Whether you are studying one or several languages, in combination with another subject or not, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the cultures in which the language(s) you are learning are embedded.

At Reading, we don't just teach languages, we give you the opportunity to explore your chosen language through its culture and history. Our degree courses offer variety and flexibility, enabling you to shape your degree to your interests.

Our extensive range of modules allows you to explore your chosen subject across a breadth of areas you may not have studied before. Alongside perfecting your command of your chosen language itself, you could study the history, politics, literature or cinema of the countries in which it is spoken. For examples of the modules we offer, please check our French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies or Spanish Studies pages.

Our range of modules is also accessible to you if you choose to study a language in combination with another subject, such as History, Linguistics, International Relations or Economics, for example.  Alternatively you could combine your language studies with a business and management degree offered by the Henley Business School, ranked in the top 10 Business Schools in Europe by the Financial Times, 2017.

"You have a wide variety of modules in Spanish from literature to cinematography, and there are a lot more options for the second year. That's one really good thing about this Department, that they [offer] this flexibility"

Attorie Burnett-Maloney, BA Spanish and International Relations

Build your own pathway

We offer a wide variety of modules, enabling you to study a broad range of topics or specialise in an area that interests you. Create and shape your own degree, and choose a pathway which best represents your individual interests.  Alongside all the modules you select you will also attend compulsory modules in your chosen languages(s).

Here are some examples of different degree types and prospective pathways you could follow:

• BA Modern Languages: specialising in one core language
• BA Modern Languages: combining two core languages

• Joint Honours programme: BA Spanish and International Development
• BA Modern Languages with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Please note: these are not set pathways and in no way restrict you to these modular choices, but demonstrate how you can take advantage of our wide range of optional modules and flexible courses to focus your degree in a particular area should you choose to do so.

BA modern languages: specialising in one core language (example: French)

As part of our BA Modern Languages you can choose to specialise in one language and the cultures associated with it. For example if you choose to focus on French, you will be able to explore the diversity of French and francophone cultures and histories, while developing your knowledge of the French language, and building up your confidence in our interactive language classes. Whether you are interested in literature, history, cinema or music, our range of French Studies modules will enable you to pursue your interests. Here are some examples of the cultural modules you could take alongside your French language module.

Find out more about the modules we currently offer in each of our core languages: French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish Studies.

BA Modern Languages: Specialising in two core languages (Example: German and Italian)

At Reading we want to enable our students on the BA Modern Languages to develop an in-depth knowledge of two languages and cultures, and to reflect on how they connect with each other.

This is why we offer modules that focus on specific countries and cultures, but also 'comparative' modules like the ones listed below, which deepen your understanding of different cultures and how they have interacted.

BA Spanish and International Development

Discover the histories and cultures of fascinating societies within the Hispanic world, while developing a detailed understanding of core development issues. Our BA Spanish and International Development enables you to expand your horizons while gaining practical skills and preparing for your future career.

BA Modern Languages with Qualified Teacher Status

This is not a direct entry degree course. All students have the opportunity to transfer to the BA Modern Languages with QTS at the beginning of their second year after demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching during their first year of study.

Find out more about BA Modern Languages with QTS