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Undergraduate Study

BA Modern Languages and Latin - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code RT62
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Modern Languages and Cultures
Contact
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: ABB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • Highly flexible programme which allows you to structure your studies around your interests or follow a specific career-orientated pathway.
  • Study Latin alongside one other language: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, which can be taken from beginners level.
  • Your final degree title will reflect your choices and you will divide your time equally between the two languages.
  • Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language
  • Enhance your understanding of language development by discovering the links between modern and ancient languages. Closely study the wonderfully flexible and expressive language of Latin alongside literary criticism
  • Home to a Language Centre with modern language-learning facilities
  • Get involved in activities outside class: language societies, tandem partnerships, liaison work in schools and the community such as our Languages in a Global World Festival – the only public festival dedicated to translation in the UK

View 2024 Entry

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Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

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Option to spend a year abroad in a country whose language originates from Latin, studying at a partner university or in employment

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Study Latin alongside one of the other seven major languages, all top 10 in UK

The Complete University Guide 2025

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Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Studying Modern Languages isn’t just about poring over endless grammar notes! Our course is so rich and varied that you will have the fantastic opportunity to develop not only your language skills, but a knowledge and interest in the culture of your chosen languages.

If you ask any student about the course, I very much doubt you will come away without them mentioning the Year Abroad, which for many is the highlight of the four years. I still cannot quite believe that I managed to go from working as a waitress over the summer in France, to studying in Italy, then to working as a marketing assistant in Spain all within the space of a year!

Aside from massively improving my language skills and cultural knowledge, this year definitely opened my eyes to the amazing opportunities out there for language students, and certainly made me realise how well my course and the support at the University of Exeter has prepared me for more exciting opportunities like this in the future.

Read more from Kate

Kate

BA Modern Languages (French, Italian and Spanish)

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB B in Latin and dependent on level chosen the required grade in Modern Foreign Language.
IB 32/655 HL5 in Latin and dependent on level chosen the required grade in Modern Foreign Language
BTEC DDM Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve B in Latin and dependent on level chosen the required grade in Modern Foreign Language.
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. To include 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable Latin subject area and dependent on level chosen the required L3 credits in Modern Foreign Language subject area.
T-Level Distinction Applicants studying a T-level will also require GCE AL Latin grade B and dependent on level chosen the required grade in Modern Foreign Language
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Language requirements

  • No previous language qualifications are required.
  • You may only choose one language.
  • French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish can be studied either from A level or beginner’s level, with both cohorts reaching degree level in the final year. Portuguese and Chinese can only be studied from beginner’s level, not from A Level; students of these two languages reach degree level in final year. 
  • If you choose a beginners language, you must take the four-year variant of the course with an International Placement.

Languages and levels available for Combined Honours courses

I want to study a new language at beginner level alongside my other subject (excluding programmes with Arabic)

Modern Languages requirements No previous language qualifications required. We strongly recommend that students who want to start a languages degree with no previous linguistic experience should contact us.
Advanced level languages available n/a
Beginners level languages available Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish

I want to study my A level (or equivalent) language at advanced level alongside my other subject (including programmes with Arabic)

Modern Languages requirements A level grade B or IB HL5 or SL6 (or equivalent) in the language chosen at advanced level
Advanced level languages available French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish
Beginners level languages available n/a

Selecting your chosen language when applying

When applying to a Combined Honours degree with Modern Languages you will need to indicate under ‘further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application the language and route you wish to study using the codes below. Please note you may choose only one language. For further information on completing your UCAS form, please visit the UCAS website.

French Fren
Chinese (Mandarin) Chin
German Germ
Italian Ital
Portuguese Port
Russian Russ
Spanish Span

 

 

Read more

Course content

The Modern Languages and Latin degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each, worth a total of 120 credits each year. Take up to 30 credits outside the department through modularity.

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of language, theory and concepts of your chosen modern language and Latin. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

Open modules on linguistics, literature, medieval history, visual arts, film and culture will offer you the chance to further customise your programme to suit your specific needs and preferences.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

30 credits of compulsory Latin modules, 15 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 15 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, and 30 credits of optional Modern Languages modules).

 

 

Compulsory modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

b - select 15-30 credits of Text and Context modules from this list.

