BA Philosophy and Modern Languages (RV50)

The degree lasts four years, with years 1, 2 and 4 spent in Bristol. Year 3 is spent working or studying abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken, refining your language skills and cultural knowledge and gaining valuable work experience. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

In each of Years 1, 2 and 4, you take a combination of units from the School of Modern Languages and the Department of Philosophy.

In your first year of philosophy, you will study units covering an introduction to philosophy, logic, and realism and normativity. In Years 2 and 4, you will also be able to choose from a range of optional units designed to help you develop your own core philosophical specialisation, explore different philosophical methods, engage in collaboration, apply philosophy in relation to other disciplines, such as science or literature, and apply philosophical approaches to civic engagement and contemporary societal issues.

On the modern languages side, you will take a structured language course each year in your chosen language of study (reading, writing, listening, grammar and speaking). Alongside this, you will take core and optional units relating to the culture(s) in which your language is spoken. Options include topics such as literature, history, film, politics, linguistics and visual art. In Year 2, you may also have the option to begin a new, non-degree language, such as Arabic, Catalan, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin.

In your final year, you have the option to undertake a supervised independent research project.

Teaching styles differ from unit to unit, but include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. You will encounter a range of assessment styles over the course of your degree, such as presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.