BA Joint Hons French & Spanish

Apply
Sign up to hear about upcoming events, news and scholarships related to this programme

Key facts

  • UCAS Code: RR14
  • Applicant visit day: March each year

  • Study abroad: partner exchanges in Dijon, Paris & Angers and Valencia, Zaragoza & Alicante

Study with us

Our BA (Hons) Humanities & Social Sciences degree, explained.

Download video transcript

Back to course

Why this course?

This course allows you to focus on contemporary language and culture.

French is a major international language. It's the first language of more than 100 million people across the world, while more than 60 million people speak French as a second language.

With more than 500 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world. Speaking French and Spanish will help you conduct business more confidently in countries that are becoming increasingly important in world markets. 

Studying with us will give you the chance to become a fluent linguist. You can spend up to two years abroad living, working and/or studying in another country - one on exchange to a partner university and one as an English-language assistant in a French or Spanish School.

Our BA degrees in Humanities & Social Sciences are initially broad-based. In Year 1 you will study three subjects, including your chosen subject(s).

 

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Learning languages gets easier the more you do it. By studying French and Spanish simultaneously, you'll compare and contrast the roots and structure of each language, increasing your understanding of how words and sentences are formed.

Both romance languages, you'll become more aware of their similarities and differences as you approach fluency. You'll also broaden the range of opportunities available to you upon graduation for instance, in organisations with an international presence.

Course structure

In every year, teaching focuses heavily on language work, but you'll also discover the cultures of France and Spain and French and Spanish-speaking countries.

Year 1

Two streams are offered in first-year: one for students with Higher French and Spanish or equivalent qualification and another for those without. Students in both classes study contemporary French and Spanish language and aspects of the country's' culture and society.

Year 2 & 3

You'll continue to develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. In the cultural class each year, you'll learn more about the history, politics, literature, and cinema of France and Spain and French and Spanish-speaking countries.

Year abroad

Honours students spend a year abroad after Year 3, usually working as an English teaching assistant, gaining experience on a work placement or studying at a foreign institution. 

This is a central highlight of the course and a major formative experience for students not just in terms of language, but on many different levels, personal as well as professional.

Year 4

In your final year, you'll concentrate on translation, written and oral language and interpreting. You'll also have the chance to write a dissertation in Spanish. If however, you choose to write your dissertation for your other Honours subjects, you'll take two of our cultural classes. These classes reflect the research expertise of our staff and include Latin America through Indigenous Eyes, Visual Culture in Spain, and Key Theories and Debates of Translation Studies (Spanish).

Student competitions

The Stevenson Exchange Scholarship is a competitive award which offers students funding towards a project they wish to undertake while on their year abroad. Staff select and interview several candidates for this each year. Our students usually do well in this competition; in 2019, one student secured £2000 towards his project.

Single & joint Honours information

English, English and Creative Writing, History, Politics and International Relations and Psychology may be studied to Single or Joint Honours level.

Education, French, Spanish, Law, Journalism, Media and Communication and Social Policy are available only as Joint Honours Programmes. Economics, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Mathematics and Tourism can also be studied alongside a Humanities and Social Sciences subject.

The available subject combinations may change each year. Once accepted on the programme you'll be allocated an advisor of studies who will be able to let you know which subjects can be combined, in first year, and beyond.

Go back

Course content

French

French 1A

This module will further your knowledge of the French language and develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the French language through intensive practical and communicative language work. You will extend your knowledge of the cultures of the French-speaking world and focus on the development of contemporary France and on how issues relating to it are reflected in its cultural production (for example, films, journalism, songs). The module aims to bring you up to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

French 1B

This module aims to build on the knowledge of the French language system and the proficiency in its use acquired by students who have a pass in French 1A. It is also designed to build on previous knowledge of the cultures of the French-speaking world. It is designed to provide further revision and development of the language from a systemic point of view together with further introduction to the cultures of the French-speaking world. The module aims to bring you up to level A2+/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

OR

Introduction to French 1A

This course aims to give you an introduction to the French language in Semester 1, assuming you have limited or no previous knowledge of French. It aims to bring you up to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. However, this is a very intensive module which will introduce you to everyday French language, and help you develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in basic French. It will also introduce you to certain aspects of the cultures of the French-speaking world through the materials used. Successful completion of this module will enable students to take Introduction to French 1B in the second semester (January – April), an accelerated programme that will enable students to qualify to progress to level 2 French language modules in the second year.

