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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Modern Languages

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Philosophy and Modern Languages Programme codeUFA3PHLMLX01
Study mode(s)Part Time
Full Time
Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Modern Languages programme will give you a thorough grounding in the main themes and methods of two progressive disciplines, Philosophy and Modern Languages. This Combined Honours degree enables you to divide your time equally between these related subject areas. While at the University of Exeter, you will study half of your modules from the BA Modern Languages programme and the other half from Philosophy.

While studying Philosophy you will discuss and explore long-standing questions on the nature of many topics: knowledge, science, reality, ethics, art and beauty, the mind-body relationship, the meaning of life and more. Studying a modern language will enable you to develop strong skills in spoken and written language, and analytical thought, and gain a deeper understanding of another culture and people.

The Modern Languages side of the programme offers choice between the study of one of seven major languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish), taught by experienced language specialists including native speakers and academic staff at the cutting edge of research in their particular discipline. Progression through the programme will combine the acquisition of language with the study of the literature, history, film and linguistics of the language disciplines as well as advanced translation practice. You will develop a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding and speaking your selected language, providing you with valued skills for future careers. A carefully arranged choice of modules enables you to focus more towards language skills or to learn about the society in which a particular language is spoken. These cultural modules cover topics as broad as history, politics, philosophy, literature and cinema; they complement the language study within the programme and further ground your understanding of the language of your choice.

As a whole, BA Philosophy & Modern Languages offers you a coherent programme of study, balancing core elements with a choice of specialist topics to suit your individual aspirations and requirements.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to develop your competence in the subject-specific and research skills required in both Philosophy and Modern Languages, through extended engagement with your chosen languages and through relevant methodological, critical and theoretical contexts. As you progress through the programme, you will acquire a thorough grounding in the core principles of Philosophy and Modern Languages through study which engages you imaginatively in the process of understanding and analysing language, culture and Philosophy. In Modern Languages modules, you will train towards a high level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing and listening, with the aim of enabling you to communicate readily in personal and professional arenas. Philosophy and Modern Languages offer detailed subject knowledge, broad coverage and a wide range of choice.

You will also acquire advanced competence in core academic, personal and key skills, providing a basis for career progression in the academic and professional worlds. You will be exposed to a variety of teaching and assessment methods within appropriate learning environments, supported by feedback and monitoring of your progress. You will also be able to develop your independent study skills through individual research.

The programme provides an intellectually stimulating, satisfying experience of learning and studying, and forms a sound basis for further study in these or in related disciplines. It aims to develop a range of subject-specific, academic and transferable skills, including high order conceptual literacy and communication skills of value in graduate employment. Philosophy and Modern Languages encourage you to become a global citizen, a questioning member of society, and provides thorough training for further study or a specialist career. You may utilise the skills you develop in a range of sectors, including Translation, Museums, Consultancy, Market Research, the Civil Service, Education, Teaching, New Media Industries, Journalism and Publishing, Research, Charities, Information Science, Advertising and Public Relations. 

4. Programme Structure

The BA Philosophy and Modern Languages is a three-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme may also be taken part-time in up to seven years. This programme is divided into three stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Modern Languages modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=mod-lang
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. You are expected to balance your credits in each stage of the programme, taking 60 credits from Philosophy, and 60 credits from Modern Languages.

The Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, however, takes the view that in Combined Honours programmes you would be incapable of reaching a satisfactory standard in the chosen language if you took fewer than 60 credits per year in it. Accordingly you may not exercise the modularity option in Modern Languages (modularity is where you are permitted to take elective modules from other disciplines that are not included in the programme specification). However, it would be possible for you in certain cases, to exercise the right from the Philosophy side of your programme alone.

At all stages, you will take one compulsory language module amounting to 30 credits in total.

On this 3-year programme, transfer to which is permissible in exceptional circumstances only, you are encouraged wherever possible to spend a period of residence in countries where the language of study is spoken during a vacation before progressing to the final stage. The Programme Director for the relevant language discipline can advise you on the most appropriate way of gaining experience of independent learning for your individual circumstances.

Transfer from the 3-year to the 4-year programme is possible up to the end of stage 2. All such transfers are subject to approval by the Director of Education and are only permissible in exceptional circumstances.

On the Modern Languages side of your programme, you will normally take optional content modules appropriate to your degree stage and corresponding to your compulsory language module.

Stage 1


30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language. 

45 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules, and 15 credits of optional Philosophy modules.

