BA Swedish and Portuguese
About this course
BA in Swedish and Portuguese, a German and Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies degree focusing on Scandinavian and Lusophone languages, societies and literatures. Core topics include Research Methods. The four-year programme includes an integrated year abroad spent in regions relevant to both language disciplines. The first year covers foundational language acquisition and cultural history through modules such as Introduction to Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture, Introduction to Portuguese Literature, Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture, and Introduction to Nordic Studies 1. The second year builds intermediate proficiency via Intermediate Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture and Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture, alongside optional choices spanning Nordic Literature in Context and Afro-Brazilian Literature in Translation. The third year consists of a compulsory year abroad across two terms of international immersion. The final year involves advanced study through Advanced Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture, Advanced Swedish Language and Culture, and Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, while options permit further specialisation in topics such as Short Fiction and the Making of Modern Brazil and Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies.
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 (Foreign Language Preferred) 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 34 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 58%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 56%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- 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: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
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 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- Introduction to Portuguese Literature
- The Brazilian Novel
- Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- Intermediate Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture
- The Golden Age of Portuguese Travel Literature
- Afro-Brazilian Literature in Translation
- Intermediate Danish Language and Culture 2
- Intermediate Norwegian Language and Culture 1
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture 1
- Nordic Literature in Context
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture 2
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture 2
- Topics in Scandinavian Linguistics
- Intermediate Norwegian Language and Culture 2
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Advanced Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- Advanced Swedish Language and Culture
- Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
- Portugal and Its Empire in the 20th Century: Trajectories and Memories
- Short Fiction and the Making of Modern Brazil
- Northern Sites and Cities: Perspectives of Urban and Cultural Geographies of the Nordic Region
- Advanced Danish Language and Culture
- Advanced Norwegian Language and Culture
- Advanced Icelandic Language and Culture
- Translation from the Scandinavian Languages
- Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies
- Crime and Small Communities in Nordic Literature
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Swedish and Portuguese 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 £10,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of BA Swedish and Portuguese 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 Swedish and Portuguese at University College London?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Swedish and Portuguese at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Does BA Swedish and Portuguese at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Swedish and Portuguese at University College London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.