Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2023/24
2024/25

BA Modern Languages (4 years)

  • UCAS code
    R900
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • 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.

The Department of Languages and Cultures offers a flexible BA Modern Languages which 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 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:

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.

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

New international students: £22,350

*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.

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.