CodeModule Credits
CLA1254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III 30
Modern Languages Stage 1 Compulsory Language Modules [See note a above]
MLF1001 French Language 30
MLF1052 French Language for Beginners 30
MLG1001 German Language 30
MLG1052 German Language for Beginners 30
MLI1001 Italian Language 30
MLI1052 Italian Language for Beginners 30
MLM1052 Beginners Chinese 30
MLP1052 Portuguese Language for Beginners 30
MLR1001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral 30
MLR1030 Russian Language for Beginners 30
MLS1001 Spanish Language 30
MLS1056 Spanish Language for Beginners 30
Classics Stage 1 Text and Context modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
CLA1031 Text and Context: Women in Homer 15
CLA1405 Text and Context: Roman Laughter 15

Optional modules

c - select 0-15 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.

d - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year. Please note that certain modules may only be available to students on Single Honours programmes, or to students who have taken a particular language module. This information will be given in the pre-requisites or co-requisites section of the relevant module descriptor.

CodeModule Credits
Ancient History and Classical Studies Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note c above]
CLA1029 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria 15
CLA1354 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus 15
CLA1031 Text and Context: Women in Homer 15
CLA1405 Text and Context: Roman Laughter 15
CLA1516 Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece 15
CLA1301 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny 15
CLA1030 Ancient World: Racecraft 15
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLM1010 China of the Senses: Approaching Chinese Culture and Environments 15
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15
French Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLF1017 The Making of Modern France 15
MLF1018 The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French 15
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLF1103 The French Language, Present and Past 15
MLF1121 French Visual History 15
MLF1105 An Introduction to French Thought 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15
German Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLG1017 Turning Points in German History 1200 - 2000 15
MLG1021 Outside In: An Introduction to Outcasts and Outsiders in German-language Literature and Film 15
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLG1014 A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory 15
MLG1022 Divided Germany in Film and Visual Culture 1949-1990 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15
Italian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLI1016 Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy 15
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLI1121 A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy 15
Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLP1002 Introduction to the Lusophone World 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15
Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLR1023 Russia: Empire and Identity 15
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLR1006 An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling 15
Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLS1067 Ideology in the Hispanic World 15
MLS1068 An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain 15
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
MLS1066 The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture 15
MLS1164 A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15

30 credits of compulsory Latin modules, 15 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 15 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, and 30 credits of optional Modern Languages modules.

Compulsory modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

e - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

f - select 15-30 credits of Text and Context modules from this list.

CodeModule Credits
CLA2254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV 30
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules [See note e above]
MLF2001 French Language, Written and Oral 30
MLF2152 Intermediate French 30
MLG2001 German Language, Written and Oral 30
MLG2052 Intermediate German 30
MLI2001 Italian Language, Written and Oral 30
MLI2051 Italian Language 30
MLM2052 Intermediate Chinese (One) 30
MLP2052 Intermediate Portuguese 30
MLR2001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I 30
MLR2030 Intermediate Russian 30
MLS2001 Spanish Language, Written and Oral 30
MLS2156 Spanish Language (ex-beginners) 30
Classics Stage 2 Text and Context modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
CLA2031 Text and Context: Women in Homer 15
CLA2405 Text and Context: Roman Laughter 15

Optional modules

g - select 0-15 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.

h - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.

CodeModule Credits
Classical Studies Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note g above]
CLA2029 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria 15
CLA2354 Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus 15
CLA2031 Text and Context: Women in Homer 15
CLA2405 Text and Context: Roman Laughter 15
CLA2516 Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece 15
CLA2301 Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny 15
CLA2030 Ancient World: Racecraft 15
Chinese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15
MLM2003 Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe 15
MLM2008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
French Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
MLF2012 Evolution of the French Language 15
MLF2069 East is East? Cross-Cultural Encounters in Medieval French Literature 15
MLF2076 Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde 15
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15
HIH2208A Medieval Paris 30
MLF2070 Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre 15
MLF2029 Varieties of French 15
MLF2006 French-language Road Movies: Space, Place and Identity 15
HIH2591 Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 30
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
German Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
MLG2003 Youth and Age: Generations in German Fiction and Film 15
MLG2018 Berlin - Culture, History and Politics 15
MLG2019 Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
Italian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
MLI2019 Italian(s) in the World 15
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15
MLI2004 From Page to Screen: The Italian Female Detective in Literature, Film, and Television 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
Portuguese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
Russian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
MLR2023 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15
MLR2026 The Deceptive City: the Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15
MLR2021 Understanding Russia 15
MLR2025 Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15
Spanish Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note h above]
MLS2044 How to be a Knight: Political Lessons from 14th-Century Spain 15
MLS2072 Place and Identity in Contemporary Venezuelan Culture 15
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30
MLS2045 Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry 15
MLS2061 The Latin American Short Story 15
MLS2073 Literary Non-Fiction in Argentina: When Writing Meets the Real 15
MLS2158 "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry 15
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15

If you choose the with International Placement variant of this course, your placement will take place in Year 3.

