About this course
With this degree you’ll develop strong French language skills and an understanding of French culture. You’ll also be able to follow your passion and immerse yourself in our vibrant music department, where you can make and study the music you care about.
You’ll have the freedom to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. You could, for instance:
take a second language
take modules from other subject areas
focus on many different areas of music
explore more about French linguistics, history and culture
Following our system of language development, you’ll start at a level of French that matches your ability. This means we can personalise your learning so you make the best progress.
You’ll spend a year living and working abroad, building your fluency and considerably boosting your employment prospects.
In your year abroad you can choose to:
work as an English assistant in a school
study at a university
take a work placement
You could choose to go to France, Switzerland or Belgium. Some of our students go further afield to Canada, Guadeloupe, Martinique or La Réunion.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 347.42 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level French and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus A in A level French and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus A in A level French and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
BTEC additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Other qualifications
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 Music, and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
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 Music, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level French and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus A in A level French and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus A in A level French and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level French and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, plus A in A level French and Pass in Grade 6 Music Theory, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Access to HE Diploma additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including French and Music at A2 and B1, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
or
AA from two A levels including French and Music and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 8 in French and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of French and Music with a wide range of options. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.
You can also take modules from different subject areas, or learn a second language. If you find a subject you love, you can even make it an official part of your degree as a minor subject.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your proficiency in French. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1
We’ll introduce you to the study skills you’ll need as a Modern Languages student and you’ll take a compulsory French language module to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
You’ll then be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules that could include:
applications of linguistics
music technology
the making of modern French
the producer as composer
reading culture
other subject areas, including other languages
Year 2
You’ll continue to develop your French 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.
You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. Topics might include:
conducting
immigration, race and ethnicity in France
the EU and European identity
psycholinguistics
music therapy
music in the community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
experience as a classroom ambassador
other subject areas, including other languages
Year 3
You can spend this year abroad in a French-speaking country:
as an English language assistant in a school
studying on a university course
on an approved work placement
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4
We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad. We’ll help you to talk about your experiences in a way that enhances your employability. You’ll continue to develop your written and spoken French.
You'll have the choice to do one of the following:
a music research project
a commercial music portfolio
commercial composition
You'll then be able to choose from a wide range of other modules. Topics may include areas such as:
film music composition
language teaching
sex, gender and desire in French literature and culture
The American musical
Haydn in London
from teddy boys to drag queens – music and subculture
your choice of modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
- Applications of Linguistics
- Composition Fundamentals
- Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning
- Exploring Music 1
- Exploring Music 2
- First Year Ensemble Performance
- First Year Performance Tuition (single module)
- First Year Performance Tuition, Joint Studies
- Fundamentals of Analysis, Counterpoint and Harmony
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
- Modern French Culture
- Reading Culture
- Reading the City
- The Making of Modern French
- Transformations in Twentieth-Century Music: Pop, Jazz, Art Music and Beyond
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- Composition Workshop
- Conducting
- Conflicts, Crisis and Identities in the Francophone Context
- Discourse Analysis
- Ensemble Performance 1
- Explorations in Composition
- Exploring French Linguistics
- Film Music Composition
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Global Hip Hop
- Globalisation: Culture, Language and The Nation State
- Haydn in London
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Humanities University Ambassadors Scheme (Modern Languages)
- Immigration, Race and Ethnicity in France
- Jazz Theory
- Language, Ideologies and Attitudes
- Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography
- Multilingualism
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Orchestration and Arranging
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Post-War French Thought
- Psycholinguistics
- Sound and Voice
- Syntax: Studying Language Structure
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- The American Musical
- The EU and European Identity
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
- Variation and Change in English
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Advanced Syntax
- Audiovisual Translation
- Commercial Composition
- Composition Portfolio
- Composition Workshop
- Conducting
- English as a Global Language
- Ensemble Performance I
- Ensemble Performance II
- Explorations in Composition
- Film Music Composition
- Fragmented France: Cultures and Identities in Transition
- French Sociolinguistics: Challenges to Francophonie
- From Teddy Boys to Drag Queens – Music and Subculture
- Global Hip Hop
- Haydn in London
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Jazz Theory
- Language Teaching Theory and Practice
- Language Testing and Assessment in Society
- Language and the City
- Modern Languages Dissertation
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
- Music and Sound Production 1
- Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Public Service Interpreting
- Research Project
- Second Language Acquisition
- Sex, Gender and Desire in French Literature and Culture
- Sociophonetic Project Module
- Studio Techniques 2
- The American Musical
- The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
- The Producer as Composer: digital sound & songwriting in practice
- Translation: Theory and Practice
- Travel Writing, Cultural Encounter, Identity in Post-War France
- Writing in a Second Language
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)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 16%
- Independent study
- 84%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 81%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 81%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
James Minney is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- assessed performances
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 15%
- Practical exam
- 46%
- Coursework
- 39%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 39%
- Practical exam
- 21%
- Coursework
- 40%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 16%
- Practical exam
- 19%
- Coursework
- 65%
Careers
As a Modern Languages and Music graduate, 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 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
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fees also include specialist vocal and instrumental tuition for music students taking performance modules. Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Students studying or working in Europe
- Instruments and Equipment
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Textbooks
- Computer discs or USB drives
- ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications
- Hardware
- Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
- Stationery
- Students studying or working outside Europe
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 347.42 KB).
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.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: RW13
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
You'll be auditioned for entry to this course. This audition may be done in person, or by sending a video. Candidates are also sometimes invited to interview. You'll receive an email with full details if you're shortlisted.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.