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Undergraduate Study

BA Modern Languages - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code R901
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.
  • Choose from Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
  • Study one, two or three languages from Beginners level or post A-level.
  • Develop practical competency, employability skills and intercultural awareness
  • Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language
  • Engage with the culture of the societies where your language is spoken, choosing from options on linguistics, history, politics, literature, philosophy, gender studies, visual culture and film.
  • Broaden your horizons by taking modules in other languages, including Japanese, Korean, British Sign Language or Arabic, or even in TESOL and other disciplines such as Business or International Relations.

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

Speech Bubble icon

Study 1-3 languages with 7 language options to choose from

Top 150 icon

Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Top 10 icon

All languages ranked top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Option to spend a year abroad studying at a partner university or in employment

Speech Bubble icon

Study 1-3 languages with 7 language options to choose from

Top 150 icon

Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Top 10 icon

All languages ranked top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Option to spend a year abroad studying at a partner university or in employment

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 View our Language entry requirements below
IB 32/655 View our Language entry requirements below
BTEC DDM View our Language entry requirements below
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade Dependent on level chosen the required L3 credits in Modern Foreign Language subject area.
T-Level Distinction Dependent on subjects chosen, GCE AL in a Modern Foreign Language will also be required.
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

Find out more about our Language entry requirements

Completing your UCAS form

When completing your UCAS form for R901 or R902, indicate your proposed subjects under ‘Further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application using the abbreviations, separated by a space as below.

It may be possible to study further languages to a lower level of proficiency than degree level in the Language Centre, subject to demand: this is arranged on registration at Exeter. For further information on completing your UCAS form, please visit the UCAS website.

When applying to a Combined Honours degree with a modern language 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 above. Please note that you may choose only one language. For further information on completing your UCAS form, please visit the UCAS site. For more information on language requirements for our Combined Honours degrees, visit the individual pages for these programmes in the degrees list on the Modern Languages and Cultures page.

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

Find out more about the various pathways you can take.

Read more

Course content

The Modern Languages 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 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.

30-90 credits of compulsory modules, 30-90 credits of optional modules.

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

a - select one, two, or three compulsory language modules depending on your UCAS offer, totalling 30-90 credits.

b - select a further 30-90 optional credits; 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.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
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

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b 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 b 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 b 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 b 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 b 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 b 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 b 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
Neutral ML Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15
SML1003 Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches 15
SML1208 Language, Culture, and International Relations 15
SML1002 Constructing Nature: Stories we Live By 15
SML1004 Reading Comparatively 15
HUM1005 Climate Emergency - An Introduction to Environmental Humanities 15

30-90 credits of compulsory modules, 30-90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

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

c - select one, two, or three compulsory language modules, totalling 30-90 credits.

CodeModule Credits
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules [See note c 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

Optional modules

d - select a further 30-90 optional credits; you may select a maximum of 30 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
Chinese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d 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 d 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 d 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 d 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 d 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 d 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 d 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
Neutral ML Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15
EAF2500 European Cinemas: Art, Industry, Entertainment 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 credit compulsory placement module

Compulsory modules

e - You must take one of these modules.

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

30-90 credits of compulsory modules, 30-90 credits of optional modules.

 

 

Compulsory modules

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

f - select one, two, or three compulsory language modules, totaling 30-90 credits.

CodeModule Credits
MLX SF BA comp language [See note f above]
MLF3111 Advanced French Language Skills 30
MLG3111 Advanced German Language Skills 30
MLI3111 Advanced Italian Language Skills 30
MLM3111 Advanced Chinese Language Skills 30
MLP3111 Advanced Portuguese Language Skills 30
MLR3111 Advanced Russian Language Skills 30
MLS3111 Advanced Spanish Language Skills 30

Optional modules

g - select a further 30-90 optional credits; you may select a maximum of 30 credits of the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year. These are additional to SML3015 or SML3030. You must always ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count. Students following the three-language pathway should not normally take more than one SML- or HUM- coded module per year, and if aiming for all three languages to be listed as 'majors' in the degree title must ensure that this module can be counted towards one of the three languages.

