BA Polish and Swedish
About this course
BA in Polish and Swedish, a German and Russian studies degree centred on language acquisition and regional humanities. Core topics include Research Methods. The course is taught across two departments, the School of Slavonic and East European Studies and the School of European Languages, Culture and Society, and includes a year abroad. The first year introduces both languages alongside modules such as Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture, War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema, and Polish Language Level 1. The second year continues linguistic progression through Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture, Writing from the Other Europe, and Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, while offering optional intermediate studies in various Scandinavian languages. The third year consists of a year abroad spent studying or working. The final year involves advanced study through Advanced Swedish Language and Culture, Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, and Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension, with further options including Translation from the Scandinavian Languages and a Free-standing Dissertation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 70 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 84%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema
- Literature and Memory
- Polish Language Level 1
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture
- Writing from the Other Europe
- Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Polish Literature
- Intermediate Danish Language and Culture 2
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture 1
- Intermediate Norwegian Language and Culture
- Intermediate Norwegian Language and Culture 1
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture 1
- Nordic Literature in Context
- Intermediate Old Norse
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture 2
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Advanced Swedish Language and Culture
- Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
- Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 3b - Production
- Polish Literature 3
- Northern Sites and Cities: Perspectives of Urban and Cultural Geographies of the Nordic Region
- Translation from the Scandinavian Languages
- Vikings and Valkyries in Contemporary Culture
- Viking-Age Scandinavia A
- Free-standing Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Polish and Swedish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of BA Polish and Swedish at University College London do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Polish and Swedish at University College London?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Polish and Swedish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
Does BA Polish and Swedish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Polish and Swedish at University College London?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.