Introduction to French 1B

Following on from Introduction to French 1A, this accelerated and intensive programme will broaden students’ knowledge of the French language, and enhance basic skills already acquired in reading, writing, listening and speaking. It will also introduce them to new aspects of the culture of the French-speaking world through the materials used. Practical language activities, such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to French through audio, video and written texts, will enable students to progress from levels achieved in Introduction to French 1A. Successful completion of this module will enable students to take French 2A in semester 1 of the second year.

Spanish

Spanish 1A

This course will further your knowledge of the Spanish language and develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the Spanish language through intensive practical and communicative language work. This course aims to bring you up to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You'll extend your knowledge of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and focus on the development of contemporary Latin America and on how issues relating to it are reflected in its cultural production (for example, films, journalism, songs).

Spanish 1B

Following on from Spanish 1A, this course will broaden your knowledge of the Spanish language, and enhance basic skills already acquired in reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course aims to bring you up to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It'll also introduce you to new aspects of the culture of Spain through the materials used. Practical language activities, such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to Spanish through audio, video and written texts, will enable you to progress from the levels achieved in Spanish 1A. Successful completion of this class will enable students to take Spanish 2A in semester 1 of second year.

or

Introduction to Spanish 1A

This course aims to give an introduction to the Spanish language, assuming limited or no previous knowledge of Spanish. It introduces everyday Spanish language, as well as certain aspects of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The class is intended to help students to develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in basic Spanish.

Introduction to Spanish 1B

This course builds on and develops the knowledge acquired in Introduction to Spanish 1A. The class will broaden your knowledge of Spanish language and enhance skills already acquired of reading, writing, listening and speaking in basic Spanish. This class also introduces students to new aspects of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world.

French

Students take two language classes as in Year 1. The language courses are based on a series of classes.

French Language 2A

This module will introduce you to more complex and formal areas of language, and enable you to develop further the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the French language. It will also introduce you to certain aspects of the culture of France and Francophone countries through the materials used. Practical language activities such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to the French language through audio, video and written texts will build on what you already know, and give you a feel for the French language as it is used in professional contexts. Successful completion of this module will enable students to take French 2B (R1204) in the second semester, completion of which will enable students to qualify to progress to level 3 French language modules in the second year. This module aims to bring you up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

French Language 2B

This module will introduce you to yet more complex and formal areas of language, and enable you to develop further the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the French language. It will also introduce you to certain aspects of the culture of France and Francophone world through the materials used. Practical language activities such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to the French language through audio, video and written texts will build on what you already know, and give you a feel for the French language as it is used in professional contexts. Successful completion of this module will enable students to take French at third-year level. This course aims to bring you up to level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

French Culture and History 2

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a variety of literary texts, films and historical documents relating to modern France and the Francophone world. Students are encouraged to engage critically, and to develop independent thinking through analysing the set texts and films. The module is, by its nature, interdisciplinary, and provides a foundation for the third year cultural option modules.

Spanish

Spanish 2A

This course will introduce you to more complex and formal areas of language, and enable you to develop further the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the Spanish language. It'll also introduce you to certain aspects of the different cultures of Spain and Latin America through the materials used. Practical language activities such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to the Spanish language through audio, video and written texts will build on what you already know, and give you a feel for the Spanish language as it is used in professional contexts. This course aims to bring you up to level A2+/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Spanish 2B

This course builds on and develops the knowledge acquired in Spanish 2A and will introduce you to yet more complex and formal areas of language, improving and developing further the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the Spanish language. It'll also introduce you to certain aspects of the culture of Spain and Latin America through the materials used. Practical language activities such as pair and small group work and intensive exposure to the Spanish language through audio, video and written texts will build on what you already know, and give you a feel for the Spanish language as it is used in professional contexts. Successful completion of this class will enable students to take Spanish at third-year level. This course aims to bring you up to level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Spanish and Latin American Studies II

This course will explore the interlinked themes of independence and isolation in Spain and Latin America. The class is intended to give students a broad overview of Spanish and Latin American social, political and cultural history through the examination of specific texts and films, as well as to develop their critical and research skills.