120 credits of compulsory modules.

i - You must take one of these modules.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
SML3010 Work and Study Abroad [See note i above]120
SML3020 Study Abroad at a Partner University (with Assessment in the Foreign Language) [See note i above]120
SML3025 Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad [See note i above]120

30 credits of compulsory Latin modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 15 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language.

 

 

Compulsory modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

j - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

CodeModule Credits
CLA3251 Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic 30
Modern Languages Final Stage Compulsory Language Modules [See note j above]
MLM3111 Advanced Chinese Language Skills 30
MLF3111 Advanced French Language Skills 30
MLG3111 Advanced German Language Skills 30
MLI3111 Advanced Italian Language Skills 30
MLP3111 Advanced Portuguese Language Skills 30
MLR3111 Advanced Russian Language Skills 30
MLS3111 Advanced Spanish Language Skills 30

Optional modules

k - select 30 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.

l - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; you may select a maximum of 15 credits of the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year, these are additional to SML3015. You may, alternatively, take SML3030. Please note you may only select one dissertation module across the two programmes. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.

CodeModule Credits
Ancient History & Classical Studies Final Stage option modules 2024-5 [See note k above]
CLA3251 Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic 30
CLA3059 Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose 30
CLA3252 Classical Language and Texts: Latin II 30
CLA3254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III 30
CLA3206 Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV 30
CLA3202 Classical Language and Texts: Greek II 30
CLA3204 Classical Language and Texts: Greek III 30
CLA3205 Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV 30
CLA3263 Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle 15
CLA3113 Art in Greek Society 15
CLA3273 Polybios and the Challenge of Change 15
CLA3126 Critical Classics and the Contemporary World 15
CLA3276 Courage in the Ancient World 15
CLA3275 Women Writing Classics 15
CLA3056 Ovid and the Erotic Passions 15
CLA3114 Art in Roman Society 15
CLA3277 Lost Works and Fragments 15
CLA3264 Ancient Science and Society 15
HUM3004 Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact 15
CLA3267 Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project 15
CLA3279 Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World 30
CLA3125 Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World 30
CLA3007 The Crisis of the Athenian Polis 30
CLA3274 The Persians in a Near Eastern Context 30
CLA3033 Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds 30
CLA3008 The Age of Cicero 30
CLA3042 Ancient Literary Criticism 30
CLA3124 Receptions of the Classical Body 30
THE3229 Syriac Christianity: Monks, Monasteries and Mimre 30
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
HUM3015 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLM3008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
French Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLF3034 Sociolinguistics of French 15
MLF3079 Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France 15
MLF3007 Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde 15
MLF3078 Philosophers, Prophets, and Mystics in French Culture 15
MLF3046 Dialectology in France 15
MLF3080 Les Miserables from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
German Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
MLG3040 Sex, Sciences and the Arts 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3034 Contemporary French Visual Culture 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLG3036 Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
MLI3199 Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLI3033 Multicultural Italy 15
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
MLR3026 The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15
MLR3123 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLR3021 Women Writers in Twentieth - century Russian Literure 30
MLR3025 Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30
Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note l above]
MLS3037 Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain 15
MLS3057 Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America 15
MLS3071 The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate 15
SML3015 Dissertation 15
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15
MLS3072 Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain 15
SML3031 Advanced Translation Skills 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30

Course variants

International Placement (work or study)

Study/Work Abroad in Year 3 

A pivotal part of all Modern Language programmes is the International Placement, either studying at one of our prestigious partner universities, teaching on a British Council placement, or working in other employment. By immersing yourself in the culture you study, you will not only enhance your language skills, but cultivate:

  • strong intercultural understanding
  • improved communication skills
  • the ability to think and study in different ways
  • resilience and confidence
  • analytical skills and the ability to make cross-cultural comparisons
  • adaptability, independence and valuable life experience

During your International Placement, you will still be registered as an Exeter student and therefore supported in several ways. You will retain your personal tutor and be expected to keep in contact with them. You will also have the support of the Exeter Global Opportunities team for advice on any matter.

