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Full Time: 4 Years
Specialise in one language or combine two or three languages and expand your knowledge of the associated cultures. Our BA Modern Languages enables you to become fluent in your chosen language(s) and to hone your intercultural skills.
Our flexible BA Modern Languages gives you the opportunity to either specialise in one core language, or to combine two or three languages. You can decide to study one, two or three core languages, choosing from:
You can start these core languages from beginner, intermediate or advanced level. The study of core languages includes language modules, but also cultural modules that develop your understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken, from their literary and cinematic traditions to their history, politics and linguistics. The number of ‘cultural’ modules you will take depends on whether you are specialising in one specific language, or combining two or three core languages. Find our more about our core languages and the modules on offer: French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish Studies.
Our programme also allows you to combine up to two core languages with our additional languages. Choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Modern Greek or Russian (subject to availability). The study of additional languages focuses on developing your linguistic proficiency, and you will reach independent-user competency by the time you graduate.
Language levels and requirements
Our four core languages (French, German, Italian and Spanish) can be taken from beginner's level and no previous language qualifications are required. You may commence one or more of these languages at intermediate or advanced level if you have studied it before. If studying more than one core language, only one core language can be studied from beginner’s level. By the time you graduate you will have achieved near-native proficiency.
Our additional languages start at beginner’s level only, and enable you to achieve independent-user level by the time you graduate.
Year Abroad
Expand your linguistic skills and intercultural understanding in one or two of your core languages by spending a year abroad. You can choose to study at a partner university, go on a work placement or work as a language teaching assistant. If you choose to study more than one core language, you will have the chance to prioritise the core language that you started at beginner level.
Qualified Teacher Status
Alongside your degree, and depending on your chosen combination of languages, you can train for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a qualification that will enable you to teach in secondary schools in England and Wales.
If you opt into the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) modules, you will be interviewed during your first year and must demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching. You will also need to satisfy the requirements set by the Department for Education.
For more information, please visit the Department of Languages and Cultures website.Typical offer A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £17,320 per year
* UK and EU Fee Changes
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students
For more information on fees, loans and grants for EU students, see fees and funding for home/EU students.
Additional Costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
What career can you have?
Overall, 89% of our students are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18; First Degree and other undergraduate responders from Languages and Cultures).
Recent graduates have found careers in translation, teaching, business and finance, the arts, and marketing. Recent employers include Sony Europe, the Civil Service, Oxford University Press, BNP Paribas, Dow Jones, Vodafone and PwC.