I’m Jack, a Year 1 MLang student of French at Lancaster. I have always loved all things languages, from the intricate points of grammar, to interacting with different cultures. Lancaster’s Department of Languages and Cultures (DeLC) offers the accelerated MLang programme, which allows you to study either one or two languages, whilst also attaining an integrated Master’s degree in 4 years.

Here are my top 3 reasons why I chose to study on the MLang programme:

1. Firstly, the opportunity of attaining an integrated Master’s degree

The most unique thing about DeLC’s MLang programme is the possibility of achieving an integrated Master’s degree in just four years, the same time commitment of the usual undergraduate degree programmes at Lancaster. This is made possible by moving the Year Abroad from year 3 (as with all other language degrees in DeLC) to year 2, allowing for postgraduate Master’s study in the fourth and final year. The timeline of the course goes something like this:

• Year 1: Settling in to DeLC. This year is spent at Lancaster studying with, and getting to know fellow year 1 linguists, improving your language skills and cultural awareness in preparation for Year 2.

• Year 2: the Year Abroad. The whole academic year is spent at one or two (depending on how many languages are being studied) partner institutions in France, Spain, or Germany.

• Year 3: the final year of undergraduate study. It’s back to Lancaster for the final year of undergraduate study, where you can choose from a range of language and culture modules, such as dissertations, etc.

• Year 4: Master’s degree study.

2. The ‘Year Abroad’

The Year Abroad in the second year of study provides the unique opportunity of full cultural immersion in the one or two target languages being studied. Students of French study in Rennes, Spanish in Córdoba, and German in Trier. The full academic year is spent at a partner institution, where you study and are assessed by both the partner university and Lancaster, in both language and culture modules. Preparation for the Year Abroad starts almost right away in the Michaelmas term of first year, giving you almost 10 months of preparation time to organise your next year of studies. I am really excited to be spending my Year Abroad in Rennes, Brittany, next year!

3. Lastly, the challenge!

For me, one of the major reasons that I chose to study on the MLang is the challenge! The MLang represents the opportunity of pushing yourself and your language skills by accelerating the course into just a 4 year period. It goes without saying that the MLang is one of DeLC’s most demanding degree programmes, with academic, intellectual, and personal challenges aplenty. The entry requirements are higher, and the academic demand is undeniably greater. That said, the support from the course director, international placement year tutors, personal academic advisors, college and departmental support staff, and fellow MLing-ers is plentiful!

I am still at the start of my MLang journey, but am loving it! I felt welcomed with open arms into the DeLC and MLang communities and ever since Welcome Week, I knew I had made the right decision!

If you have any further questions about all things MLang or DeLC at Lancaster, please do not hesitate to email me on j.shiers@lancaster.ac.uk.

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