BA Classical Studies and Modern Languages
| UCAS code | QR08 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QR07 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Why study BA Classical Studies and Modern Languages at Exeter?
- Combine the challenge of exploring the culture and thought of the ancient world with the study of a modern language
- Study Greek and Roman literature, history, and culture from translated texts
- In your final year choose from a range of ‘special subjects’ that consider the ancient world from different perspectives
- Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language. Students studying beginners languages are required to study the 4-year “with International Placement” course.
- You can choose to study any of our languages from beginners: Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; or Spanish
Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Choose our 4 year course to spend a year abroad, studying at a partner university or in employment
Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
6th in the Complete University Guide 2026; 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
Course duration
Did you know that there are both 3-year and 4-year degree programmes in Modern Languages at Exeter?
There are significant benefits of choosing the 4-year with International Placement programme, particularly in enhancing your language proficiency.
Both the 4-year and 3-year programmes offer a comprehensive and in-depth study of modern languages and cultures. However, the 4-year degree includes a valuable international placement year, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture of your chosen country while either studying or working.
We know that graduates who have studied the 4-year course with a year abroad have benefitted from a range of key skills that have been vital in shaping their early careers:
- Enhanced language proficiency – Evidence shows that speaking your chosen language in the country where it is the main language helps improve proficiency significantly.
- Cultural immersion – Spending time on an international placement will give you a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultures and broaden your appreciation of individuals from different backgrounds.
- Personal and professional development – You will have the opportunity to independently build intercultural communication skills and experience a range of professional sectors. These are key skills highly valued by today’s employers.
- Competitive edge – Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations across the globe, and they tell us that gaining skills and experiences while on the international placement is the most important factor when applying for jobs after graduating.
Please also note that, if you are starting a language from beginner level, you must take the 4-year programme to ensure you develop the necessary language skills. If you are studying languages post-A-Level, it is possible to choose the 3-year programme. You can apply to both the 3- and 4-year courses via UCAS.
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| IB | 32/655 | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| BTEC | DDM | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| GCSE | Grade 4/C | GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| T-Level | Distinction | Dependent on language level chosen (see below), GCE A-Level in a Modern Foreign Language may be required. |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| 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 B1. 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
Choosing a language
You may choose one language to study alongside Classical Studies. Find out more about the languages we offer below.
Check subject requirements for different language levels
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.
Completing your UCAS form
When completing your UCAS form it is essential that you indicate the language you want to study with us under ‘further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application form, using the below abbreviations.
| French | Fren |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Chin |
| German | Germ |
| Italian | Ital |
| Portuguese | Port |
| Russian | Russ |
| Spanish | Span |
For further information on completing your UCAS form, please visit the UCAS website.
I love languages, so to be able to learn alongside other people who are also passionate about the same thing is really motivating.
I especially love the Russian department, because it is so small and friendly, and we know all the teachers really well. They understand our difficulties with learning such a challenging language and give us great advice.
Charis
BA Spanish and Russian
Course content
Students studying beginners languages must take the 4-year “with International Placement” course.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below 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.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 60 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of Classical Studies modules and 30 credits of Modern Languages modules).
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select either CLA1005 or CLA1006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
b - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
c - select 30 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/HAS-coded modules 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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 2 CLA1005-CLA1006 | ||
| Greek and Roman Narrative | 30 | |
| Greek and Roman Drama | 30 | |
| Compulsory Choice Language Modules 1 | ||
| French Language | 30 | |
| French Language for Beginners | 30 | |
| German Language | 30 | |
| German Language for Beginners | 30 | |
| Italian Language | 30 | |
| Italian Language for Beginners | 30 | |
| Beginners Chinese | 30 | |
| Portuguese Language for Beginners | 30 | |
| Contemporary Russian Written and Oral | 30 | |
| Russian Language for Beginners | 30 | |
| Spanish Language | 30 | |
| Spanish Language for Beginners | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | |
| Roman Death and Commemoration | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | |
| Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 | |
| Optional Languages | ||
| Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B) | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
| French Optional Modules | ||
| The Making of Modern France | 15 | |
| The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French | 15 | |
| The French Language, Present and Past | 15 | |
| An Introduction to French Thought | 15 | |
| German Optional Modules | ||
| A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory | 15 | |
| Turning Points in German History 1200 - 2000 | 15 | |
| Russian Optional Modules | ||
| An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling | 15 | |
| Russia: Empire and Identity | 15 | |
| Chinese Optional Modules | ||
| Chinese Art and the Art of Living | 15 | |
| Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 | |
| Italian Optional Modules | ||
| Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy | 15 | |
| A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy | 15 | |
| Neutral Optional Modules | ||
| Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches | 15 | |
| Reading Comparatively | 15 | |
| Language, Communication and Power | 15 | |
| Introduction to Film | 15 | |
| Language, Culture, International Relations | 15 | |
| Spanish beginner Optional Modules | ||
| An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context | 15 | |
| Spanish post A-Level Optional Modules | ||
| The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture | 15 | |
| An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 60 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of Classical Studies modules and 30 credits of Modern Languages modules).