French

Students take two language classes as in Year 1. The language courses are based on a series of classes.

Compulsory modules

French Language 3A

This module aims further to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the French language system and enable them to improve their proficiency in using the language both orally and in writing particularly through the use of oral presentation and translation as professional tasks. The module also aims to expand on the knowledge of the cultures of the French-speaking world acquired at second year level by looking at specific cultural issues in more detail. This module aims to bring you up to level B1+/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

French Language 3B

This module aims to build on the students’ knowledge and understanding of the French language system and shift the emphasis from acquisition of linguistic knowledge to production of a varied linguistic output both orally and in writing. The module also aims to encourage students to develop an in-depth knowledge of a specific cultural issue as part of a group project. In addition, the module aims to prepare them for their year abroad with practical modules developing knowledge and understanding of the French education and administrative system. The group project will enable the students to put into practice and further develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge acquired at first and second year level and in French Language 3A. This course aims to bring you up to level B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Optional modules

France at War, 1870-1962 (Level 3)

Between the years 1870 and 1962, France was invaded three times and suffered a humiliating colonial retreat. It nevertheless maintained myths of unity and national grandeur. The period saw the consolidation of the French republican tradition and the separation of Church and State, yet it also saw enduring internal divisions, culminating in the Vichy regime of 1940-44. This module asks whether internal conflicts were signs of an enduring ‘guerre franco-française’, or whether the truly defining conflicts were those against France’s external enemies.  

Writing the Body in French and Francophone Contemporary Literature (Level 3)

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge of the way literary works reflect and address current issues linked to the body in the Francophone world through the study of a range of texts by French and Francophone writers. Representations of the female body and issues linked to body image are explored, and students’ critical awareness and knowledge of relevant analytical techniques are further developed.

Content warning: Some students may find disturbing part of the content and topics covered in this module. 

Black France (Level 3)

The purpose of the module is to explore issues of race, identity and citizenship in modern and contemporary France. Module content reflects the specialism of a relatively new member of staff so seminar topics would draw on his current research and would engage students in analysis of significant critical debates that have taken place over the past decade and more on the history of what has come to be termed ‘black France’.

Spanish

Core modules

Spanish 3A

This course builds on and develops the knowledge acquired in Spanish 2B and will consolidate the students’ knowledge and use of the Spanish language within an appropriate cultural context in order to enable the student to live, study and work in a Spanish-speaking country. This course aims to bring you up to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Spanish 3B

This course aims to build on and develop the knowledge acquired in Spanish 3A and will focus on two relevant topics which includes the preparation for the year abroad. This course aims to bring you up to level B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In addition to the final exam, a comprehensive project will comprise the other 50% of your final mark for this course. This project will enable you to put into practice and further develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge you have developed since you started studying Spanish at Strathclyde.

Optional modules

Latin America through Indigenous Eyes

This class aims to provide an alternative vision of Latin America from Indigenous perspectives, through the medium of film and stories. Students will first be introduced to the broad cultural and linguistic diversity of Latin America, before focusing on the Inca, Maya and Aztec cultural spheres.

The class will discuss both historical and contemporary material, identifying changes and continuities between the ancient civilizations and their contemporary descendants.

Students will learn about Indigenous worldviews, conceptions of nature and the wider cosmos, and how Indigenous societies have adapted to profound social and political changes since the Conquest.

What are you looking at!? - Visual Culture in Spain

This one-semester class aims to provide a nuanced, diverse, representative and updated perspective on a range of the core issues that are vital for an understanding of Spain and its recent past in order to unlock a window into its present.

