Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How many credits do I have to take in the first year?

  120
• What is the smallest number of credits I can take in a subject if I want to carry on with it after the first year?

  Normally 40 (in the Department of European Languages always 40), with some exceptions elsewhere.
  
• What is the maximum number of credits I can take in any one subject?

  Normally 60, again with some exceptions elsewhere.
  
• So do I have to take more than one subject in my first year?

  Yes. You are also strongly recommended to have two ‘pathways’ out of the first year: that is, to allow for the possibility of failing a subject (or just not getting on well with it), you should make sure there’s something else you could carry on with instead.
• If I want to carry on with a language beyond the first year, how many credits should I take in it?

  We'd recommend you take at least one module over and above the minimum 40 credits, in order to have a better grounding in the language.
  
• Do I have to study something outside the subject(s) I intend to carry on with?

  Yes: you normally have to take 20 credits outside the subject(s), usually at Part One.
• How should I make up my first-year course?

  Usually, one of two main patterns: either (roughly) 50:50 between two subjects, with 20 or so credits in a third subject, or (roughly) equal split between three subjects.
• Do Beginners’ Language modules (GE10740, Fr 10740, IT10740, SP10740) let me carry on into a degree in the language concerned?

  Yes. After Part One (first year) you go straight on into the degree course (with some extra help in the form of extra classes).
• Can I do more than one Beginners' Language module?

  Not normally. We think it is just too much work for one year.
  
• Do the ‘Languages for Non-Specialists’ modules let me carry on and do a degree in the language?

  No. You can take another LNS modules in your second year or, depending on the requirements of your degree subject(s), you could puck up other language modules to develop your knowledge. However, you might be allowed to 'upgrade' from LNS to the Beginners' course in the same language at the end of the first semester of your first year of study if you are sufficiently keen and able.
  
• Can anyone take these modules?

  Yes. If other Departments tell you otherwise, ignore them, or go to see teh Dean. anyone from any Faculty (undergraduate or postgraduate) is entitled to take them.