Modern European Languages and History with Year Abroad,BA

This Joint Honours degree will allow you to further your interest in the study of a modern European language  (French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish) and related cultural topics alongside exploring different periods and themes of history.

In Year 1 you will focus on the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in your chosen language. In addition, you will explore aspects of the literature, film, art, history and politics of the culture you are studying. You will also study a range of History subjects, including Medieval/Early Modern History and Modern History.

In Year 2 you will continue your language, culture and history studies, building on your skills and allowing you to begin to specialise in areas that interest you. Second-year History modules tend to focus more on particular periods and events, or historical debates and phenomena.

You will have the opportunity to spend Year 3 abroad, either as an English assistant in a school, a student at university, or on a work placement. This is a time of enormous linguistic and personal development, when you should gain fluency in your language and enjoy a unique opportunity to make new friends, appreciate other cultures and learn to work and study in new ways. You can also apply to add a placement year to your degree, increasing the course from four years to five.

In Year 4 you will develop your advanced language skills, and you may be able to take a specialist language module such as translation or interpreting. You will also continue your culture and history studies, with final-year History modules encouraging you to think about how historical knowledge is produced.

You will also choose your own dissertation topic in Year 4, researching and writing about either a historical issue or an aspect of culture or cultural production.

Immerse yourself in the life, language and history of a chosen modern European culture. Develop advanced language skills and in-depth historical and cultural awareness.

A level offer – AAA including at least one language from French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish and History.

Contextual offer – ABB including at least one language from French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish and History.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD including A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects. Please see above for required languages.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

• Grade A in French or German at A level, or equivalent, is required to study French or German.

• Grade A in Russian, Spanish or Italian at A level, or equivalent, is required to study that subject at advanced level.

• Ancient History is acceptable as one of three A levels but History A level must also be taken.

• Key skills qualifications are welcomed, but are not taken into account as part of the entry requirements.

• We welcome enquiries regarding applications for deferred entry which may be considered in special circumstances. Please contact us using www.durham.ac.uk/study/askus/

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Our aim is to make you better at thinking, speaking, and writing for yourself; and better at critically assessing the words that others speak and write. Thinking analytically, arguing clearly and concisely - these are fundamental skills in many jobs. Our graduates have gone on to find successful careers in a wide variety of fields. They work in teaching at schools and universities, in museums and galleries, in law, finance, banking and accountancy, the Civil Service, the charity sector, media, journalism, and the military and further study.