About this course
Learn 2 major, international languages and study abroad for a year to become highly skilled. You’ll complement your language learning with modules on history, modern society and linguistics on this French and German degree.
You’ll start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written French and German. This will help you progress quickly. You’ll also have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton has everything you need.
A special module in year 2 will make sure you’re ready for working and studying abroad. You can spend the year in countries such as:
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France
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Germany
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Austria
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Switzerland
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Belgium
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Canada
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Guadeloupe
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Martinique
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La Réunion
We have partner universities in the Erasmus exchange programme across France, Germany and Switzerland.
In your final year you can specialise in an area that suits your interests and combines well with what you’ve studied so far.
You can also prepare a final year dissertation with guidance from a supervisor.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including French and German
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
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 French and German, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including French and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in French and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with 6 Higher Level points in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with 6 Higher Level points in one language and 6 Standard Level points in the second language will be considered.
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.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus AB in A level French and German.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus AB in A level French and German.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level French and German.
BTEC additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in French and German
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
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:
ABB including Grades AB in French and German, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in French and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in French and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with 6 Higher Level points in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with 6 Higher Level points in one language and 6 Standard Level points in the second language will be considered.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level German.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level German.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level German.
BTEC additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or German but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or German language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. Candidates with Grade A in one language at A level and Grade A in AS Level for the second language will be considered
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Each year combines compulsory modules with a wide range of options. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions. You can also take courses from different subject areas or learn a different language.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your skill level in French and German. This will ensure our teaching develops your abilities as effectively as possible.
Year 1 overview
This year provides an introduction to cultural forms, political and historical issues and linguistics. It also helps you build on your academic skills.
You’ll explore topics such as:
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modern German culture
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The making of modern French
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Elements of linguistics, including sound, structure and meaning
Year 2 overview
This year gives you the opportunity to concentrate on your own particular interests. There will also be a module that prepares you for the year abroad.
Topics include:
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globalisation and how it relates to culture, language and the nation state
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the EU and European identity
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psycholinguistics
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conflicts, crisis and identities in the Francophone context
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teaching English as a foreign language
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media perspectives on Germany after 1968
Year 3 overview
You’ll spend a year abroad:
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as an English language assistant
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studying on a university course
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on an approved work placement
Find out more about the year abroad.
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Year 4 overview
This year is another opportunity to explore your special interests - or even consider new directions after your experiences abroad. You can also choose to do a Modern Languages dissertation.
Topic choices include:
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sex, gender and desire in French literature and culture
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travel writing, cultural encounter and identity in post-war France
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translation
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the renaissance of German-Jewish Literature after the Holocaust
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public service interpreting
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audiovisual translation
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writing in a second language
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Anthony Campbell is the course leader.
Careers
As a Modern Languages graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options. These will make the most of your skills in:
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gathering and interpreting information
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working with and leading teams
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understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers with languages including:
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translation
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interpreting
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teaching
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marketing
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publishing
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international development
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advertising, film and television
Many of our graduates go on to further study. Subjects taken include interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.
We put a great focus on developing employability skills throughout your time with us; this includes a compulsory employability module for all first-year students in the faculty.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. 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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre 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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: RR12
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000