Modern Languages

Study two languages. Studying languages is both fascinating and challenging. They break down barriers, allowing us to connect globally and share experiences. In an ever more complex world, language skills are more relevant than ever.

During this degree, you will have the opportunity to hone these skills by spending a year abroad immersing yourself into both your chosen languages and cultures. Many of our students say the year abroad is their course highlight and find that they return more independent and confident with experiences and skills which make them stand out to future employers. If you are unable to spend a year abroad, you may be interested in our three-year Modern Languages BA.
You may choose two languages from: Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish (all post-A Level or from beginners' level); and Serbian/Croatian and Portuguese (from beginners' level only). If you would like to study three languages, please see our Modern Language Studies BA.

There are two pathways you may choose from:

I have two post-A level/IB languages:
You may choose to continue two of the following: Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish (which includes a year of Portuguese) - just let us know your language choices in your UCAS application.

I have one post-A level/IB language and would like to start another as a beginner or from GCSE level:
You will reach the same level in your beginners’ language as in your A-level language by the final year. You may choose from: Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian/Croatian or Spanish - just let us know your language choices in your UCAS application.

Portuguese is only available as a beginners' language and may not be combined with Mandarin Chinese or Russian.

Serbian/Croatian is only available as a beginners' language and may only be studied alongside Russian.

Depending on the languages you choose and the level you start from there are certain core modules you have to take each year.

Year one. There are two pathways you may choose from:

I have two post-A level/IB languages:
You may choose to continue two of the following: French, German, Russian and Spanish* (which includes a year of Portuguese) - just let us know your language choices in your UCAS application.

I have one post-A level/IB language and would like to start another as a beginner or from GCSE level
You can reach the same level in your beginners’ language as in your A-level language by your final year. You may choose from: French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian/Croatian or Spanish - just let us know your language choices in your UCAS application.

You will take 120 credits worth of modules with core modules appropriate to your level and language choices. Your core language modules are 20 credits for post-A level students and 40 credits if you are a beginner (except Portuguese and Serbian/Croatian which are 20 credits).

Year two. Your language studies will be consolidated and developed to prepare you for your year abroad.
You will take 120 credits’ worth of modules with the core language modules being 20 credits per language.

Year abroad. You will divide your time between countries where your chosen language(s) are spoken. Depending on where your placement is, you could study at one of our exchange universities, teach on the British Council assistantship programme, or undertake a work placement with a company. (Please note this option is not available in China or Russia)

Year four. You will develop your command of your languages and their use in increasingly sophisticated contexts.
Through optional modules you'll be able to tailor your degree around personal interests or career aspirations.
During this year you will take 120 credits’ worth of modules (including 20 credits of core language modules per language).