CodeModule Credits
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note g 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 g 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 g 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 g 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 g 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 g 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 g 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
Neutral ML Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note g above]
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
HUM3015 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China 15
HUM3003A Hacking the Humanities: How to Plan and Run Successful Digital Projects 15
SML3040 Women in Translation: Gender and Publishing in the 21st Century 15
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15
SML3026 Corporate Language and Communication: When Sharks Work with Dolphins 15
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15

Language options

As part of the four-year Modern Languages course, you will choose from one of seven languages taught at Exeter. The exact languages you study can be tailored to your interests and needs once you get here.

In addition, there is also the possibility to take modules in the Language Centre or the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies as a second or third language through modularity, subject to approval.

Please note that you can only start a new language in years one and two.

Language combinations

Students taking only one language in Year 1 can add a Beginners level language in Year 2. Students taking two languages in Year 1 can add a third (Beginners level) language in Year 2, subject to performance in the first two languages.

Number of languages selected Advanced level languages available Beginners level languages available

One language: at Beginners or Advanced* level

French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish;

Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish

Two languages: One new language at Beginners level and one at Advanced* level OR both at Advanced* level

French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish

Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish

Three languages: Two languages at Advanced* level and one new language at Beginners level OR three languages at Advanced* level

French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish

Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish

*Post-A level or equivalent

Pathways

Students have the option of studying languages at Beginners and Advanced level, depending on the number of languages they choose to study. The sample pathways below show the possible routes you could take for your BA Modern Languages. It is only possible to study one language ab initio. Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese are currently only available ab initio.

Pathway A - One language

Study one language and graduate with BA (Hons) in one language, e.g. BA (Hons) French.

Students can choose to study one Beginners or one Advanced language in Year 1. Please see the Overview above for details of languages available.

Year 1

You will study 1st year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 2

You will study 2nd year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Pathway B - Two equal languages

Study two languages and graduate with BA (Hons) in two languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Pathway C - Three equal languages

Study three languages and graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian, Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will include 1st year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 2

Your study will include 2nd year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Pathway D - Two equal languages from Year 1 with a third taken up in Year 2

Start by studying two languages, then take up a third language in Year 2. Graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) French with Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Having achieved good grades in the core language modules in Year 1, you decide to start a third language in Year 2.

For language 1 you will study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For the 2nd and 3rd languages you will study the core written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for your three languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules for two languages.

Pathway E - A main language and a secondary language

Start with the study of two languages, then in Year 2 take up modules in another discipline, e.g. Business Studies. Graduate with BA (Hons) in language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

You decide to expand the focus of your study by including modules from another discipline, such as the Business School, to enhance your employability.

For language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For language 2 you study core language modules. You also study a 1st year core module from your other discipline, e.g. Business Studies.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2 either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules for both languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages. Additionally, you can study 2nd year core modules from your other discipline.

Pathway F and G - Start with two equal languages and specialise in the Final Year

Start with the study of two languages and decide to focus mainly on one after your international placement (work or study). Graduate with BA (Hons) in ‘language 1’ with ‘language 2’ e.g. BA (Hons) Russian with French.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 2nd year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2, either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4 - Choose either pathway F or G.

Pathway F

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language but still want to continue with the study of language 2. For Language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select option modules. And for language 2 you only study final year core written and oral modules.

Pathway G

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language. You decide to drop the core language modules for language 2; however you want to maintain your interest in the modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. So, you study the final year core language modules of language 1, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of both languages.

Pathway H and I - Start with two equal languages and specialise after the First Year

Start by studying two subjects, then decide after your first year to focus more on one language.

On Pathway H you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

On Pathway I you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2 Studies, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian Studies.

Pathway H

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 but want to keep up the study of language 2.

For language 1 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

For language 1 you study core final year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core final year written and oral modules.

or

Pathway I

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 and drop core modules for language 2.

For language 1 you study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. And for language 2 you select from a variety of 2nd year option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

  • on a work placement
  • studying at a university
  • a combination of the above
  • in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your focus is on language 1 only and you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules.

Course variants

Clérigos Church visible in Porto, one of the largest Portuguese cities.

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: £9,535 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 applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter 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 else can 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

Example destinations for our students include:

  • Education 
  • Finance 
  • Government/Civil Service 
  • Media 
  • Law 
  • Translation 
  • Charities 
  • Hospitality 
  • Arts 
  • Retail 
  • Consultancy

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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