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Course review
Review by: Serge G
University: University of Bristol
Course: Modern Languages
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
15
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
French, Spanish, English Literature and Latin
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I wanted to achieve fluency in both French and Spanish.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
The focus is on literature and history, and I cannot emphasise that enough. Many students arrived without any experience studying either. Do not expect language to be the central element of your course - that is why you spend your 3rd year abroad.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Two lectures centred on literature and history, followed by classes of 15-20 students where the focus is on written, oral and aural language skills.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
For both history and literature modules how much reading you do is entirely up to how motivated you are. Brighter students can get away with reading only the set texts and one or two pieces of criticism for literature modules, while still securing top marks. However, the history elements involve a lot of reading and learning over broad time periods. Contact hours are fewer, as you are expected to be reading to make up your hours to a 35 hour week. Frankly, this is unrealistic and only the minority of students do this.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The French literature side of the course, which was engaging, very well taught and challenging without being too difficult.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Expect the Spanish lectures to be patronising, tedious at times and often unnecessary. There is a huge gap between the quality of the French and Spanish department.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
French: Very good, inspiring and knowledgeable academics, with suitable facilities. Spanish: Far more relaxed, but with this comes a much lower academic expectation of the students. Facilities are the same as the French department.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The focus is predominantly on literature and history in the first year. The second year allows you to pursue narrower fields (eg Spanish drama pre-1945, or the French Resistance). Do not expect to do a lot of language work. Many students saw no language improvement over their first year, some claiming their language ability even regressed.
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Other reviews for Modern Languages
Louisa D, 2nd Year doing Modern Languages at Durham University
Hugh K, 3rd Year doing Modern Languages at Oxford University James N, 1st Year doing Modern Languages at Durham University
Tara O, 1st Year doing Modern Languages at Leeds Metropolitan University
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University review
Review by: Serge G
University: University of Bristol
Course: Modern Languages
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the University of Bristol forum and see what people are discussing right now!
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Fun and relaxed, given the calibre of degree you come out with. At times you will work very hard, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself. It is a very middle-class uni though, so expect lots of blonde hair and rah-rah-rah...!
What is the academic life like at your university?
Surprisingly relaxed on the Arts side. You can enjoy lie-ins and lots of casual reading. Essay assignments are nowhere near as regular as at Oxbridge. Expect 3-4 a term. However, this also means you will have to work harder for them to ensure a good mark at the end of the year.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Could not have been better. It was all about meeting people and enjoying yourself. There was nothing to worry about in terms of course content or academia as this all starts in Week 2.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The work-play ratio is ideal. There is a fantastic social life regardless of how intense your course. However, Bristol University's dire financial situation becomes apparent rather quickly with Halls of Residence being in some cases sub-standard. The Halls of Residence however have a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
The gym is rather average, especially in comparison to its neighbour's at Bath Uni! It is often busy, but it is decent with everything you would expect in a gym. I can't comment on the sports clubs.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Yes, quite frankly. Many students go out 3-4 times a week, drinking quite a lot. However, that's not to say it's for everyone - the slightly quieter students will certainly not feel "left-out".
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Bristol is a great city, offering mainstream shops, excellent nightlife and a pleasant environment. It does not swamp you as London might.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
Halls of residence. However, in some they are grim at times and the best day is when the cleaners come, but you will definitely have the time of your life there. If you prefer the quieter life, and don't enjoy banter/drunk people then move into a house.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Catered. It's not bad, but you have to be able to eat some less great food. Budget for replacing some of the meals with your own.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £120 ish - I think.
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