History and Modern Languages

The History and Modern Languages degree at the University of Oxford offers students a unique and comprehensive academic experience that combines the rigorous study of historical developments with the acquisition of modern language skills. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who have a passion for understanding the complexities of past societies, cultures, and languages, and who wish to develop a broad and nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of history and linguistic diversity. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of historical periods and themes, from ancient civilizations to contemporary history, while also achieving fluency in one or more modern languages, such as French, German, Spanish, or others, depending on the selected pathway. The program emphasizes critical analysis, original research, and the ability to interpret sources in their linguistic contexts, equipping graduates with valuable skills applicable in academia, public service, international relations, journalism, and the cultural sectors. Students benefit from Oxford’s distinguished faculty, extensive library resources, and vibrant academic community, which foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and rigorous inquiry. The curriculum is designed to allow flexibility, with options to specialize in particular historical periods or regional studies, complemented by language modules that range from language acquisition to advanced literature and cultural studies. The course includes lectures, seminars, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, culminating in a substantial dissertation. Overall, the History and Modern Languages program at Oxford prepares students to become insightful, culturally aware, and linguistically proficient individuals capable of engaging with global issues and contributing meaningfully to diverse fields.

Your week’s work will include:

•  tutorials in history and in the literature and culture of the language you study
• language classes involving different skills, eg translation, oral and grammar
• about three or four lectures for each subject
• preparing essays for your weekly tutorials.

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

The History and Modern Languages program at the University of Oxford is a distinguished joint honours degree that allows students to pursue in-depth studies in both history and modern languages, typically French, German, or Spanish. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students with a keen interest in exploring the historical contexts and cultural developments of different civilizations while also gaining advanced proficiency in one or more modern languages. The curriculum balances rigorous historical analysis with language acquisition and cultural studies, providing a broad and versatile academic experience. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and linguistic competence, which are highly valued in a variety of professional fields.

The History component covers a wide range of periods and themes, from ancient civilizations to contemporary history, including political, social, economic, and cultural aspects. The Modern Languages element involves intensive language training, often including literature, media, and cultural studies, enabling students to communicate fluently and understand the nuanced contexts of the countries associated with their chosen language. The program emphasizes independent research, critical engagement with primary and secondary sources, and active participation in seminars and discussions.

Students are supported by expert academic staff, comprehensive resources, and numerous opportunities for extracurricular engagement. They may also have the chance to study abroad through Erasmus or other exchange programs, immersing themselves in the language and culture of the country of their choice. The joint honours nature of the degree allows students to tailor their studies to align with their academic interests and career aspirations, be it in academia, journalism, diplomacy, translation, or other international fields. Upon graduation, students emerge with a sophisticated understanding of historical processes and linguistic proficiency, making them highly competitive in the global job market.

The course duration is typically three or four years, depending on the specific pathway or additional year abroad. The flexible structure accommodates different academic backgrounds and aspirations, ensuring that all students can engage thoroughly with both disciplines. The Oxford experience emphasizes critical inquiry, original research, and intellectual independence, preparing graduates to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to society and their chosen professions.