Modern Languages

Modern Languages at University College London offers an innovative and comprehensive programme designed to develop advanced proficiency and cultural understanding in multiple languages and their respective societies. The programme provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of selected languages, fostering critical thinking, intercultural communication, and comparative analysis. Students can tailor their studies to include one or more languages such as French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, or other modern languages, depending on availability. The curriculum incorporates a balanced mix of language acquisition, literature, history, and contemporary issues relevant to the regions where these languages are spoken. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and practical language use, students enhance their communicative abilities and cultural awareness, preparing them for careers in international relations, diplomacy, translation, journalism, teaching, and beyond. The programme also emphasizes research skills and independent study, encouraging students to explore areas of personal or professional interest in depth. UCL’s modern language courses are supported by access to extensive language resources, native speaker interactions, and cultural events, providing an immersive environment for learning. Moreover, students have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programmes, gaining first-hand experience of the language and culture in a native context. The interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to engage with global issues and operate effectively in multilingual environments. Graduates of this Modern Languages programme are possessing not only language expertise but also intercultural competence, analytical skills, and adaptability, making them highly competitive in the global job market. With a strong emphasis on both language mastery and cultural literacy, UCL’s Modern Languages programme prepares students to become confident communicators and insightful global citizens.

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).

In your first, second and final years you will take modules in your chosen language and the literature, culture, history and linguistics related to it, as well as modules in your other discipline. You may also take modules offered by the School of European Languages, Culture & Society (SELCS), which offer an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on the full range of specialisms within the school.

Combinations of a language 'and' another discipline are studied on a 50/50 ratio whereas combinations 'with' are studied on a 75/25 ratio.

Year three is spent abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken, studying at a university with which UCL has an exchange agreement, working as a British Council language assistant or doing a work placement. We expect graduates to achieve the same linguistic competence whether or not they started from scratch.

The following combinations of subjects may be studied together (subject to entry requirements):

• Dutch and English, History of Art, Latin, Philosophy or Management Studies   
• Dutch with Management Studies or Film Studies
• French and English, Philosophy, Latin or History of Art
• French with Film Studies
• German and English, Philosophy, Latin, History of Art or Jewish Studies
• German with Management Studies or Film Studies
• Italian and History of Art, Latin, Philosophy, Jewish Studies or Management Studies
• Italian with Film Studies
• Scandinavian Studies and English, Philosophy, Latin or History of Art
• Scandinavian Studies with Management Studies or Film Studies
• Spanish and History of Art, Philosophy or Latin
• Spanish with Management Studies or Film Studies

Hebrew 'and' all of the above disciplines is also available as part of the Modern Language Plus BA.
Each combination has different entry criteria, ranging from AAA to ABB.

The title of the final degree awarded on completion will reflect whichever combination you choose.

A levels

Grades

AAA-ABB depending on the subject combination (see the SELCS web page on entry requirements)

Subjects

The following is required if part of the combination: English Literature or English Language and Literature grade A; French grade A; Latin grade A; Spanish grade A. For all other combinations a foreign language is preferred.

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

34-38 points depending on the subject combination (see the SELCS web page on entry requirements).

Subjects

A score of 16-18 points in three higher level subjects, to include the following if part of degree combination: English A1 at grade 6; French at grade 6; Latin at grade 6; Spanish at grade 6. For all other combinations a foreign language is preferred. No score below 5.

The Modern Languages program at University College London offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include government-backed loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external grants designed to reduce the financial burden associated with higher education. British students may be eligible for Student Loans available from the UK government, which can cover tuition fees and living costs, and are repayable based on income after graduation. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs, some of which are offered specifically for students pursuing Modern Languages, such as those from government agencies, cultural foundations, and international organizations. UCL also provides a limited number of merit-based scholarships and awards that recognize academic excellence, as well as need-based bursaries to assist students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, students are advised to seek part-time work opportunities either on-campus or in the local area to supplement their income, provided it does not interfere with their academic commitments. The university’s financial aid office offers comprehensive advice and support services, including guidance on applying for scholarships, managing budgets, and understanding loan repayment conditions. It is important for prospective and current students to review the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts for each funding scheme, as these vary by program and student profile. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as European Union grants, private foundations, and international cultural organizations dedicated to language and cultural studies. The university’s commitment to accessible education is reflected in its efforts to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from enrolling and successfully completing the Modern Languages program. Students are advised to start exploring funding options early in their application process and to consult UCL’s official financial support webpage for the most current information on available funding opportunities and application procedures.

The Modern Languages programme at University College London offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the study of contemporary languages and cultures. Students have the opportunity to engage deeply with two languages from the following options: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and other modern European languages. The programme is designed to develop advanced language proficiency, as well as critical understanding of the linguistic, cultural, and societal contexts of the target languages.

Throughout the course, students participate in a variety of modules that encompass language skills, literature, film, history, and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes both translation skills and cultural analysis, preparing students for careers in international business, diplomacy, media, education, and other fields that value multilingual competencies. UCL’s Modern Languages programme also fosters intercultural awareness and communication skills, which are essential in today’s globalized world.

The program often includes opportunities for year abroad experiences, enabling students to immerse themselves in the language environment and gain practical experience. This year abroad is integral to the programme, allowing students to improve their language fluency and cultural understanding while developing independence and adaptability. There may also be opportunities for research projects, dissertation work, and language-specific electives that reflect current cultural and societal issues.

Students graduate with a high level of bilingual or multilingual proficiency, alongside a deep knowledge of the history, politics, and cultural productions of the countries whose languages they study. The programme is suitable for students who are passionate about languages and cultures, and who wish to pursue careers that require strong linguistic and intercultural skills. It is also an excellent foundation for further academic study or professional development in fields such as international relations, translation, linguistics, and global communication.

The faculty at UCL provides expert teaching, and students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including language labs, cultural archives, and partnerships with institutions across Europe and beyond. The Modern Languages programme aims to equip students not only with language skills but also with the critical and analytical abilities needed to understand and engage with complex cultural and societal issues. The diverse student body and dynamic learning environment make for a stimulating academic experience that prepares graduates to operate effectively in multilingual, multicultural settings.