Compulsory Modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

b - select 45 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules from the list below.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Modern Languages Stage 1 Compulsory Language Modules [See note a above]
MLF1001 French Language 30 Yes
MLF1052 French Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLG1001 German Language 30 Yes
MLG1052 German Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLI1001 Italian Language 30 Yes
MLI1052 Italian Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLM1052 Beginners Chinese 30 Yes
MLP1052 Portuguese Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLR1001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLR1030 Russian Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLS1001 Spanish Language 30 Yes
MLS1056 Spanish Language for Beginners 30 Yes
PHL1002A Knowledge and Reality 1 [See note b above]15No
PHL1002B Knowledge and Reality 2 [See note b above]15No
PHL1005A Evidence and Argument 1 [See note b above]15No
PHL1006 Introduction to Philosophical Analysis [See note b above]15No
PHL1013 Philosophy of Morality [See note b above]15No

Optional Modules

d - Select 15 credits of Philosophy option modules.

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

c - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules for the year. Please note that certain modules may only be available to students on Single Honours programmes, or to students who have taken a particular language module. This information will be given in the pre-requisites or co-requisites section of the relevant module descriptor.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
MLM1014 Chinese Art and the Art of Living 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
French Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
MLF1017 The Making of Modern France 15 No
MLF1018 The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLF1103 The French Language, Present and Past 15 No
MLF1105 An Introduction to French Thought 15 No
MLF1121 French Visual History 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
German Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
MLG1020 Made in Germany: the History and Culture of a Global Brand 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLG1014 A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
MLP1002 Introduction to the Lusophone World 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
MLR1006 An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLR1023 Russia: Empire and Identity 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note b above]
MLS1064 An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context 15 No
MLS1068 An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLS1066 The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture 15 No
MLS1164 A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture 15 No
Philosophy Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note d above]
PHL1004 Philosophical Problems 1 15 No
PHL1007 Philosophical Reading 1 15 No
PHL1009 Philosophies of Art 15 No
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
PHL1112 Philosophy of Film 15 No

Stage 2


30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language. 

45 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules, and 15 credits of optional Philosophy modules.

Compulsory Modules

Subject to selecting 120 credits in the stage overall, you must:

e - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

f - select 45 credit of compulsory Philosophy modules from the list below

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules [see note d above]
MLF2001 French Language, Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLF2152 Intermediate French 30 Yes
MLG2001 German Language, Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLG2052 Intermediate German 30 Yes
MLI2001 Italian Language, Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLI2051 Italian Language 30 Yes
MLM2052 Intermediate Chinese (One) 30 Yes
MLP2052 Intermediate Portuguese 30 Yes
MLR2001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I 30 Yes
MLR2030 Intermediate Russian 30 Yes
MLS2001 Spanish Language, Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLS2156 Spanish Language (ex-beginners) 30 Yes
PHL2010A Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note f above]15No
PHL2043 Philosophical Research [see note f above]15No
PHL2015 Body and Mind [see note f above]15No
PHL2016 Metaphysics [see note f above]15No
PHL2018 Philosophy of Language [see note f above]15No
PHL2118 Moral agency in social context [see note f above]15No

Optional Modules

g - select 15 a credit of Philosophy module from the option list. Alternatively a further module from the core list could also be chosen.

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

h - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLM2003 Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe 15 No
MLM2008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
French Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLF2005 Classical myth in French and francophone cinema 15 No
MLF2012 Evolution of the French Language 15 No
MLF2056 Provoking Thoughts - French Literature and Philosophy from the Renaissance to the 20th Century 15 No
AHV2012 Revolutions: Art and Society in France, 1770-1848 30 No
MLF2006 French-language Road Movies: Space, Place and Identity 15 No
MLF2070 Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre 15 No
MLF2076 Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
German Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLG2003 Youth and Age: Generations in German Fiction and Film 15 No
MLG2018 Berlin - Culture, History and Politics 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
Italian Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLI2004 From Page to Screen: The Italian Female Detective in Literature, Film and Television 15 No
MLI2019 Italian(s) in the World 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
Portuguese Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
Russian Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLR2026 The Deceptive City: the Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR2021 Understanding Russia 15 No
MLR2025 Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
Spanish Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note h above]
MLS2044 How to be a Knight: Political Lessons from 14th-Century Spain 15 No
MLS2070 Catalonia Is Not Spain? Modern Catalan Culture in Context 15 No
MLS2073 Literary Non-Fiction in Argentina: When Writing Meets the Real 15 No
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
MLS2045 Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry 15 No
MLS2061 The Latin American Short Story 15 No
MLS2160 Fiction in Post-War Spain: Voices of Conformity and Subversion 15 No
SML2003 Research Skills in Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2247 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
Philosophy Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 [See note g above]
PHL2001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL2002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL2020 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL2021 Symbolic Logic 15 No
PHL2038 The Self 15 No
PHL2040 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL2042 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL2045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL2052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL2053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL2054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL2060 Philosophy of Emotion 15 No
PHL2096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL2111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL2112 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL2114 Aristotle's Ethics 15 No
PHL2117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL2119 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL2123 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL2125 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL2127 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
PHL2130 Plato's Dialogues 15 No
PHL2131 Philosophy of Music 15 No

