BA Modern Languages and Latin
| UCAS code | RT63 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB-BBB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC-BCC |
| UCAS code | RT62 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB-BBB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC-BCC |
Why study BA Modern Languages and Latin at Exeter?
- 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. Students studying beginners languages are required to study the 4-year “with International Placement” course.
- 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
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 in a country whose language originates from Latin, studying at a partner university or in employment
Study Latin alongside one of the other seven major languages, all top 20 in UK
The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
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.
Kate
BA Modern Languages (French, Italian and Spanish)
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-BBB | B in Latin and, dependent on level chosen, the required grade in Modern Foreign Language (see below) |
| IB | 32/655-30/555 | HL5 in Latin and, dependent on level chosen, the required grade in Modern Foreign Language (see below) |
| 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 (see below) |
| 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 a Modern Foreign Language (see below) |
| T-Level | Distinction | Applicants studying a T-level will also require GCE A-Level Latin grade B and, dependent on level chosen, the required grade in a Modern Foreign Language (see below) |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC-BCC |
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 Latin. 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.
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.
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 Latin modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules, and 30 credits of optional Modern Languages modules.
Compulsory Modules
Complete 30 credits of compulsory Latin modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
Optional Modules
select 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules.
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 SML-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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Classical Studies Compulsory | ||
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Classical Studies Optional | ||
| 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 | |
| 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 Latin modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 30 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:
Complete 30 credits of compulsory Latin modules and select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
Optional Modules
select 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules.
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 SML- 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 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 | |
| Classical Studies Compulsory | ||
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Studies Optional | ||
| 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 | |
| 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 placement module
You must take one of these modules.
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.
30 credits of compulsory Latin modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 30 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:
Complete 30 credits of compulsory Latin modules
select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
Optional Modules
select 30 credits of optional Classical Studies modules.
select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; you may select a maximum of 15 credits of SML-coded modules listed below for the year. 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 | |
| Classical Studies Compulsory | ||
| Classical Language and Texts: Latin V | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Studies Optional | ||
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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?
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.
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
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
