BA (Hons) LANGUAGES AND INTERNET SYSTEMS
FRENCH/GERMAN/ ITALIAN/SPANISH/ENGLISH as a foreign language.
UCAS CODE : 3 or 4 year programmes/RG94 BA/LangIs
Why choose a combined degree in Languages and Internet Systems?
This degree allows you to study two complementary subjects in depth. You may want to continue to study two subject areas that you already enjoy or take the opportunity to study a completely new area. By combining subjects you will be able to keep your career options open.
This degree is an excellent starting point for a range of career choices. The combination of general computing, internet systems and languages provides a first-class opportunity to learn about the fast growing world of the Internet and how it relates to national and international industry and commerce. There is a skills shortage in the computer industry and a need for graduates to be good communicators. This degree will provide the linguistic skills needed to join companies that operate across linguistic boundaries.
Although the language of the internet, and global business is deemed to be English, there is a parallel trend towards ‘localization’ of computer and internet systems that requires them to take account of local languages, customs and cultural practices. In addition, many areas associated with language acquisition, and associated activities such as translation and lexicography, increasingly involve computers. Thus this combination seeks to develop computer literate linguists with a combination of skills and understanding that will equip them for a career in the modern information society.
How does this degree relate to what I am learning now?
Although you may be studying or have already studied aspects of computing or a foreign language you can join this degree without any specific prior academic knowledge of either subject area, except if you wish to study French for which we require an AS as a minimum qualification. In general, your academic potential, willingness to learn and ability to make a positive contribution are more important than your previous choice of study area.
Can I study abroad?
You will have the opportunity to spend your optional sandwich year abroad; either at a foreign university or in Internet-related employment. Portsmouth has an extensive network of university partners in the European Union (EU), central and South America. We manage EU university placements within the Socrates/Reassume framework, which means that students going abroad are carefully supported and monitored throughout the period. Similar arrangements exist for our Latin American university placements. Portsmouth has pioneered a system for the preparation and supervision of students abroad and you should find yourself well prepared to cope with, and benefit from, this experience of a lifetime. We also have an Industrial Liaison office with good links with placement providers in the UK and abroad.
Will the course help me get the job I want?
Rates of employability among Portsmouth graduates have been considerably above the national average and with a degree in Languages and Internet Systems you will be particularly well placed to enter a wide range of interesting and rewarding careers in the UK and abroad. An aim of the course is to make you aware of the knowledge, skills and qualities that are valued by employers. You will develop the skills prized by employers, such as time management, communication, independent critical thinking, problem solving and team working.
Course Structure:
Year 1 Core Units:
Foreign Language (40)* Developing Information Systems (20) Web Authoring and Internet Infrastructure (10) Java (10)
Year 2 Core Units:
Foreign Language (40) Rapid Application Development (10) Internet Usability and Applications (10) Databases (10) Webserver Use, Configuration and Management (10)
Year 3:
Year Abroad: University or Work Placement
Year 4 Core Units:
Foreign Language (40) Information Systems Management (20) OR Information System Methodologies (10) Computer-Based Training and Multimedia (10) e-Commerce: Critical Evaluation of Technology (20) Dissertation or Project (40)
The numbers in brackets refer to credits: each academic year you have to accumulate 120 study credits. In years 1 and 2, the remaining credits are acquired from optional course units. For example, the range of options in Year 2 includes: European Economic Integration, European Business Culture, Comparing European Nations, Residence Abroad and Research Management, Structured Systems Analysis and Design, Software Engineering, Windows Programming, an elective unit. All of the listed units have a credit rating of 10; a total of four units would be chosen in Year 2.
Facilities
The School is located in Park Building just behind the Guildhall in the centre of the city. Park Building houses two very large modern lecture theatres, a number of smaller lecture theatres, three computer suites, language laboratories and editing suites. The Learning Resources Centre provides facilities for independent study. For more information about this programme please contact:
The Faculty Admissions Office Park Building King Henry 1 Street Portsmouth Hants PO1 2DZ
Email:lang.admissions@port.ac.uk Tel:0044 (0)23 9284 8299 Fax:0044 (0)23 9284 6011 Website:www.port.ac.uk/departments/slas
LEAFLETS01/Lang.Internet
For further details please e-mail or telephone the Faculty Admissions Office on 0044 (0)23 9284 8299