The class offers a unique combination of media and genres across a heterogeneous set of perspectives often excluded from the more Eurocentric/hegemonic and heteronormative portrayals of Spain that are standard in UK programmes.

All material is available in Spanish (with much also in English); nevertheless, students will also enjoy exposure to several other languages and identities present in Spain, which will broaden their awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity and the complexities involved in intercultural communication.

Year abroad

Honours students spend a year abroad after Year 3, usually working as an English teaching assistant, gaining work experience in a professional environment or studying at a foreign institution. Students studying two languages may opt to spend third year in one country and a further year in the country of their other language, before returning to Strathclyde for Honours year.

French

Compulsory modules

French Honours Spoken Language

This class fits into the distinctive nature of the Strathclyde languages degree, whereby emphasis is given to the acquisition and deployment of practical language skills. This is an advanced language class specifically designed to bring students' presentation skills in French to a professional level and to introduce them to the demanding task of bilateral interpreting in a variety of contexts.

French Honours Written Language

This is an advanced language class specifically designed further to develop students' writing and translation skills. This is an essential class in order to take students to the near-native level of accuracy and fluency in the written language expected at Honours level. The class will help to develop your comprehension of written French texts and encourage you to think more critically about the communicative goals of translation as a real-world practice, in terms of who your readers are and what your translation is trying to achieve. Through the approach of annotated translation, the class will touch on text analysis from a grammatical as well as typological perspective, and introduce some basic translation strategies for practical implementation.

Optional modules

Translation Studies (Level 4): Key debates and Theory (French)

This one-semester module is designed further to develop students’ linguistic skills and cultural awareness in the context of translation, introducing students to the key debates in the study of translation. It will also equip students critically to engage with a variety of texts in order to address questions such as: What constitutes a 'good' translation? What is the role of the translator? What is the interrelationship between source-text, target- text, author and readership? And how does the interrelationship between these elements affect translation decisions? How do you account for cultural differences? And gender? What is an annotated translation? Module content will cover the translation of texts from advertising, business, corporate texts, machine-translation, to feminism, audio-visual translation, and political texts.

Student Placement (French)

This module offers Honours students the opportunity to spend a minimum of 60 hours and up to 100 hours on a placement of their choice where their knowledge of French language and Francophone cultures as well as their set of skills can be applied; placements can range from teaching, translating, interpreting to tour guiding, doing research, etc. This module aims to apply your language skills to real-life experiences and allow you to become more acquainted with industry-level expectations.

France at War, 1870-1962 (Level 4)

Between the years 1870 and 1962, France was invaded three times and suffered a humiliating colonial retreat. It nevertheless maintained myths of unity and national grandeur. The period saw the consolidation of the French republican tradition and the separation of Church and State, yet it also saw enduring internal divisions, culminating in the Vichy regime of 1940-44. This module asks whether internal conflicts were signs of an enduring ‘guerre franco-française’, or whether the truly defining conflicts were those against France’s external enemies.  

Writing the Body in French and Francophone contemporary literature (Level 4)

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge of the way literary works reflect and address current issues linked to the body in the Francophone world through the study of a range of texts by French and Francophone writers. Representations of the female body and issues linked to body image are explored, and students’ critical awareness and knowledge of relevant analytical techniques are further developed.

Black France (Level 4)

The purpose of the module is to explore issues of race, identity and citizenship in modern and contemporary France. Module content reflects the specialism of a relatively new member of staff so seminar topics would draw on his current research and would engage students in analysis of significant critical debates that have taken place over the past decade and more on the history of what has come to be termed ‘black France’.

Dissertation in French

The French dissertation is an original piece of academic research of 7000 words. Students are required to devise a manageable academic project which can take the form of a study of an aspect of French or Francophone culture, history, or politics, making use of material accessed while on their year abroad or available in local archives, libraries, or online. They will also be expected to undertake an extensive survey of the relevant literature and engage with relevant debates.

