About this course

On this integrated master’s degree, you will become fluent in 2 languages that play a key role on the world stage. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the linguistics structures of both countries, as you work towards master’s level in your final year. You’ll also spend a year studying abroad.

Following our unique system of language development, you will start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written French and German, which will help you progress quickly. If you are not proficient in one of these languages, you can choose to start your learning as part of this course.

As well as gaining fluency in your chosen languages, you will specialise in linguistics and explore the structure, use and psychology of French and German. If you wish, you can also study the cultures, histories, politics, and societies of French and German-speaking countries.

We'll give you access to excellent resources to support your learning, through the Centre for Language Study.

In year 2, we'll prepare you for the following year studying abroad in a French or German-speaking country. This is an exciting opportunity that will increase your fluency and cultural communication skills, and boost your employability.

Explore your country options – choose Humanities and scroll to the list for Modern Languages.

By the final year, you will have gained the skills and knowledge to produce a dissertation on your chosen area of expertise, with support from a supervisor.

This master’s-level degree will equip you with the vital language, linguistics and analytical skills for travel, work, or doctoral research all over the world.

Course lead

Your course lead is Dr Michael Kranert.

His research interests range from comparative discourse analysis to language ideologies, with a particular focus on English and German speaking countries.

Find out more on his staff profile.

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA including French or German

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other language may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level.

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, as follows: AAB including French or German.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in French or German

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 A in A level French or German. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level French or German. Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA in A level French or German 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 A in A level French or German. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French or German. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A level French or German 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)

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

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

Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of French and German with a wide range of options. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.

You'll take Linguistics modules specific to French and German, but also more general topics in areas such as psycholinguistics, discourse analysis, and phonetics. You can also take modules from different subject areas, or learn a third language.

To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your proficiency in French and German. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.

Year 1 overview

This year provides an introduction to cultural forms, political and historical issues, and linguistics. You’ll take compulsory accelerated French and German language modules to rapidly improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills

You’ll then be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules, including those from other subject areas.

Year 2 overview

You’ll continue to develop your French and German language skills and you’ll take a module that prepares you for your year abroad, including the research project you’ll do while you’re away.

As in Year 1, you will again choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your degree to areas that interest you.

Year 3 overview

You’ll spend a year abroad on a study placement at a partner university in a French or German-speaking country.

You’ll also work on your research skills, developing your the ability to:

demonstrate originality of thought and approach
undertake independent information collection work
engage with theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen areas of study
make relevant connections between different critical methodologies and use

Find out more about the year abroad.

Year 4 overview

After returning to the UK, you’ll take master's-level modules and can focus on areas of interest you've developed during your studies.

We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad and help you to talk about your experiences in a way that enhances your employability.

You’ll continue to develop your writing and speaking skills, and be able to choose further optional modules.

You'll also complete your dissertation, focusing on a research interest that you have developed during the programme.

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2023 to 2024

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Academic Skills for Modern languages and Linguistics students

This module is designed to ease the transition from A-level to the first year of a single or combined honours degree programme by setting out clearly what we expect of you at undergraduate level and equipping you with the resources to be able to operate a...

Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning

This module provides an introduction to linguistic approaches to sound, structure and meaning in the branches of linguistics known as phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

French Language Stage 4

The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...

German Language Stage 4

The aim of every language course at the University is to enable you to communicate in your target language (TL) at that particular level and in your particular area of interest. We use the word ‘communicate’ in its widest sense, meaning that you will not ...

Language, Ideologies and Attitudes

This module explores language in its social context. The main aim of this module is to introduce you to key research approaches to the study of language attitudes and ideologies and to encourage you to reflect on how attitudes and beliefs about language e...

The Making of Modern English

The module looks at the development of the English language, and examines its relationship with other, potentially rival, languages that have been spoken in the British Isles. It examines the effect of successive waves of conquest on the sociolinguistic s...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Applications of Linguistics

This unit will introduce you to the main areas relevant to applied language studies.

Language Acquisition

You may have asked yourself how children learn their first language or whether some animals can speak just like humans do. People often wonder whether there are any lifelong benefits of bilingualism as well. This module introduces you to the field of lang...

Understanding Culture

This introductory course will give you an overview of some approaches to, and topics within, cultural and literary studies. You will spend time on close textual reading, as well as on broader cultural analysis. It aims to encourage you to experiment in c...

Understanding History and Society

This module will introduce you to studying questions of history, society and culture through the prism of Southampton in order that you can apply those approaches to the study of cities in the French, Spanish and German-speaking world.

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 graduate of this master's in French and German Linguistic Studies, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options. These will make the most of your skills in:

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

Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:

translation
interpreting
teaching
marketing
publishing
international development
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 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 £22,300.

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 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 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 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: R129
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.

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 (French and German) and Linguistics (MLang) is a course in the Languages and linguistics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

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