| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 4-year History and Modern Language program combines historical study with language immersion, developing critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural understanding. It includes a mandatory year abroad for language and cultural immersion, and offers diverse career opportunities in fields such as finance, education, and diplomacy. The program emphasizes global citizenship and equips graduates with transferable skills for success in a globalized world.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
History and a Modern Language (BA) This 4-year program combines the study of history with a modern language. It aims to develop high-level communication, critical thinking skills, resilience, and independence through time spent in an immersive language context.
- Objectives:
- Deepen understanding of history through engaging with the past.
- Acquire mastery and cultural insight through in-depth language learning.
- Cultivate critical thinking, communication, and resourcefulness for professional success.
- Description:
- Blends history with Chinese, French, or Spanish language study.
- Provides two language pathways: Upper Elementary (prior language knowledge) and Elementary (beginner).
- Emphasizes diverse cultural perspectives and critical linguistic and intercultural mobility.
- Includes a mandatory year abroad for intensive language and cultural immersion.
- Optional work placement in the chosen language region provides professional experience.
- Emphasizes global citizenship through historical and cultural understanding, equipping graduates to think critically, navigate cultural diversity, and utilize a wide range of transferable skills.
Outline:
Course Structure, Content, Modules
- Year One:
- 60 credits dedicated to History:
- Introduction to historical frameworks, research, and communication.
- 60 credits focused on the chosen Language:
- Core grammar and linguistic foundations for Upper Elementary.
- Cultural-historical understanding specific to the chosen language.
- Year Two:
- 3 History courses (20 credits each):
- Core: Understanding history and using evidence effectively.
- Options: Exploration across various timeframes and regions with thematic analysis.
- 2 Modern Language courses (30 credits each):
- Advanced linguistic skills for Intermediate/Upper-intermediate levels.
- Optional: Cultural courses for deeper exploration of history and societies.
- Potential involvement in Language Mentoring or Student Language Ambassador schemes.
- Year Three: Sandwich Year Abroad
- Full academic year in a country where the chosen language is spoken.
- Options:
- Exchange Programs: Study at universities in multiple countries.
- Teaching placements: Teaching English in chosen language regions.
- Work placements: Professional position within a company in the target language country.
- Focuses on developing linguistic, cultural, and interpersonal skills for professional advancement.
- Year Four:
- 60 credits from History:
- Deeper study of historical methods and research through specialized modules.
- 60 credits from Modern Language:
- Advanced language study options (30 credits).
- Specialization module in various topics (30 credits):
- Contemporary issues
- Literary studies
- Film analysis
- Advanced cultural exploration
- Potential for teaching placement module in local partner schools.
- Option to write a final year dissertation:
- Extensive independent research project on a chosen topic under faculty supervision.
- Dissertation allows for in-depth research, writing, and critical thinking skill development.
Assessment:
- Focuses on continuous development of language skills, historical analysis, and research abilities.
- Diverse assessment formats:
- Essays: Demonstrating historical understanding and analysis.
- Exams: Testing historical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
- Quizzes: Regular assessment of linguistic progress.
- Oral exams: Practicing conversation and communication in the target language.
- Presentations: Showcasing analytical and communication skills.
- Dissertation: Independent research, writing, and critical analysis skills.
- Source criticisms, research projects, reviews, portfolios, presentations.
- Individual and group feedback: Targeted suggestions for improvement.
- Opportunity for reflection on personal progress through formative assessments.
Teaching:
- Variety of teaching methodologies:
- Lectures for broad topic overviews.
- Seminars for interactive discussion and analysis.
- Language classes with active learning and student participation for language practice.
- Independent study: Individual preparation, research, and analysis.
- Innovative approaches: Vlogs, podcasts, projects, video, audio presentations, interviews.
- Supported by:
- Personal Tutor: Academic guidance and support throughout the degree.
- Year Abroad Coordinator: Monitoring and support during the immersive year abroad.
- Virtual Learning Environment with learning materials, resources, communication tools.
- Extensive library access: Digital and printed resources.
Careers:
- Graduates possess a wide range of skills:
- Communication
- Critical analysis
- Creative problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Diverse career opportunities:
- Finance
- International sports
- Business consultancy
- Education
- Health
- Civil service
- Heritage and Museum sector
- Media
- Politics
- Diplomacy
- Interpreting
- Translation
- Law
- Teaching
- Career support:
- Training and workshops on employability skills, resume writing, interview techniques.
- Placement opportunities: Work experience and skill building.
- Cardiff Award: Framework for developing transferable skills.
Fees for home status
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Additional costs You may also want to buy copies of other texts, either because they are important for your modules or because you find them particularly interesting. Many students also choose to invest in personal copies of unabridged bilingual dictionaries and reference grammars.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