Spanish

Compulsory modules

Spanish Honours Language 4

There are three strands in the Spanish 4 Language programme, which are closely integrated with each other: Language A (writing in Spanish), Language B (analysis and translation into English of Spanish texts), and Language C (oral presentation and interpreting). The programme will enable students to function in the target language at a sufficiently high level of ability, both spoken and written, to be accepted as a fully competent member of the target language community, and effectively to discharge a professional role within and/or in relation to that community.

Optional modules

Latin America through Indigenous Eyes

This class aims to provide an alternative vision of Latin America from Indigenous perspectives, through the medium of film and stories. Students will first be introduced to the broad cultural and linguistic diversity of Latin America, before focusing on the Inca, Maya and Aztec cultural spheres.

The class will discuss both historical and contemporary material, identifying changes and continuities between the ancient civilizations and their contemporary descendants.

Students will learn about Indigenous worldviews, conceptions of nature and the wider cosmos, and how Indigenous societies have adapted to profound social and political changes since the Conquest.

Translation Studies: Key debates and Theory (Spanish)

This one-semester class is designed to further develop students’ linguistic skills and cultural awareness in the context of translation, introducing students to the key debates in the study of translation.

It will also equip students to critically engage with a variety of texts in order to address questions such as:

  • what constitutes a 'good' translation?
  • what is the role of the translator?
  • what is the interrelationship between source-text, target-text, author and readership? And how does the interrelationship between these elements affect translation decisions?
  • how do you account for cultural differences? And gender?
  • what is an annotated translation?

Class content will cover the translation of texts from advertising, business, and corporate texts, machine translation, to feminism, audio-visual translation, and political texts.

What are you looking at!? - Visual Culture in Spain

This one-semester class aims to provide a nuanced, diverse, representative and updated perspective on a range of the core issues that are vital for an understanding of Spain and its recent past in order to unlock a window into its present.

The class offers a unique combination of media and genres across a heterogeneous set of perspectives often excluded from the more Eurocentric/hegemonic and heteronormative portrayals of Spain that are standard in UK programmes.

All material is available in Spanish (with much also in English); nevertheless, students will also enjoy exposure to several other languages and identities present in Spain, which will broaden their awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity and the complexities involved in intercultural communication.

Assessment

Written examinations include translations from and into French, writing for a specific purpose and essay questions. Continuous assessment include online grammar tests and group projects, allowing you to conduct research, prepare a presentation and produce a poster.

In your final year you'll write a dissertation. Oral and aural tests are also an important part of assessment at all levels, and include listening comprehension exercises, presentations in French followed by discussion and interpreting.

Learning & teaching

We focus on the four important language skills:

  • reading
  • writing
  • speaking
  • listening

We make great use of technology in the classroom – interactive lectures and digital language laboratories – and outside, through the use of web-based learning and streamed French television.

In later years, you'll perform presentations, write reports and interpret into English, which prepares you for potential future careers.

Scholars from French universities visit regularly to give guest lectures and lead workshops, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Back to course

Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

  • 1st sitting: AAAA 
  • 2nd sitting: AAAAB 

(including English plus at least one other social science subject from those listed under preferred subjects below; plus National 5 Maths or Application of Maths at B to C.)

Minimum entry requirements**:

  • 1st sitting: AABB 
  • 2nd sitting: AABBB 

(including English at B plus at least one other social science subject from those listed under preferred subjects below; plus National 5 Maths or Application of Maths at C.)

Preferred subjects:
  • Classical Studies
  • Drama
  • Economics
  • Gaelic
  • Geography
  • History
  • Modern Studies
  • Modern Language (German/French/Spanish/Italian)
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
  • Sociology
A Levels

 ABB-BBB

 

International Baccalaureate

Year 1 entry: 32-30

Irish Leaving Certificate

 Two H2 passes and three H3 passes including English

 

HNC

Social Sciences:

Year 1 entry: A in Graded Unit; Maths National 5 B, or equivalent

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred Entry

Not normally accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Placements

Every one of our flexible BA options gives students the chance to gain valuable industry experience as part of a credit-bearing work placement class in their third or fourth year.
 
