BA Modern Languages / English Literature

Why study

Modern Languages / English Literature at Aberystwyth? You can engage with a wide variety of approaches to literature and cultural history, combining critical thinking with scholarship. You will have the opportunity to explore literary theory - philosophical and conceptual ideas that inform, challenge and problematise the ways we read.

In your final year you will have the option to take part in a writing retreat at a country house in mid Wales - an amazing opportunity to spend time with fellow students and staff, developing your final year projects and dissertations, in a splendid rural setting. The Department of English & Creative Writing is home to New Welsh Review, Wales’ foremost literary magazine - this could be an exciting opportunity for you to get involved. You will be immersed in a supportive and vibrant community of creative and critical thinkers, literary experts, and published scholars from every field.

We have one of the biggest libraries in the world, the National Library of Wales, on our doorstep. This copyright institution receives a copy of every book published in the UK. Both departments pride themselves for their exceptionally friendly atmosphere, where contact with staff is regular.

Language development You can study your choice of languages from beginners' or advanced level - choose from French, German, Spanish and Italian. Beginners will follow an intensive course in the first year. You will typically receive 5.5 hours of linguistic and grammar classes per week.

The Department of Modern Languages is a relatively small and close-knit department, which means that you will benefit from our unique approach to language development. All of our language tutors are native speakers or experts in the relevant target language. Your year abroad will be spent in a country related to your chosen language.

You can choose to study at one of our partnered universities, undertake a paid or unpaid work placement, or a combination of the two. All academic staff in the Department of English and Creative Writing are active scholars and experts in their fields. They are either qualified to PhD level or have commensurate experience.

Our Lecturers either hold or are working towards a Higher Education teaching qualification and the majority of academic staff also hold the status of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. All of the lecturers in the Department of Modern Languages are qualified to PhD level and are research active specialists in their chosen field. We also employ highly qualified and experienced language tutors, and native-speakers, who will ensure that your learning is of the highest possible quality and who will provide you with constant support through your years of study.