Over 40% of Modern Languages Special Subjects have been cut for those sitting finals next year, with up to eight out of eleven options being cancelled in certain languages. The options for Paper XII are dependent on teaching resources across languages.
Those reading Portuguese are among the hardest hit, as only three out of the possible eleven options are available. One of those options, however, is limited to ten places. Last year, those studying Portuguese were also limited to four out of a possible eleven options. Languages such as Italian, however, have had no cancellations to their original nine options. In fact, Italian have added a new paper on gender and sexuality in modern Italy.
In addition, students reading Slavonic are limited to just four options out of eleven, though two of those will not be taught. Last year, by contrast, Slavonic had double the number of options, and all of them offered teaching.
Some options have been outright discontinued, including the French Rousseau special subject, as well as others being suspended. Last year, no papers were highlighted to have been discontinued or suspended.
One third year MML student told Cherwell: “Given the ongoing confusion around changes to exams, a decreased choice of special subjects will probably make final year even more difficult for many students.”
Modern Languages students are made aware that Paper XII options are subject to change due to “the availability of teaching resources”, and special subjects are made available one year before examination. The MML Faculty refused to comment on this year’s cuts.
This announcement follows the Faculty’s recent decision to move to in-person, closed book exams due to concerns over AI and plagiarism. The shift in examination conditions will affect the same cohort as the Paper XII cuts, who will be sitting finals in 2026.