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
e - select either CLA2005 or CLA2006; the modules run in alternate years so you must select the one which is running in this academic year.
f - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
g - select 30 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/HAS-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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 2 CLA2005-CLA2006 | ||
| Greek and Roman Narrative | 30 | |
| Greek and Roman Drama | 30 | |
| Compulsory Choice Language Modules 1 | ||
| French Language, Written and Oral | 30 | |
| Intermediate French | 30 | |
| German Language, Written and Oral | 30 | |
| Intermediate German | 30 | |
| Italian Language, Written and Oral | 30 | |
| Italian Language | 30 | |
| Intermediate Chinese (One) | 30 | |
| Intermediate Portuguese | 30 | |
| Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I | 30 | |
| Intermediate Russian | 30 | |
| Spanish Language, Written and Oral | 30 | |
| Spanish Language (ex-beginners) | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | |
| Roman Death and Commemoration | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 | |
| Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | |
| Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | |
| Ancient World: Roman Philosophy | 15 | |
| Optional Languages | ||
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
| Chinese Optional Modules | ||
| Chinoiserie and Européenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe | 15 | |
| Digital China: Popular Culture, Technology, and Society | 15 | |
| French Optional Modules | ||
| Revolutions! Art and Society in France, 1770-1830 | 15 | |
| Evolution of the French Language | 15 | |
| Intimate Spaces of the French Enlightenment | 15 | |
| Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre | 15 | |
| Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde | 15 | |
| German Optional Modules | ||
| Berlin - Culture, History and Politics | 15 | |
| Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature | 15 | |
| Neutral Optional Modules | ||
| Migrating Texts: Classical Reception, Adaptation, Translation | 15 | |
| Research Skills in Languages and Cultures | 15 | |
| Contemporary Latin American Cinema | 15 | |
| Multilingualism in Society | 15 | |
| Intercultural Communication | 15 | |
| Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence | 15 | |
| From Page to Screen: Female Detectives in Literature, Film, and Television | 15 | |
| Russian Optional Modules | ||
| Exploring Revolution: The Making of Soviet Society and Culture in the 1920s | 15 | |
| Apocalypse/Utopia: the Russian Roots of Revolution | 15 | |
| Other Shores: Exile and Emigration in Russian Literature | 15 | |
| Spanish Optional Modules | ||
| Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry | 15 | |
| The Latin American Short Story | 15 | |
| Catalonia Is Not Spain? Modern Catalan Culture in Context | 15 | |
| "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry | 15 | |
| Fiction in Post-War Spain: Voices of Conformity and Subversion | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 1 | ||
| Work and Study Abroad | 120 | |
| Study Abroad at a Partner University (with Assessment in the Foreign Language) | 120 | |
| Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language.
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
i - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
j - select 60 credits from this list of optional Classical Studies modules.