Stage 3


60 credits of optional Philosophy modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language

Compulsory Modules

Subject to selecting 120 credits in the stage you must:

i - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Modern Languages Final Stage Compulsory Language Modules [See note i above]
MLM3111 Advanced Chinese Language Skills 30 Yes
MLF3111 Advanced French Language Skills 30 Yes
MLG3111 Advanced German Language Skills 30 Yes
MLI3111 Advanced Italian Language Skills 30 Yes
MLP3111 Advanced Portuguese Language Skills 30 Yes
MLR3111 Advanced Russian Language Skills 30 Yes
MLS3111 Advanced Spanish Language Skills 30 Yes

Optional Modules

j - Select 60 credits of option modules in Philosophy. Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

k - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; you may select a maximum of 15 credits of the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year, these are additional to SML3015. You may, alternatively, take SML3030. Please note you may only select one dissertation module across the two programmes. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
HUM3015 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLM3008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
French Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLF3034 Sociolinguistics of French 15 No
MLF3079 Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France 15 No
MLF3007 Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde 15 No
MLF3078 Philosophers, Prophets and Mystics in French Culture 15 No
MLF3080 Les Miserables from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
German Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
MLG3040 Sex, Sciences and the Arts 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3034 Contemporary French Visual Culture 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLG3036 Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
MLI3199 Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLI3033 Multicultural Italy 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
MLR3026 The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR3123 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLR3021 Women Writers in Twentieth - century Russian Literure 30 No
MLR3025 Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
MLS3037 Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain 15 No
MLS3057 Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America 15 No
MLS3071 The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLS3072 Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain 15 No
SML3031 Advanced Translation Skills 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Philosophy Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 [See note j above]
PHL3001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL3002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL3013 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL3014 Symbolic Logic 15 No
PHL3038 The Self 15 No
PHL3045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL3052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL3053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL3054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL3060 Philosophy of Emotion 15 No
PHL3078 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL3080 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL3096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL3111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL3113 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL3114 Aristotle's Ethics 15 No
PHL3117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL3118 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL3122 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL3124 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL3126 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
PHL3127 Plato's Dialogues 15 No
PHL3131 Philosophy of Music 15 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of the chosen language, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of the chosen language, both orally and in writing.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to analyse the structures and registers of the chosen language.
4. Show detailed knowledge of chosen aspects of the history and cultures of the relevant country/countries, and ability to evaluate them critically, using appropriate methodologies.
5. Analyse and interpret texts in the chosen language (including non-literary texts and other media, e.g. film) in relation to their cultural, historical and generic contexts, and articulate his/her understanding orally and in writing.
6. 4-year programme only: Show ability to use the target language to undertake and present the results of an extended project, while living and working in the target-language environment.
7. Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences.
8. Reflect upon the conditions of human social life.
9. Show familiarity with the history of modern philosophy
10. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophies of mind and nature
11. Analyse concepts in ethics
12. Analyse and criticise substantial works by important historical and contemporary moral and political philosophers
13. Engage in logical and conceptual analysis and abstract reasoning
14. Apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to a range of complex issues and subject matters.

1-3: Core language modules at Stage 1 include an introduction to language-learning strategies, with subsequent stages requiring you to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Foreign Language Centre, and via web-based resources. Language modules at each stage use authentic materials in the chosen language/s, both written (texts in a variety of styles and registers) and spoken (oral classes with native speakers, together with use of TV and the electronic media). These forms of target-language material are used in a variety of ways, including reading or listening comprehension, translation, and production of related material in the chosen language/s through exercises such as summarising, essay-writing and oral presentations. Instruction is reinforced by regular formative assessment. Formal grammar is usually taught, both in seminars and through guided study of a textbook, at a level appropriate to each stage of the programmes and to level of achievement at the outset of the programme.

4 & 5: The level 1 cultural modules give students a foundation knowledge on which to base their choice of options at higher levels, enabling them to explore and develop their interest in particular areas of their chosen language discipline. Knowledge of the relevant aspects of culture is acquired through lectures and seminars, guided reading of primary and secondary texts (including literature, film, visual culture and linguistics), and directed independent study. Students learn to use the critical methodologies appropriate to the options chosen (literary criticism, linguistic or philological study, political or social history, film studies, etc) through writing exams and essays and preparing seminar presentations, following initial guidance from lecturers, and through feedback on work submitted.

