About this course

Develop your French, German or Spanish and critical thinking as you explore how languages are created, learned and shaped as they are used. Study a modern language with linguistics on this 4 year degree course.

Spend a year of your degree abroad on a workplace, teaching or university placement. Develop your language skills while learning about the French, German or Spanish-speaking world's culture, history and thought.

Whichever language you choose, you'll:

develop the skills to interpret cultures and their beliefs and behaviours
become immersed in the language, familiar with how it is spoken
study a society and culture related to the language

Choose topics and gain expertise in areas that interest you most, including:

translation and interpreting
contemporary society
literature and film
anthropology
history

Language study paths

These are the languages you can choose from:

BA Modern Languages (French) and Linguistics
BA Modern Languages (German) and Linguistics
BA Modern Languages (Spanish) and Linguistics

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Study Modern Languages and Linguistics at Southampton

Thinking of studying Modern Languages and Linguistics at the University of Southampton? Giulia talks about her experience as a BA French student.

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

ABB including one named language.

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including one named language and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in one named language.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in one names language A level Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in one named language A level Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in one named language A level and one further A level

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in a named language A level. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in a named language A level. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in an named language A level and one further A level

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You study both linguistics and your chosen language of French, German or Spanish throughout your degree.

Year 1 overview

You study both your language and explore how languages are created, learned and shaped in the situations it is spoken. You'll also study the history, politics and culture of a society where your language is spoken.

We work out which language level you are at to give you the best possible start to develop your skills.

You also get an introduction to major themes in linguistics.

Year 2 overview

You continue your study of French, German or Spanish. You choose at least 3 linguistics modules and at least 2 language modules.

You choose modules that equip you with different ways to study cultures and languages.

These include:

socio-historical studies
cultural studies
ethnography
linguistics
politics

Year 3 overview

You'll carry out your period abroad and get to know a foreign culture either as a student or in a work placement.

You work independently on tasks as you build knowledge of your chosen language, culture and society. You also complete a portfolio of work in both English and either French, German or Spanish.

We support you with frequent video calls and emails.

Year 4 overview

You choose at least 3 linguistics modules and at least 2 language modules. You choose modules in cultural studies, linguistics, ethnographic, socio-historical and politics.

You can carry out research for a dissertation using the intellectual skills you've gained throughout your degree.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. 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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

Choose from the study paths below to display modules on this page.

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Your modules

Choose your study path

Modules will display here

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Michael Kranert is the course leader.

Careers

As a modern languages graduate, you can pursue a range of careers. These include roles using French, German or Spanish.

These will make the most of your skills in:

gathering and interpreting information
working with and leading teams
understanding and adapting to different cultures

We also focus on developing your employment skills throughout your time with us. This includes a compulsory module in your first year.

Previous graduates have gone on to careers in:

translation
journalism
education
business management
speech and language therapy
publishing, advertising and marketing
information and communication technology

Many of our graduates go on to further study. This includes subjects such as interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £23,400.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: R9Q1
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Language selection

If we make you an offer which you accept, we’ll email you to confirm the language you want to study. We’ll be in touch no later than 2 months before the start of your course.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Modern Languages and Linguistics (1 Language: French, German or Spanish) (BA) is a course in the Languages and linguistics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

e

BA

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BA

English Language and Linguistics

BA

English Language and Linguistics with Year Abroad

h

BA

History and Modern Languages

l

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Language, Culture and Communication

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Liberal Arts

m

BSc

Modern Languages and Business Management (1 language: French, German or Spanish)

MLang