2025/26 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BA Modern Languages (Russian and Spanish) (For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Programme overview

Programme code
BAML/RU&SP-R
UCAS code
R1R1
Duration
4 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Maria Chiara La Sala
Contact address
m.c.lasala@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
480
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
The programme will meet the QAA Benchmarks defined for Languages, Cultures and Societies outlined here:

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/sbs/sbs-languages-cultures-and-societies-23.pdf?sfvrsn=3c71a881_10

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2024. For students who entered the programme before September 2024, you can find the details of your programme: BA Modern Languages (Russian and Spanish)

On this programme, students will become highly competent in their two chosen languages while acquiring an understanding of, analysing, interpreting and engaging with the cultures and societies where these languages are spoken.

A compulsory period of residence abroad will provide students with the unique opportunity to develop language skills in a rich and varied context of use, while engaging with other cultures and societies, thereby fostering intercultural awareness and pluricultural competence, self-reliance and flexibility.

This dual-language programme offers opportunities for students at all levels to engage with the connections and contrasts between the languages they study (e.g. through ‘MODL’ modules that span multiple language areas), enabling them to deepen their critical understanding of their chosen languages. There might also be an opportunity to take discovery modules, which include modules in an additional language for students wishing to expand their linguistic repertoire.

At Level 1, students will study core language modules that are tailored to their ability alongside modules which will introduce them to the cultures and societies of the languages they are studying. They will also receive training in crucial academic skills such as critical analysis, argumentation, research and academic writing.

At Level 2 and 3 students will continue to develop their communicative proficiency and their linguistic and intercultural awareness through core language modules. They will also choose from a range of optional modules exploring various aspects of the cultures, history, politics, and social and economic structures of the countries of the languages of study. They will analyse and critically interpret a wide diversity of cultural forms, products and practice, and will learn to mediate, analyse and compare ideas and events that cross national, cultural or linguistic boundaries.

Throughout the programme, students will develop valuable interpretative, analytical and digital skills, as well as becoming confident researchers. Students will demonstrate these qualities when they undertake a Final Year Project on a topic of their choice in one of the language subjects they study.

Year 1

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

At Level 1, students must study 120 credits. Overall, students must take 100 credits across their two subjects.

Students are required to take a minimum of 40 credits in Russian (minimum of 60 credits for students in Russian Route B) and a minimum of 40 credits in Spanish.

The remaining 20 credits may be taken as a MODL module, which can count towards either of their two subjects (Russian AND Spanish), a further option with Spanish, or discovery modules.

Compulsory Modules

All students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV1120What is Russia? An Introduction to Russian Studies20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO1010Practical Language Skills in Spanish 120Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SPPO1420Researching Spanish and Latin American Studies20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional Modules

Route A (Russian)

Students entering with A level Russian or equivalent will be required to study the following module:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV1101Core Russian Language 120Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Route H (Russian)

Students entering with heritage knowledge of Russian language will be required to study the following module:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV1140Russian Language for Heritage Speakers20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Route B (Russian)

Students with no prior knowledge of Russian will be required to study the following modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV1010Beginning Russian 120Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLAV1020Beginning Russian 220Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)PFP

Routes A/H (Russian)

Students with prior knowledge of Russian (taking EITHER SLAV1101 OR SLAV1140) may study up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules. (Basket 1 AND Basket 2).

Routes B (Russian)

Students with no prior knowledge of Russian (taking both SLAV1010 AND SLAV1020) may study up to 20 credits from the following lists of optional modules (EITHER Basket 1 OR Basket 2).:

Basket 1

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO1045The Historical Development of Spain and Hispanic America20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO1080Portuguese Language for Beginners 1A20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SPPO1145Catalan Language and Culture I20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO1160Introduction to the Cultural Production of Spain and Spanish America20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Basket 2

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MODL1050Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1060Language: Structure and Sound20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL1070World Histories20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1090Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL1100Politics, Culture and Society20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1150Worlds of Literature20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL1401Discourse, Culture and Identity20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Discovery Modules

All students may take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory residence abroad module.  

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MODL9500LCS Year Abroad120Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Year 3

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

At Level 2, students must study 120 credits. Overall, students must take 100 credits across their two subjects. Students are required to take 40 credits in Russian and a minimum of 40 credits in Spanish.

