Linguistics and Modern Languages
The new Linguistics and Modern Languages course allows students to combine mastery of a European language with the study of Linguistics. Whether opting for a language you have already studied, or from scratch, you will gain near-native fluency by the end of the fourth year. Just as in Modern Languages, students in their third year will spend the year abroad, either studying, working or a combination of the two.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 1
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: no subjects required. Applicants intending to study a language post-A Level (rather than from scratch) should have studied that language to A Level or equivalent. French cannot be studied ab initio.
Useful subjects: some study of languages or English Language A Level can be useful
Admissions Assessment: TBC
Written work: two pieces, of a maximum of 3,000 words total. If you have applied to study a language post-A Level, one piece should be in a language you have applied to study and the other should be in English. If you have applied to study a language ab initio, both should be in English.
Why choose Newnham for Linguistics and Modern Languages?
Newnham has a thriving community of Modern Linguists, including academics whose research focuses on Linguistics. In addition, we have wider links with academics in other departments researching Linguistics. Our MMLL community is strong, both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our location opposite the MMLL Faculty, as well as our well-resourced Library, means you’re never far from resources, study spaces and lectures.
Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forebears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any arts or humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
The Margaret Borland Linguistics Travel Fund provides students with funding of up to £800 per year, and can be applied for at any time. Further funding is also available for summer travel.