What can I study?

*This information is very important so if you are going to undertake a Study Abroad placement at a partner university, we strongly encourage you to bookmark this page to refer to at a later date*

Before you arrive at your host university, you will almost certainly have to sign up for modules and submit a Module Record to outbound@exeter.ac.uk. From this Module Record, we will be able to see which modules you have chosen and then we will either approve them or ask you to choose something different.

This process is important for two reasons. Firstly, we will use this information when converting your marks once you have returned to Exeter. Secondly, we would expect for the transcript that you bring back to mirror directly the most Module Record that we've approved.

How many modules/credits do I need to take abroad?

The following information is for guidance only so please keep an eye on your emails and the Modern Languages Year Abroad ELE page for any changes.

When you are on your Study Abroad placement, you are expected to take a full workload of modules/credits. This may seem challenging at first but it will be the most beneficial route to improving your language skills. For example:

SML3020 (full year studying):
- If you are studying in Europe, you should take a full workload of 60 ECTS credits over the whole year.
- If you are studying outside of Europe, you should take eight modules over the whole year.
- If you are studying in China, you will take 720 hours over the year.

SML3025 (one semester study and one semester work):
- If you are studying in Europe, you should take a full workload of 30 ECTS credits for the semester.
- If you are studying outside of Europe, you should take four modules over the semester.

How am I assessed?

You will be assessed at your host university and then bring your marks back to Exeter to be converted by us into Exeter marks. Please note that we will convert your highest-marked credits/modules of half of the full workload. For example:

If you are studying for the full year in Europe, we will convert your highest-marked 30 ECTS. If you are studying for the full year outside of Europe, we will convert your highest-marked 4 modules. If you are studying for the full year in China, we will convert your highest-marked 360 hours.
If you are studying for a semester in Europe, we will convert your highest-marked 15 ECTS. If you are studying for a semester outside of Europe, we will convert your highest-marked 2 modules.

For more information on how we convert your Study Abroad marks, please see the Assessment and Feedback section of the College Taught Handbook.

Which modules can I take?

Any modules that you take must be directly relevant to your programme at Exeter (However, as at Exeter, you can take 25% in other disciplines)
You should take modules in the culture, language and literature of the languages you study - just as you do here at Exeter.
All modules must have an ECTS credit value (if at a European university) and must be provided by the partner university
You may take up to 2 intensive language modules per semester. Any more will not be converted upon your return to Exeter
You may only take 1 non-language module which is designed specifically for international students. All other modules should be designed for the partner university's own students
All modules must be delivered in the target language - not in English
Always try and enrol on modules that are challenging and designed for native speakers of the target language.
If you are on a combined honours programme, such as History and French, please remember that you will be on a Modern Languages Year Abroad, and as such at least 75% of your modules should be in the culture, literature or language(s) that you study. The other part of your degree can make up the remaining 25% of modules.

At what level should the modules be?

For language-specific modules, at least level 2 or 3 (2nd or 3rd year)
For other modules, for example subjects not studied before at Exeter, or that require previous knowledge: level 1 or 2

Can we change these modules later?

Modules chosen at the application stage are not set in stone! When you know which university you have been allocated to, you will have to apply to them directly and include the modules that you want to do. It is therefore a good idea to take a note of the module choices that you make in the application so you do not have to go through the whole process of searching again. You can always change modules upon arrival at the host institution if you find that a module is too easy or too difficult or even no longer available. However, if you make any changes to your modules, it's essential you let the Outbound team know so they can be approved.

Can I take language centre courses?

One of the options that the partner university may offer is the opportunity to take a language course in a language centre that is linked with the partner university (such as the INTO centre we have here at Exeter). This is allowed, but there are some provisos.

The language centre must be part of the host university - it cannot simply be an affiliate language school or centre in the same town, city, etc.;
The course must have an ECTS credit value (if at a European university) which appears on your transcript;
The course must be delivered in the target language and absolutely not in English;
You are only allowed to take a maximum of 2 of these modules per semester

Can I take translation modules?

Translation modules will be counted as non-language modules if they are based on translation theory and this should be specified in the learning agreement or via email if this is the case.
Translation modules will be accepted and included in the final conversion of your Year Abroad marks as long as they are predominantly taught in the target language.

Are there any other requirements?

Please note that the above guidance is subject to the requirements of the host university. This means, for example, that if the partner university does not allow you to take any modules outside of your home subject area, then you must comply with their wishes. What’s more, if your host university requires that you study more than our minimum requirement of credits/modules, you need to abide by their rules, but we will only convert the highest marks from our minimum requirement.

How do I get my modules approved by the College?

Once you know which modules you would like to take at your host university, you will need to inform the Outbound team for approval. You do this by sending your Module Record Form to the Outbound team. From this, we will be able to see which modules you have chosen and then we will either approve them or ask you to choose something different.