k - 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 HAS/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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice Language Modules 1 | ||
| Advanced French Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced German Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced Italian Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced Chinese Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced Portuguese Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced Russian Language Skills | 30 | |
| Advanced Spanish Language Skills | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| The Age of Cicero | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
| Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 | |
| Virgil's Georgic Environment | 15 | |
| Domination and Resistance in Roman Britain | 30 | |
| The World of Late Antiquity | 30 | |
| Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 | |
| Critical Classics and the Contemporary World | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek V | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin V | 30 | |
| Imagining the World: Geographic Thought and Representation in Antiquity | 15 | |
| Change and Resilience Through History: Polybius and the Rise of Rome | 15 | |
| Time and Relative Dimensions in Space: Historical Analysis and Visualisation with GIS | 15 | |
| Life in the Roman Empire | 15 | |
| Aristophanes and Athenian Old Comedy | 15 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | |
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
| Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 | |
| Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 | |
| Women Writing Classics | 15 | |
| Lost Works and Fragments | 15 | |
| Roman Political Thought | 15 | |
| Chinese Optional Modules | ||
| The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Asia and Europe | 15 | |
| Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature | 15 | |
| China through the Lens: Cultural Translation and Self-Presentation | 15 | |
| French Optional Modules | ||
| First-Person Outsiders in Modern French Literature | 15 | |
| Philosophers, Prophets and Mystics in French Culture | 15 | |
| Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France | 15 | |
| French Sociolinguistics and Dialectology | 15 | |
| German Optional Modules | ||
| Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria | 15 | |
| Italian Optional Modules | ||
| Understanding Space in Renaissance Italy | 15 | |
| Neutral Optional Modules | ||
| Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 | |
| Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 | |
| Corporate Language and Communication: When Sharks Work with Dolphins | 15 | |
| Extended Dissertation | 30 | |
| Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 | |
| Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 | |
| Migration and Multilingualism | 15 | |
| Migration in World Cinema | 15 | |
| Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 | |
| Russian Optional Modules | ||
| Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution | 15 | |
| Other Shores: Exile and Emigration in Russian Literature | 15 | |
| Exploring Revolution: The Making of Soviet Society and Culture in the 1920s | 15 | |
| Spanish Optional Modules | ||
| Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain | 15 | |
| The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate | 15 | |
| "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry | 15 | |
| Spanish Modernists: Narratives of Identity, Gender and Nation | 15 | |
| Advanced Translation Skills | 15 | |
Our languages
Combined Honours students can choose from one of the seven languages we offer at Exeter.
All languages are available at beginners level. French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish can be studied at advanced level.
In addition, there is also the possibility to take modules in an extra language through the Language Centre.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is 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, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Our teaching makes full use of seminars, study groups and web-based learning, and there are many other opportunities for you to add to your overall experience in the department. We integrate the latest approaches with traditional lectures to give you a varied and challenging programme. In the first two years, the teaching is via both formal lectures (usually 50-70 students) and discussion-based seminar groups of around 12-18 students. All final year teaching is through discussion-based seminar groups.
Teaching hours
You’ll receive 10 contact hours per week with staff, both teaching time and with your personal tutor. You’re also expected to invest plenty of time in independent study and contact with your study-group (for example, in preparation for seminars). The exact amount of time spent working independently varies from module to module.
Extra opportunities
We hold mini conferences for some modules, where students can present papers to fellow students and staff, along with weekly research seminars and monthly Classical Association lectures, with talks from leading internal and external speakers. We have a lively and engaged student-led Classics Society which organises events throughout the year. Recently they have organised a trip abroad, plays, balls, debates, film nights, and loads more, on top of running lectures and a peer-mentoring scheme for the ancient languages. The department also publishes its own journal, Pegasus, and our students take an active role in writing and editing this publication.
Research-inspired teaching
Teaching that is inspired by research ensures that lectures are up-to-date and relevant to your studies. You will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources. All staff teach third year options linked to their own interests, which include the study of ancient Greek Mythology, moral concepts in Latin literature, Greek inscriptions and ancient ideas of character, food, sex, politics and religion.
Academic support
All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Assessment
You will be assessed by coursework and exams throughout your study. You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed: this level does not count towards your final degree classification. The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification. In most modules, your assessment will be: in the first year 70% exams and 30% coursework; in the second year 60% exams and 40% coursework; and in the final year 50% exams and 50% coursework.
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.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
A degree in Classics and Ancient History, will provide you with skills which are highly valuable to employers across many sectors. You will develop an advanced knowledge of other cultures, learn how to think logically and independently, to interpret and critique sources, to assess and evaluate information and to communicate (verbally and in writing) in a sophisticated way.
Career support
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. The Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award schemes encourage you to participate in 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.
Career paths
As a Classics and Ancient History graduate, you will have an array of different industries open to you, such as museum and heritage work, education, journalism, business, and law. Our recent graduates have since secured a variety of positions, such as:
- Archives Assistant
- Business Development Associate
- Freelance Journalist
- Grants and Partnerships Assistant
- Investment Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Publishing Assistant
- Research Culture Administrator
- Trainee Chartered Accountant
- Media Producer
Further study
A degree in Classics and Ancient History will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as:
- MA History
- MA International Relations
- MSc Bioarchaeology
- MSc International Management
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MSc Library and Information Studies