6 is developed through the year abroad.

In explicit terms, skills 7-8 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work on Social Philosophy; 9-10 through similar methods and strategies on Knowledge and Reality, Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Nature; 11-12 through similar methods on Ethics, and 13 through practical exercises on Evidence and Argument. However, depending on the student's chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, further in the modules chosen at level 3. 14 is developed especially through the optional modules taken at level 3.

1 and 2 are assessed explicitly, and 3 implicitly, by coursework marked throughout the year at stage 1, and by end-of-year written and oral exams at stages 2 and 4.

4 and 5 are assessed by a combination of essays written during the module and end-of-year written examinations.

6 is assessed through the year abroad.

The assessment of skills 7-14 is made through a combination of course essays, oral presentations, examinations; also, where appropriate, Research Methods Project or dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

15. Demonstrate understanding of the linguistic principles required to assimilate and analyse the structure of a foreign language.
16. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts.
17. Show understanding of the variety of approaches to research in the field of languages and related studies, and of the reasons why such approaches may change.
18. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one’s own cultural perspective.
19. 4-year programme only: Show ability to plan and manage his/her own language learning through an extended period of independent study.
20. Understand and demonstrate the different uses of qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate their relative advantages and disadvantages
21. Show awareness of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
22. Think and write broadly about large themes.
23. Develop and deploy argument, grounded in theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence
24. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
25. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
26. Deploy complex terminology in a comprehensive manner

15 is developed through the core language modules throughout the programme, in students' language work and in feedback from lecturers (in the form of both written comments and explanation in subsequent classes).

16-18 are developed through lectures and seminars in optional modules, with progression from a relatively high level of input from lecturers at stage 1, to greater student autonomy at later stages. Modules at stages 3 and 4 (and to a limited extent also at stage 2) are normally related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module, giving students an insight into relevant research issues.

19 is implicit in all study of the language and cultures of another country, and all modules challenge students to reflect critically on their receptiveness to foreign cultures.

Skills 20-26 are developed throughout the Philosophy degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and level 3 optional modules selected by the student.

15 is assessed by the strategies described for the core language modules under A above.

16-18 are assessed by course essays and end-of year examinations, also as described under A above.

Skills 17-26 are assessed though course essays, assessed oral presentations and examinations at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

27. Select, organise and analyse material for written work and oral presentations of different prescribed lengths.
28. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner
29. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organized manner, with appropriate use of correct English
30. Formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction
31. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of challenging material in groups
32. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff
33. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time
34. Evaluate and reflect on your own work
35. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines
36. Plan the execution of demanding work based on individual research over a long time
37. 4-year programme only: Show ability to adapt to the working practices of a foreign country.

27, 28, 30 and 31 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in most modules at all levels in both sides of the programme, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme.

32 is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars.

27, 29, 30, 33, and 35 are developed through written assignments (essays) and examinations in most modules at all levels. In Modern Languages, a standard essay feedback sheet provides for evaluation and comment on 27, 29 and 30, along with other aspects of the essay.

33-34 form essential parts of the successful completion of the programme but are encouraged especially through preparation for written and oral assignments and seminars. On the 4-year programme these skills are also the focus of the

year-abroad modules; students on the 3-year programme are advised by the Programme Director on the most appropriate way of developing their independent learning skills.

36 is developed through the dissertation.

37 is developed through the requirement, in the core language modules at stages 1 and 2, for students to use specially created web sites; these are also used for a significant number of optional modules in Modern Languages.

27 and 28: In Philosophy, oral contribution to seminars and presentations are assessed formatively.

27, 29, 30, 33 and 35 are assessed through examinations and/or written work at all levels and in all modules.

31 Group presentations are assessed in some optional modules; in those where team-working skills are not explicitly assessed, these skills nonetheless contribute to the successful outcome of oral and written presentations.

Skill 36 is assessed by the dissertation.

Skill 37 is developed through the successive stages of the year abroad, from preliminary briefing and induction, through submission of an interim report or essay plan, to completion of the essay and oral presentation, or alternatively by taking modules at a university in the host country and accredited under ECTS. They are assessed by means of the essay and supporting documentation, and the oral presentation, or through the assessment provided at the host institution for students taking credits under ECTS.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

All students within Philosophy and Modern Languages have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who is available at advertised ‘office hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of your programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Modern Languages

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

Level 1

23. Dates

Origin Date

23/08/2019

Date of last revision

21/10/2024