Modern Languages

Modern Languages at the University of Birmingham offers an immersive and comprehensive program designed to develop students' proficiency and cultural understanding of diverse languages and societies. This course provides a rigorous academic curriculum that combines language acquisition with cultural, historical, and social studies, enabling students to engage critically with the world around them. The program is ideal for students passionate about exploring different linguistic landscapes and interested in careers that require fluency in multiple languages, intercultural communication, and global awareness.

Throughout the degree, students have the opportunity to study one or more languages from a selection that includes French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and others. The curriculum emphasizes not only language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing, but also develops competencies in translation, intercultural communication, and research methods. The teaching is supported by experienced linguists and cultural experts, ensuring that students gain authentic insights into the countries and communities where these languages are spoken.

Students engaged in this program benefit from flexible modular options, allowing them to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. The program typically includes opportunities for study abroad, internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing practical experience and global networking. These international experiences facilitate immersive language practice and cultural exchange, which are crucial for developing advanced language skills and intercultural competence.

The Modern Languages program at Birmingham prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including diplomacy, international business, education, translation and interpretation, media, and cultural sectors. The program’s interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding, qualities highly valued in today’s globalized world. Graduates leave the program equipped with the linguistic abilities, cultural awareness, and professional skills necessary to succeed in international environments.

By choosing Modern Languages at Birmingham, students join a vibrant community committed to linguistic excellence and cultural diversity. With strong links to industries and institutions worldwide, the program offers a valuable foundation for those aspiring to make a positive global impact through language and cultural engagement.

Detailed Course Facts

£9000 - Home/EU students / £12140 - Overseas students

Course Content

If you wish to specialise in two or three languages, this degree is for you. You can choose to study French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Russian, English Language, Japanese or Mandarin Chinese in a variety of weightings and combinations.

First year

Pathway 1: You study two languages of equal weight (60:60 credit split).

Pathway 2: You study two languages in a Major/Minor combination (80:40 credit split).

Pathway 3: You study three languages, all as Minor subjects (40:40:40 credit split).

Please note:

• Each pathway allows you to study just one language from beginners level (except French and English, which are only available from post-A level or equivalent).
• In Pathway 2, an A level in the language is normally required in the subject proposed as the 80-credit Major.
• If you choose to study three languages, you are expected to have followed two of them to A level standard.
• Portuguese, Catalan, English Language, Chinese and Japanese can only be studied as 40-credit options within Modern Languages degrees.
• For timetabling reasons it is not possible to combine German with English Language, Italian with Portuguese, Italian with Chinese, Portuguese with Chinese or Beginners Spanish with post-A level Russian.
• The English Language Minor is not normally taken as a second language. It consists of advanced linguistics and requires the linguistic competence of a native speaker of English; non-English native speakers will only be considered if they have this level of competence.

Second year

Although most students simply continue along the pathway chosen in their first year, our programme allows students to change emphasis at this point in order to devote a different proportion of their time to the study of one or two languages. Thus you may:

• Choose to remain on the same pathway
• Move from Pathway 1 to Pathway 2 or vice versa
• Move from Pathway 3 to either Pathway 1 or 2

The only change not permitted is from Pathways 1 or 2 to Pathway 3.

Year abroad

The third year is spent abroad. You will normally study at a university or teach in the countries of two of your languages. If you are studying three languages, it is possible to follow a vacation course in the third language.

Fourth year

In the final year, you will normally follow the same pathway as in Years 2 and 3.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is done via language classes, small group seminars, lectures, workshops and language laboratories. Assessment consists of a mix of continuous assessment essays and language assignments and end-of-year examinations.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB

Required subjects and grades: A level (or equivalent) in at least one modern language

International Baccalaureate: 36 points including a modern language at Higher Level

General Studies: accepted

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered.

Please state the languages that interest you in Section 3F of your UCAS form.

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The Modern Languages program at the University of Birmingham offers students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in one or more modern foreign languages, alongside a deep understanding of the cultures, literatures, and societies associated with those languages. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to combine language study with modules in areas such as literature, film, media, politics, history, and cultural studies, enabling a well-rounded and interdisciplinary education. Students typically engage in both language acquisition and cultural analysis, aiming to achieve near-native proficiency and a comprehensive understanding of the socio-cultural contexts of the languages studied.

The program often includes optional year abroad components, where students spend a year studying, working, or immersing themselves in a country where the target language is spoken. This immersive experience enhances language fluency and intercultural competence, and is considered a key element of the program. Entry requirements usually specify a good proficiency in the chosen language(s) before starting, or may include language placement assessments for students without formal qualifications.

Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, group work, language workshops, and independent study, supported by extensive resources such as language labs, multimedia facilities, and access to digital learning tools. Assessment methods may vary but typically include written exams, oral examinations, coursework, essays, projects, and presentations. The program encourages independent research and critical thinking, often culminating in a dissertation or extended project.

Graduates from the Modern Languages program are equipped for careers in areas such as international relations, diplomacy, translation and interpreting, teaching, international business, media, and cultural management. The program emphasizes employability skills such as intercultural communication, language proficiency, research competency, and adaptability to diverse work environments. The university’s strong links with industry and international organizations further support students' career development.

The university also provides various support services, including language learning resources, study abroad advisors, and career guidance to help students maximize their academic and professional potential. Overall, the Modern Languages program at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive, immersive, and interdisciplinary education that prepares students for global citizenship and a range of international careers.