Course overview
This intellectually demanding multidisciplinary degree programme allows you to explore new subjects or develop your existing interests.
Study complementary disciplines or choose unusual subject combinations to reflect your individual interests and career aspirations.
Specialist career and graduate development modules will prepare you for your future.
Features of this degree include:
- more than 20 subjects to choose from
- try new subjects without prior experience
- language learning from beginners’ and advanced level
- specialist career and graduate development modules
- independent projects to combine your subject interests
Your degree certificate will reference the subjects you studied in Stages 2 and 3, allowing employers to identify your areas of expertise, for example, BA Combined Honours in English Literature and French.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Our flexible degree structure gives you the freedom to try new subjects.
In Stage 1, you divide your time equally between the two or three subjects you have chosen.
Subjects currently available
You can choose to combine two or three subjects at Stage 1, totalling 120 credits (with a minimum of 40 credits in each subject) and must continue with at least two of them throughout the remainder of the degree.
Archaeology
Business
Chinese
Classics
Education
English Literature
Film (Film Studies or Documentary Practice)
French
Geography
German
History
History of Art
Japanese
Law
Linguistics
Media and Communication
Music
Philosophy
Politics
Portuguese
Sociology
Spanish and Latin American Studies
Please note:
- you may not take more than two Modern Language subjects, and only one of those may be studied at beginners’ level
- most students are able to follow their first choice of subjects. However, subject choice may be constrained by the teaching timetable and capacity on modules
- it is not possible to study Chinese and Japanese, or Film Studies and Documentary Practice, together
From Stage 2 onwards, you can choose how to combine your subjects and how many you wish to study:
- study three subjects in equal proportion
- study two subjects in equal proportion (the joint route)
- spend two-thirds of your time on one subject and one third on the other (the major/minor route)
Your degree certificate will reference the subjects you studied in Stages 2 and 3, allowing employers to identify your areas of expertise, for example, BA Combined Honours in English Literature and French.
In addition to subject modules, we also offer Combined Honours modules unique to you. These include experiential learning and research-based project modules.
In your final year, you have the option of undertaking a dissertation or project that spans more than one of your chosen subjects or focuses on just one.
Year abroad
If you are taking a language beyond Stage 1, you spend a year abroad between Stage 2 and 3 in a country where your chosen language is spoken. You take the following modules:
SML3004 Year Abroad ePortfolio
And either
SML3007 Year Abroad Work Placement Report 1 OR
SML3008 Year Abroad Work Placement Report 2 OR
SML3006 Study Abroad
In addition to subject modules, we also offer Combined Honours modules unique to you. These include experiential learning and research-based project modules.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
As a guide, you’ll normally attend three or four lectures and a similar number of seminars a week.
You’ll be taught by staff from within the different subject areas that you choose to study, which means you’ll learn from specialists in each field.
Skills and experience
The professional, practical and research skills you’ll develop through your degree depend on the subjects you choose.
Combined Honours students are heavily involved with shaping the programme. This student engagement and partnership benefit you as a student and encourage you to grow in confidence.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country with study abroad. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
Students studying a language
If you study a language beyond Stage 1 you’ll have the option to spend a year abroad after Stage 2, extending your degree to four years.
Find out more about study abroad when studying a language
Students not studying a language
Students who are not studying a language may also have the opportunity to study abroad. You can substitute one semester or add an extra year to study abroad after Stage 2 (depending on subject choice).
Find out more about spending a semester abroad
Find out more about spending a year abroad
Work placement
Alternatively, you have the opportunity to take a 9 to 12 month work placement in the UK or abroad between Stages 2 and 3, regardless of subject combination.
You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in your chosen sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability, however it isn’t available if you’re spending a year studying abroad.
Find out more about work placements
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Combined Honours student, you will be based at the Henry Daysh Building. Here and across campus you’ll have access to a whole range of facilities
Newcastle University has achieved five QS Stars for facilities from QS Quacquarelli Symonds. You’ll benefit from top facilities that not only support you and help you get the best out of your studies but give you an outstanding experience, such as:
- an award-winning library service
- excellent IT facilities
- a range of study support and wellbeing services to help you reach your full potential
- a wide range of sporting facilities
Support
You’ll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.
Your future
Combined Honours graduates are well placed to enter a wide range of careers, being adaptable, efficient and self-motivated, with a variety of skills and qualities that employers are keen to use.
Combined Honours graduates can be found in all roles and areas of a contemporary internationally facing economy. They take positions in government and civil service, media, journalism, financial services, marketing and project management. Their disciplinary knowledge, combined with their flexibility, and self-motivation make them especially attractive to employers in a rapidly changing environment.
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB. Specific subjects and grades may be required depending on the combination to be studied. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| A minimum of 34 points including at least two subjects at Higher Level grade 6 or above. | |
