Languages and Linguistics at Bristol

At the School of Modern Languages, we have a passion for languages and linguistics! You can study a range of European and Asian languages with us, through our University Wide Language Programme (UWLP) and Modern Languages (MODL) units. Whether you are new to a language, or want to improve your skills, we have units available to help you meet your language-learning goals. If you are interested in the structures and development of language, that is, in linguistics, we also offer a variety of general and language-specific linguistics units. We also specialise in cultural studies, which goes hand-in-hand with language learning. Check out the Cultural Studies study guide for more information.

The School of Modern Languages is recognised for its friendly, close-knit community, with a long-established reputation for innovative teaching and excellent research. Learning extends well beyond the classroom, through cultural weeks, seminars and extra-curricular activities. Combined with access to cutting-edge facilities such as the Multimedia Centre, these features make the School of Modern Languages one of the leading centres for language studies in the UK.

Unit structure

The school offers many classes that are based in a single semester, and can therefore accept unit requests from Study Abroad students who want to join Bristol for just the autumn or spring semester.

Unit levels

The school offers units across all undergraduate levels of study: year 1 (level C/4), year 2 (level I/5), and year 3 (level H/6) units. Selected postgraduate units (level M/7) are available from elsewhere in the School of Modern Languages (please see the Cultural Studies guide). Level M/7 units are normally taken by students who have studied the subject for at least 3 years beforehand and are at an appropriate level of study to take postgraduate units.

Unit codes

Unit codes in the School of Modern Languages begin with 'MODL' or 'UWLP'. This is followed by a number indicating the year (1, 2, 3). For example:

• MODL10000 = year 1 unit
• MODL20000 = year 2 unit
• MODL30000 = year 3 unit.

For more information about each unit, check the University's unit catalogue for 2023/24. Applicants on all study abroad programmes must review the unit details on the catalogue before listing unit choices on their application form. This includes checking the format of assessment for each unit. The unit catalogue for 2023/24 is updated by April 2023.

Your unit choices cannot be guaranteed. Some units may not have capacity to accommodate all of the unit requests we receive. Registration on a unit also depends on whether you meet the pre-requisite conditions through prior study at your home university.

Study Abroad (Subject pathway)

If you have been nominated to Bristol on one of the School of Modern Languages subject pathways, you can take units from this guide as part of your programme.

Units available on the study abroad programme in 2023/24

The following units from the School of Modern Languages are open to inbound Study Abroad students.

Application queries

Contact the Centre for Study Abroad inbound team if you have any queries about the application process for the study abroad programmes:

Phone: +44 117 39 40207
Email: cfsa-inbound@bristol.ac.uk