BA Finnish and Polish
About this course
BA in Finnish and Polish, a Russian Studies and Modern Languages degree focusing on the acquisition of two languages alongside the cultural contexts of Finland and Poland. The course includes a compulsory third-year period spent abroad. The first year introduces foundational linguistic skills and cultural contexts through modules such as Introduction to Nordic Studies 1, War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema, Finnish Language Level 1, and Polish Language Level 1. The second year builds proficiency with Finnish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, Finnish Language Level 2b-Production, Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, and Introduction to Polish Literature, while offering optional modules like Nordic Literature in Context and How Words Work: Sounds and Sense. The third year consists of a compulsory year abroad spanning two terms. The fourth year advances proficiency to the final level through Finnish Language Level 3a - Comprehension, Advanced Finnish Society and Culture, Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension, and Polish Literature 3, with further options including Nordic Cinema and Perspectives on Nonbinary, Gender-inclusive and Genderqueer Language.
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 39 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 63%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
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 120 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 81%
- Baccalaureate: 8%
- Access course: 2%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 4%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema
- Literature and Memory
- Finnish Language Level 1
- Polish Language Level 1
- Writing from the Other Europe
- Finnish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Finnish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Finnish Society and Culture
- Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Polish Literature
- Nordic Literature in Context
- Nordic Politics and Society
- How Words Work: Sounds and Sense
- Tales of the Unexpected: the Supernatural and Fantastic in Literature, 1800 - 1930
- Languages in Contact along the Danube: Intercultural Frictions and Flows
- Minority Languages of Russia: Cultural, Linguistic Diversity and Endangerment
- Staging Europe: Modern European Drama and Theatre
- Between the Alps and the Adriatic: Modern Slovene Culture and Literature
- Old Church Slavonic and Comparative Slavonic Grammar as a Language Learning Strategy
- Contemporary Performance and Activism in Europe
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Finnish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Finnish Language Level 3b - Production
- Advanced Finnish Society and Culture
- Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 3b - Production
- Polish Literature 3
- Crime and Small Communities in Nordic Literature
- Nordic Cinema
- Nordic Landscapes
- Perspectives on Nonbinary, Gender-inclusive and Genderqueer Language
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Finnish and Polish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 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 £6,000 more than the UK median for Slavic studies.
What do graduates of BA Finnish and Polish at University College London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Finnish and Polish at University College London?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Finnish and Polish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 156 UCAS points.
Does BA Finnish and Polish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Finnish and Polish at University College London?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.