Language and Culture

The BA Language and Culture at University College London offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the linguistic, cultural, and social dimensions of the world's diverse societies. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop students' proficiency in their chosen language(s) while providing in-depth understanding of the cultural contexts in which these languages are embedded. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including literature, history, media, and contemporary social issues, fostering critical thinking and intercultural awareness. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to engage confidently in global communications and cultural exchanges. Throughout their studies, students benefit from UCL’s outstanding academic resources, expert faculty, and vibrant international community. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to specialise in particular regions or themes, and encourages engagement with real-world issues through fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects. With a focus on active language use and cultural analysis, graduates are well-equipped for careers in international relations, translation, publishing, education, and cultural management. The programme also offers opportunities for study abroad, enhancing linguistic proficiency and cultural competence. UCL’s Language and Culture degree prepares students to become informed global citizens capable of navigating and contributing to an interconnected world.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Year one mainly comprises core language and culture modules, providing a foundation for further study. You will also choose a main and a second language. In years one, two and four you also choose optional modules from a wide range offered by both your chosen language departments and the School of European Languages, Culture & Society (SELCS) (e.g. film, history, literature and linguistics courses).

You will spend your third year abroad in an academic placement in a country where your main language is spoken.
In your final year at UCL you will continue with your language studies either in both your languages, or concentrate on your main language only. You will select cultural modules in fields of your choice.

You will initially choose two languages (one as a 'major' language, the other as a 'minor' language) from the following wide range of languages taught at UC
Ancient Greek; Arabic (may only be studied as a minor language); Danish; Dutch; French (beginners French may only be studied as a minor language); German; Hebrew; Icelandic; Italian; Latin; Norwegian; Russian; Spanish (beginners Spanish may only be studied as a minor language); Swedish; Portuguese; a central or eastern European language (Bulgarian, Czech, Finnish, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Serbian/Croatian, Slovak, Ukrainian).

Some language courses including Arabic and beginners French and Spanish are taught in the Centre for Langagues and International Education (CLIE).
Areas of cultural study offered include:

history; film studies; linguistics; literary studies; translation.

This degree allows great flexibility especially in the final year. You can continue studying your languages and follow language-specific content modules; take content modules  within one of your departments or SELCS; drop your second language in your final year to pursue a greater number of content modules; or apply to outside options.

In the past students have been allowed to take modules in anthropology, art history and journalism in other departments and London institutions. Approval for outside options is granted on a case-by-case basis and with permission by the relevant provider. Securing a place on an outside course is the responsibility of the student.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

Foreign language required to include the following if studied as the main language: Ancient Greek, French, Latin or Spanish grade A.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5. Higher level subjects to include the following if studied as main languages: French, Greek, Latin or Spanish at grade 6.

The University College London offers various financing options for students enrolled in its Language and Culture programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a range of funding sources to support their studies, including scholarships, grants, bursaries, and external funding opportunities. UCL provides several internal scholarships specifically designed for students pursuing humanities and cultural studies, which are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both. International students may be eligible for specific scholarship schemes that support overseas fee-paying students, including the UCL Global Scholarships, which reduce the financial burden and make studying at UCL more accessible. Additionally, students can apply for government loans or financial aid programs available in their home countries, or seek private funding from external organizations and foundations dedicated to supporting students in the arts and humanities. UCL's Financial Aid Office offers comprehensive guidance on available funding options, application procedures, and eligibility criteria to help students plan their finances effectively. It is advisable for students to begin researching funding opportunities early in the application process, as some scholarships have deadline-specific applications. Beyond institutional aid, students are also encouraged to consider part-time work opportunities on or near campus, which are available within the framework of UK immigration regulations for international students. UCL’s commitment to providing financial support underscores its goal of making world-class education accessible to a diverse student body. Overall, financing studies at UCL’s Language and Culture programs requires proactive planning and thorough research, but numerous resources are available to assist students in funding their education and alleviating financial concerns throughout their academic journey.

The Language and Culture programme at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of various languages, their histories, and their cultural contexts. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop students’ linguistic abilities alongside a comprehensive understanding of the cultures associated with the studied languages. The curriculum typically encompasses language acquisition, translation skills, literary analysis, and cultural studies, allowing students to engage critically with a range of texts, media, and cultural practices. Throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to study language modules taught by experts in the field, gaining fluency and advanced communication skills. Additionally, the programme emphasizes cultural immersion and understanding, providing insights into contemporary issues, history, and societal challenges faced by different communities.

Students may have options to specialize in particular languages or cultural areas, with courses covering topics such as literature, film, history, and social sciences. UCL often encourages formative and summative assessments, including essays, presentations, and language proficiency exams, to ensure students gain practical and theoretical expertise. The programme also promotes international perspectives, often including opportunities for language practice abroad or participation in exchange programmes, thereby enhancing intercultural competence. Graduates from the programme are well-equipped for careers in translation, education, cultural management, international relations, journalism, and further academic research. The faculty is composed of leading scholars committed to fostering an enriching, dynamic learning environment that combines rigorous academic enquiry with real-world applications. Overall, the Language and Culture programme at UCL aims to produce versatile, culturally aware graduates capable of engaging with global challenges and opportunities through linguistic and cultural fluency.