The remaining 20 credits may be taken as a MODL module, which can count towards either of their two subjects (Russian AND Spanish), a further option with Spanish, or discovery modules.

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory module:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO2010Practical Language Skills in Spanish 220Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Route A/B (Russian)

Students who took SLAV1101 OR SLAV1010 and SLAV1020 in Level 1 will be required to study the following module:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV2101Core Russian Language 220Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Route H (Russian)

Students who took SLAV1140 in Level 1 will be required to study the following module: 

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV2230Applied Russian Language for Heritage Speakers20Not running in 202526PFP

Route A/B (Russian)

Students taking SLAV2101 will be required to study a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 1 AND Baskets 2-3). Students can take only ONE module per Basket. (Basket 2 and Basket 3 are offered in alternate years):

Route H (Russian)

Students taking SLAV2230 will be required to study a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 2 OR Basket 3) (Basket 2 and Basket 3 are offered in alternate years):



Basket 1 (Route A/B)

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV2103Applied Russian Language 220Not running in 202526

Basket 2 (Route A/B/H)

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV2111The Sounds of Russian20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SLAV2113The Spaces of Russophone Literature20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Basket 3 (Route A/B/H)

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV2120The Structures of Russian20Not running in 202526

All students will be required to study 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following optional modules: 

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO2100Issues in Hispanic Cinema20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO2110Literature and the Arts in the Spanish-speaking World20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO2510Latin America since Independence (c1800 - c1930)20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO2680Modern Spain (1868-1975)20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

All students may take 20 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO2580Translation Theory and Practice in a Spanish - English Context20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO2595Catalan Language and Culture II20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO2650The Spanish regional Melting Pot: the old same History?20Not running in 202526

All students may study up to 20 credits from the following list of optional modules: 

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MODL2001Linguists into Schools20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2003Global Queer Politics and Cultures20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL2015Black Europe20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2070Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL2075Global Environmental Humanities20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL2250Digital Communications Across Cultures20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Students may take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 4

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

At Level 3, students must study 120 credits. Students are required to take a minimum of 40 credits in Russian and a minimum of 40 credits in Spanish. Overall, students must take 100 credits across their two subjects.

All students must take 40 credits as a Final Year Project (FYP) module, which can be taken in - and count towards - either of their two subjects (EITHER Russian OR Spanish).

The remaining 20 credits may be taken as a MODL module, which can count towards either of their two subjects (Russian AND Spanish), a further option with Russian OR Spanish, or discovery modules.

Compulsory Modules

All students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MODL3050Final Year Project40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SLAV3101Core Russian Language 320Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SPPO3010Practical Language Skills in Spanish 320Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Students who take their FYP in Spanish are required to take a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 1 AND Baskets 2-3). (Baskets 2 and Basket 3 are offered in alternate years).

Students who take their FYP in Russian may take up to 20 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 1 OR Baskets 2-3). (Baskets 2 and 3 are offered in alternate years).

Basket 1

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV3114Russian Advanced Translation20Not running in 202526

Basket 2

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV3117The Sounds of Russian20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SLAV3118The Spaces of Russophone Literature20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Basket 3

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SLAV3119The Others of Russian, Soviet and Post-Soviet Culture20Not running in 202526
SLAV3120The Structures of Russian20Not running in 202526

Students who take their FYP in Russian are required to take a minimum of 20 credits and may take up to 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from Basket 1 AND Basket 2).

Students who take their FYP in Spanish may take up to 20 credits from the following lists of optional modules (from EITHER Basket 1 OR Basket 2).

Basket 1:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO3062Spanish in an Economic and Business Context20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO3071Contemporary Spain: Politics, Culture and Society After Franco20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO3800Icons and Stars: Celebrity and Revolution in Spain and Latin America20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO3900Race and Representation in the Spanish-speaking world20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Basket 2:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SPPO3420Spanish-English Translation20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SPPO3535Catalan Language and Culture III20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

All students may study 20 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MODL3200Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL3410Contemporary World Literature20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MODL3600Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption20Not running in 202526
MODL3610Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents20Not running in 202526
MODL3620Decolonial Approaches20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL3630Social Movements across Cultures20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL3650Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL3800Linguists into Schools20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Students may choose to take 20 credits of discovery modules.

Last updated: 21/07/2025 17:00:45

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team