Year Abroad.

Final Year

You will study these two modules:

You will choose two modules from this list:

Finally you will choose two modules from the lists below, which must not both relate to the same language.

Italian modules

Spanish modules

Cross-language modules

* must be chosen together

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

Job prospects are excellent: 96% of our language students are employed (or studying for a Masters degree) six months after graduating. (DLHE)

We were ranked 10th in the UK for modern language teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2020.

The summer school in your chosen country between Years 1 and 2 is part of your course so there's no extra cost.

You will definitely want to join the Students' Union's Modern Languages Society which organises academic and social events including film screenings, nights out, guest speakers, language-themed nights, sports events and even a weekend in Paris.

Modern Languages at Leicester

It was the fully funded overseas summer school which attracted Alice to Leicester.

Teaching and learning

Fully-funded Summer School

When you take one of our Modern Languages courses, you’ll attend one of our fully-funded summer schools during the summer vacation at the end of your first year, which is an integral part of your degree.

Whether you study in Montpellier (France), Massa Marittima or Florence (Italy), or Santiago de Compostela (Spain), you will live with selected local families and hosts and enjoy language tuition in small groups each morning. In the afternoons, and some evenings and weekends, you’ll take part in cultural and social activities for a complete immersion in the heart of the society, country and region you are visiting.

The benefits you’ll gain are invaluable - you’ll build your confidence in your chosen spoken and written language, gain crucial transferable skills (on completion of the summer school you will receive a HEAR certificate), discover new cultures, and build life-long friendships.

Teaching

Language skills are taught in small groups, mostly by native speakers. Our courses stress the importance of communicative ability as well as linguistic accuracy, and oral skills are highly valued.

Cultural studies modules are taught through a mixture of lectures and seminars, which encourage discussion and debate around prepared topics and texts.

The use of online tutorials and exercises on Blackboard, the University’s virtual learning environment, allows us to include interactive training in our courses and to facilitate learning in specific areas such as essay writing and grammatical terminology.

Assessment

You will be assessed throughout each year by a combination of continuous assessment, seminar presentations, essays, and formal exams at the end of each semester. While final year work is most heavily weighted in determining the degree class, your achievements during your second year and your year abroad are also taken into account.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether academic, financial, housing, career or social.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.

Academic support

Our Student Learning Development Team provides help in the following areas:

  • study and exam skills
  • academic writing
  • presentations
  • dissertations
  • numerical data skills
  • referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration UCAS Code Availability
Course European Studies Qualification BA Duration 4 years full-time UCAS Code RL99 Availability Apply Now