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BA Modern Languages (4 years)

  • UCAS code
    R900
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    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:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

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 out 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[1].

Choose from:

  • Arabic
  • British Sign Language
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Modern Greek
  • Japanese
  • Russian.

The study of additional languages focuses on developing your linguistic proficiency, and you will reach independent-user competency by the time you graduate. 90% of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things in the Department of Languages and Cultures [2].

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.

For more information, please visit theDepartment of Languages and Cultures website.

[1] Additional languages are subject to availability.

[2] National Student Survey, 2022.

Overview

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:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish

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 out 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[1].

Choose from:

  • Arabic
  • British Sign Language
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Modern Greek
  • Japanese
  • Russian.

The study of additional languages focuses on developing your linguistic proficiency, and you will reach independent-user competency by the time you graduate. 90% of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things in the Department of Languages and Cultures [2].

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.

For more information, please visit theDepartment of Languages and Cultures website.

[1] Additional languages are subject to availability.

[2] National Student Survey, 2022.

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

BBB

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall

GCSE

To study two core languages: minimum GCSE grade B (or 6) is required in at least one of the core languages of choice (French, German, Italian, Spanish).

To study three core languages as major subjects: minimum GCSE grade B (or 6) is required in at least two of the core languages of choice (French, German, Italian, Spanish).

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

Core modules include:

  • Language modules in French, German, Italian and/or Spanish (depending on your chosen core language(s).

    Please note that all modules are subject to change.

    Optional modules may include:

    At least one cultural module focusing on the countries where your core language(s) is/are spoken, for instance:

    • The Making of Modern France (if studying French as a core module)
    • Icons of Modern Germany (if specialising in German)
    • Making Italians: a Journey in the History and Culture of Modern Italy (if choosing Italian as a core language)
    • Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Culture (if Spanish is taken as a core language).

    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. 

    Core modules may include:

    • Language modules in French, German, Italian and/or Spanish (depending on your chosen core language(s)

    Please note that all modules are subject to change.

    Optional modules may include:

    • At least one cultural module focusing on the countries where your core language(s) is/are spoken, for instance:
    • Global French Life-Stories (if studying French as a core module)
    • Glorification, Denial and Contempt ; reconstructing Austria’s Past (if specialising in German)
    • Italian Cinema (if choosing Italian as a core language)
    • Culture and Revolution in Modern Latin America (if Spanish is taken as a core language).

    The number of cultural modules you take in any one particular language depends on whether you are studying this language on its own, or in combination with others. For more information about modules on offer in each language please check our dedicated pages: French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish Studies

    You may choose to take one or more of our ‘comparative’ modules, which enable you to study the literature, cinema or history of not one but several countries in a comparative fashion, for example:

    • Society, Thought and Art in Modern Europe
    • Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism.

     

    Year abroad.

    If you are studying more than one core language you will have the opportunity to split your year abroad between different linguistic spheres, or – if you started one of your core languages from beginner’s level - you can choose spend the whole year in a country where the language you started from beginner’s level is spoken.

    We have an extensive network of partner institutions in Austria, France (including La Réunion in the Indian Ocean), Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Cuba.

    Core modules may include:

    • Language modules in French, German, Italian and/or Spanish (depending on your chosen core language(s)

    Please note that all modules are subject to change.

    Optional modules may include:

    At least one cultural module focusing on the countries where your core language(s) is/are spoken, for instance:

    • French Popular Music and Society
    • Migration in Germany
    • Crisis, Change, Opportunity: Italy from 1968 to the Present
    • Writers and Publishers in Spain

    The number of cultural modules you take in any one particular language depends on whether you are studying this language on its own, or in combination with others. For more information about modules on offer in each language please check our dedicated pages: French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish Studies

    You may choose to take one or more of our ‘comparative’ modules, which enable you to study the literature, cinema or history of not one but several countries in a comparative fashion, for example:

    • Cinemas of the World
    • Language and Power

    Fees

    New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

    New international students: £20,300

    *UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

    UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

    EU student fees

    With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

    Year abroad fees

    If you spend a full year abroad, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact studyabroad@reading.ac.uk.

    Additional Costs

    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 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.

    Careers

    In the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-20, overall, 88% of graduates from Languages and Cultures are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation*. 

    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.

    *Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Languages and Cultures responders.

    BA Modern Languages: French and Italian

    Contextual offers


    We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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    Related Subjects


    • French
    • German
    • Italian
    • Languages and Cultures
    • Spanish

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