Modern Languages and Linguistics

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Linguistics at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive exploration of language, culture, and communication. This esteemed program provides an in-depth understanding of multiple modern languages, their structures, histories, and cultural contexts, alongside rigorous training in linguistic theories and methodologies. Students have the opportunity to study two or three languages, choosing from a diverse selection including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, among others. The curriculum is designed to develop advanced language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as critical analysis and research capabilities.

Throughout the course, students engage with both theoretical and applied aspects of linguistics, examining phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and language acquisition. The program emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of the languages studied, fostering a nuanced appreciation of social and political contexts. In addition to language proficiency, students acquire transferable skills such as analytical thinking, intercultural communication, and academic writing, preparing them for a wide range of careers in areas including diplomacy, international relations, publishing, translation, teaching, and research.

The course structure often includes tutorials, lectures, language practice sessions, and independent research projects. Students benefit from the rich academic resources of Oxford, including specialized libraries, linguistic laboratories, and vibrant study abroad opportunities that enhance language immersion and intercultural competence. The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to connect linguistic studies with history, literature, anthropology, and other related fields.

Graduates of the Modern Languages and Linguistics program are well-equipped to contribute to global conversations, understand complex cultural issues, and engage in effective cross-cultural communication. With its blend of linguistic rigor and cultural depth, the program aims to cultivate versatile, critically-minded graduates ready to excel in a multilingual world.

Your week’s work will include a tutorial on linguistics or literature, in or arranged by your college, a linguistics class and language classes on different skills relating to the language or languages you study, and five or six lectures.

• 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. 

Modern Languages at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to immerse students in the study of various languages and their associated literatures and cultures. Students have the opportunity to focus on one language or combine two, enabling a broad or specialized academic experience. The program emphasizes the development of advanced language skills, critical analysis, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, translation, journalism, and international business.

The curriculum includes intensive language courses, historical and literary studies, and cultural modules that explore socio-cultural contexts and contemporary issues. Students benefit from close interaction with expert tutors who provide personalized instruction, fostering a deep understanding of the language and its cultural background. The program also encourages engagement with authentic texts, multimedia resources, and spoken language practice to enhance fluency and comprehension.

In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in language immersion programs, summer schools, and exchange schemes with partner universities worldwide. These opportunities serve to broaden linguistic competence and intercultural understanding. The program's assessment methods include essays, translation exercises, oral examinations, and unseen translation tests, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of language command and analytical skills.

Students typically undertake a substantial research project or dissertation in their final year, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic aligned with their interests. Throughout their studies, students develop valuable transferable skills including critical thinking, research methodology, and effective communication. The program benefits from the university's rich academic resources, including specialist libraries, language labs, and digital language learning tools.

Graduates of the Modern Languages program at Oxford are well-equipped to pursue diverse careers across sectors such as academia, government, international organizations, media, and the arts. The program's strong emphasis on language proficiency and cultural literacy makes it an excellent foundation for roles requiring advanced communicative abilities and intercultural competence.