English Language with Spanish BA (Hons)

De Montfort University

English Language with French, Mandarin or Spanish is a stimulating, thought-provoking course designed to make you analyse and reflect on how language in general, and English in particular, functions in the world today. You will examine the origins of English and how it could evolve in an era of global change and technological innovation. You will discover how the importance and impact of language in a variety of contexts, both as a complex system for embodying ideas, emotions and beliefs, and as a means of influencing, persuading and moving others.

You will be able to develop a set of linguistic and analytical skills which will help you become a highly effective communicator. This is a course about how language shapes your world – by learning and understanding how language works, we can help the world open up to you.

As part of this joint honours course you can develop your written and spoken communication skills in two of the world's most powerful languages. English is currently the world's most widely spoken language, and you will be able to study it in combination with French (an official language in 32 countries, and with a projected growth to 750 million people worldwide by 2050), Mandarin Chinese (currently the language with the greatest number of native speakers) or Spanish (more than 470 million speakers worldwide including in Central and South American countries and the USA).

Key Features:

• You will analyse the structure and mechanics of how language functions with a wider study of the cultural and social aspects of language and communication.

• You will take two 15 credit modules per study level in your chosen language, which will equate to three hours of language per week. During your weekly language workshop, you will develop your language skills through the study of the country, the society, the culture and the people.

• You’ll be taught by experienced practitioners who, thanks to their experience, can ensure that the skills you develop are relevant to professional practice and the sector.

• Visiting lecturers have included world-renowned expert of forensic linguistics Dr John Olsson, while organised trips have seen students visit professional events such as the London Language Show.

• A final-year placement module gives you the opportunity to put your research, reasoning and communication skills into practice in a workplace environment.

• Our specificity is to cater for any language experience, meaning you will study at a level and pace that really suits you and your needs. Learning a new language with us will therefore not only provide you with linguistic skills, but will also enhance skills in your native language and develop your presentation, written and critical skills.

• Enhance your employability through a recognised competence in a foreign language, distinguishing you from other graduates and significantly improving your career prospects.

• Broaden your horizons through our international experience programme  DMU Global, which offers opportunities for you to gain experience of a different culture, practise your language skills with native speakers and extend your global outlook to understand how English functions in an international context.