Department of European Languages and Cultures

Year 1 overview

Information for students on their first year of study

All first‐year courses are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and exam. Details of the weighting for each course can be found in your course handbook, available via LEARN.

1A courses are aimed at students who do not have a Higher or equivalent level of proficiency in the target language. They are primarily designed to provide students with an introduction to, and a firm grounding in, a new language of study. Some courses also provide an introduction to relevant cultural issues. Because of the demands of studying a new language, two 1A courses may not normally be taken together in the same year.

1B courses are aimed at students who already have a Higher or equivalent level of proficiency in the target language. They are designed to develop existing language skills, and to place these within a broader cultural context.

In all cases, a pass (40% overall) is required for entry into second year. 1A students may be advised not to enter second year, in their own interest, if their pass mark is not much above 40%; further information on this will be given in the course of first year.