Learn about placements

The Flexible BA

With our BA (Honours) degree, you can choose from subjects in Humanities, Social Sciences and Business, with two of your three subject choices taught by the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.

The BA degree is a four-year course allowing you try new subjects, develop your own ideas, build a broad range of knowledge and enhance your employability.

Download video transcript

Subject combinations

Use our subject picker tool to see the combinations available to you in Year 1 of the BA Humanities & Social Sciences degree. Please note that in Year 2 you'll continue with two of these subjects.

Explore the structure of the BA Humanities & Social Sciences degree for detailed information on Single and Joint Honours options.

 

 

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Back to course

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Go back
Scotland
  • 2024/25: TBC
  • 2023/24: £1,820

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250

Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes). MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

International

£19,600

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Additional costs

Course materials & costs 

The majority of course materials are available to students via Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students can print course materials at their own expense.   

The cost of course texts does not normally exceed £30 per academic year. Key language texts are used over 2 or 3 years of study. Multiple copies are also available in the University Library.

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Study abroad 

Studying abroad is an integral part of the degree course in Modern Languages - and usually takes place in Year 4. Students who choose to study in France or Spain are eligible for an Erasmus grant to help minimise the extra costs of living abroad. This, however, is not a full maintenance grant.  

Students are required to meet travel, accommodation and extra living costs. These costs will vary dependent on the country of study.  An estimated extra spend of £1,000 should be budgeted.

A range of scholarships are available for students of Modern Languages and awarded on a competitive basis. 

Students who work as English language assistants will receive a monthly stipend. In the case of France or Spain, this amounts approximately to €964.88 per month gross (€800 net after social security deductions).

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

Go back

Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

Go back

Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.

Go back

International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Dean's International Excellence Award

This scholarship is for new international students who will begin a full-time undergraduate course in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in September 2024. The award is a £5,000 scholarship per year for the duration of their degree (total of £20,000 for a four year course). All offer-holders are eligible for this scholarship.

Dean's International Excellence Award

Two students in library.

What our students think

BA French and Spanish student Anna MacLeod

Anna MacLeod

BA French & Spanish

Choosing Strathclyde was linked to my desire to experience different ways of life and develop my language skills as much as possible since it was the only university to offer a full year abroad for each language. I also liked Strathclyde’s focus on modern history, literature and culture.
Sarah White BA Modern Languages student

Sarah White, Scotland

BA French & Spanish

I picked Strathclyde because it is a modern, practical university and there is less focus on literature in their language courses than some other universities which appealed to me as I was more interested in learning relevant language which is used day to day.
Nicola Cringean French and Spanish student

Nicola Cringean, Scotland

BA French & Spanish

The year abroad was a big attraction for me when choosing a University as this would give me the chance to fully immerse myself in a new culture, and is an excellent way to master the language.
Back to course

Careers

Modern language graduates are in high-demand across a range of areas. Some language graduates become teachers or translators, while others work in multilingual or international environments. Many of our students now work in journalism and broadcasting.

Where are they now?

Recent job titles include:

  • Business Development Adviser
  • Business Support Executive
  • English Language Lecturer
  • English Teacher Abroad
  • Teacher
  • Trainee Management Graduate

Recent employers include:

  • BIP Solutions
  • British Council
  • Tesco
  • University of Strathclyde
  • Universite Francois Rabelais, Tours
  • West Dunbartonshire Council

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Chat to a student ambassador

If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat to a student ambassador
Back to course

Apply

Please note that you only need to apply once for our BA degree programme.

For instance, if you have applied for BA Honours English and are considering your options for a Joint Honours degree, e.g. a BA Joint Honours in English and French you only need to apply for one or the other on UCAS.

If accepted on to the BA programme, you can study one of the many available subject combinations.

Start date:

French & Spanish (1 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2024

French & Spanish (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2024

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Apply now
Back to course

Contact us

Prospective student enquiries

Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600

Back to course

Discover Uni

Discover Uni includes official statistics about higher education courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges about all their students.