Modern Languages degrees
Modern Languages and Cultures at Exeter is one of the leading departments for modern languages research, teaching and learning in the UK. We're home to the Language Centre with excellent language-learning facilities.
Study Modern Languages at the University of Exeter
Our research and teaching expertise spans the fields of literature, linguistics, film studies, history, philosophy, visual arts, sexuality and gender, from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as literary and specialist translation.
Our programmes draw directly from our research. We attach particular importance to the quality of research supervision and training along with the integration of students into our academic and research community.
You will find a welcoming, nurturing environment with strong support networks in place to allow you and your language skills to flourish.
Our Modern Languages degrees and courses
Our programmes are taught on our Streatham Campus in Exeter.
Undergraduate degrees
Masters degrees
Interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees
You can choose to study Modern Languages as part of a joint-honours degree at undergraduate level through one of our combined honours courses.
Our languages
We teach several global languages at the University of Exeter. All our languages can be studied from beginner level, while many of them can be taken up from advanced post-A-level. Find out more about each of them below.
Related subjects
Those interested in studying Languages may wish to find out more about our Translation Studies courses. You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.
Top 150 worldwide for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Top 20 in the UK for all languages
Complete University Guide 2026
1st in the UK for research impact
Joint 1st for world-leading or internationally excellent research, REF 2021
100% of our research has internationally excellent impact
Based on Modern Languages and Linguistics research impact rated 4* and 3* in REF 2021
Frequently asked questions about studying Modern Languages
What languages can I study at the University of Exeter?
We are a vibrant, student-centred, and friendly department, incorporating a variety of languages and diverse cultures, including seven global languages: French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
All our Modern Languages and Cultures can be studied from beginner level, while many of them can be taken up from advanced post-A-level.
What career prospects would I have with a languages degree?
A degree in Modern Languages builds strong communication skills, cultural fluency, analytical thinking, independence and adaptability. These attributes are highly valued across a wide range of professions, particularly in internationally focused roles. Whether or not you wish to directly use your language skills in your future career, this degree opens up many diverse career opportunities.
There are many career options to consider if you would like to use your language skills. These broadly fall into two categories: roles where using languages is the central focus of the work, and roles where languages are an important advantage but not the primary activity.
Find out more about your future career with a modern languages degree, as well as the languages and translation employment sector.
Can international students apply for Modern Languages degrees?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
What our students say about studying a language at Exeter
"For me, this academic diversity was incredibly important and I have really appreciated the freedom that this has given me to create a course structure that was personal to me."
"Of course, the fantastic opportunities on offer for my year abroad were another draw to Exeter. Last year I was lucky enough to spend 6 months studying at La Sorbonne in Paris before undertaking an internship for 6 months at Giorgio Armani in Italy.
I am so grateful for this amazing and invaluable experience of living abroad that studying at Exeter made possible for me. I gained management skills and I would really like to work as a fashion buyer and I am now applying for graduate schemes."
Rachel
BA Modern Languages (French and Italian)