You will need to decide how to spend your International Placement during the first half of the second year. We will help you in the process. During your first year you will be invited to an introductory presentation about your Year Abroad options. In your second year, there is an extensive orientation programme to help you prepare for your Year Abroad.

Ways to spend the International Placement (work or study)

  • You must spend 6-15 months abroad, maximising the opportunities available to you
  • You can work, study, or split the year on two or more placements
  • Students going to China or Russia can currently only study (work abroad is not available)
  • If you study Portuguese, the only options available are study or work abroad (not a British Council assistantship)

Study Abroad

Studying abroad offers a range of possibilities, with over 40 different partner universities worldwide available to Modern Languages students. This can provide you with the opportunity to experience a different academic environment with local and other international students broadening your knowledge of the language and culture you study.

Please note that Study Abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and the allocation of these places is competitive and based on first-year marks.

Work Abroad

Internships are very rewarding in that they can offer you valuable workplace experience. Placements can be sourced via our Global Opportunities webpages, but you can also source your own internship externally, though it must be approved by the Global Opportunities team.

Some of our students have spent their Year Abroad working in translation, tourism, marketing, fashion, commerce, journalism, heritage and many other sectors.

British Council English Language Assistantship

Becoming an English Language Assistant with the British Council is a brilliant opportunity to explore both the world of working and, more specifically, the idea of working as a teacher. An academic year is spent supporting teachers in a primary or secondary school in the country of the language you are studying.

Please note that these assistantships are organised by the British Council and placements are subject to their criteria and availability.

Does it count towards my degree?

Yes - the International Placement is an assessed year and the marks obtained count towards your final degree classification. If you begin a language in your first year at Exeter and intend to take that language in your final year, you must do your International Placement in that language. If you are a beginner and decide not to do an International Placement, you will be moved to Single Honours Comparative Literatures and Cultures for final year.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For your International Placement you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. You will also continue to receive any Student Finance support for which you are eligible. Other financial support may also be available for certain students.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

Written language is taught through weekly classes, with teams of tutors, including native speakers who contribute to a programme aimed at grammar improvement and the development of advanced writing and translating skills. You’ll also have weekly oral practice in classes of eight to 10 students with native speakers of the language(s) that you are studying.

Modules

Teaching on our culture modules is varied: a class about linguistics takes a rather different form than a class about theatre or film, for instance. Most cultural modules involve a combination of lectures and seminars, backed up by smaller group work and web-based learning, via the University’s online learning environment. Between classes you prepare material, evidence and arguments, individually or in groups. Seminars are your chance to try out ideas, present material to other members of the group, and respond to new material based on the critical skills you’ve been taught.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways but primarily through coursework and exams (essays, source commentaries, research exercises, oral presentations), and online assessment (for language and culture modules). ​

Your first year doesn’t count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress.

Where will I study?

All language students have access to the language-learning facilities provided by the Language Centre.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Modern Languages graduates from the University of Exeter have an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and compete very successfully in the employment market. You will develop skills that are attractive to employers and relevant for a wide range of careers. Alongside written and verbal fluency in your chosen language(s), you’ll develop skills in:

  • Managing and analysing information
  • Articulating ideas and arguments
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Cultural awareness and adaptability

In an increasingly globalised world, language skills are highly sought after by employers, and can help you stand out from the crowd.

Employer visits

We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Streatham Campus, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.

Career paths

Recent Graduates now working as*:

  • European Funding Officer
  • Trilingual Fraud Specialist
  • Insurance Broker
  • Marketing and Communications Officer
  • Reporter
  • TV Researcher

Recent Graduates now working for*:

  • Civil Service
  • Bloomberg
  • Challenges Worldwide
  • Ernst & Young
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Hugo Boss

*This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Surveys 14/15, 15/16, and 16/17. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

Further study

A Modern Languages degree is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study, and recent graduates have progressed to a range of courses, including:

  • MA Translation Studies
  • MA Global Literatures and Cultures
  • MA European Politics
  • Graduate Diploma in Law
  • PGCE Secondary French
  • MA International Relations
  • MSc Globalisation and Latin American Development
  • Professional Language Skills

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