What will I learn on this module?
The 20-credit yearlong Unilang modules (stages 1 – 5 depending on language) aim to encourage a positive attitude to language learning and to develop and practise the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing introducing the basic/increasingly complex grammatical structures and vocabulary of the spoken and written language (depending on stage) and developing your ability to respond appropriately in the foreign language in spoken and written form in simple and increasingly complex everyday situations.
These modules also introduce you to the country and the culture of the country. In doing this, Unilang modules are intended to encourage and support international mobility; to enhance employability at home and abroad; to improve communication skills in the foreign language as well as English; to improve cultural awareness and, at the higher stages, to encourage access to foreign sources.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be taught in weekly workshops and are also expected to complete work through tutor-guided study outside the classroom.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by the module tutors who can be contacted in class, by email and in their regular tutorial slots. Support materials specific to the individual language and stages are also provided via Blackboard.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to develop knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and grammatical structures
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will be expected to communicate effectively and show awareness of appropriate registers
3. To develop strategies to manage your own learning
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will be expected to engage sensitively with different cultural audiences
How will I be assessed?
Formative: You will receive informal feedback week on week verbally or in writing.
Summative:
• Participation in class-based activities throughout the year, weighted at 10% [MLO 1-4]
• Reading/writing examination, semester 1, weighted 20%, [MLO 1, 2]
• Listening comprehension, class-test in semester 2, weighted 20% [MLO 1, 2]
• Reading/writing examination in semester 2, weighted 20% [MLO 1, 2]
• Oral examination, semester 2, weighted 25%, [MLO 1, 2]
Feedback on summative assessments will be provided within the standard 20 working days.
Pre-requisite(s)
Prior knowledge of the chosen language for the higher (not beginner) stages.
Co-requisite(s)
Module must be attended across both semesters
Module abstract
Unilang offers the opportunity to study a language across University as a 20-credit module as part of the programme of study. Languages offered include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Mandarin from stage 1 (no previous knowledge) to stage 5 (advanced for specific languages). British Sign Language is also available. The modules focus on learning, developing and practising the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Learning a foreign language introduces you to the country and its culture encouraging and supporting international mobility, enhancing employability at home and abroad as well as improving communication and cultural awareness. At the higher stages you are also encouraged to access foreign sources. When you are seeking employment at the end of your academic programme, communicative competence in a modern foreign language may well provide you with an advantage since:
• The speaking, listening and written language skills you will have developed are transferable to a wide range of working environments.
• The use of the foreign language enhances communication skills, in the foreign language as well as in English.
• Your employability will have progressed as you made transitions at each stage of Unilang Option.
• Foreign language competence and cultural awareness will be an asset in the UK’s increasingly multi-cultural and inclusive society.
• The open economy of the UK will provide you with job opportunities for working either in organisations based in the UK but with international links, or in foreign organisations located in the UK and having establishments outside the UK.
Complementing your main subject area with Unilang will open up job opportunities and potential career paths at home and abroad.
The modules are delivered through workshops/seminar every week. Supporting materials for class work and directed learning are distributed in class and/or Blackboard. Assessment at the end of each semester is by portfolio comprising participation in class-based activities (speaking and listening) and a written test assessing grammatical knowledge, reading and writing skills. Level 5 students going abroad in semester 2 will be asked to submit their portfolio electronically.
Course info
UCAS Code QV31
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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