About this course
Learn 2 major international languages and study abroad for a year to get complete proficiency with our French and Portuguese degree. You’ll complement your language learning with modules covering the history, society, culture and linguistics for French and Portuguese-speaking countries.
You’ll start at a level that matches your ability in spoken and written French and Portuguese, which will help you to progress quickly. You’ll also have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton has everything you need.
You can study Portuguese in accelerated mode, letting you reach graduate level competence over 4 years.
A special module in year 2 will make sure you’re ready for working and studying abroad in year 3. You can spend the year in countries such as:
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France
-
Portugal
-
Brazil
-
Switzerland
-
Belgium
-
Canada
-
Guadeloupe
-
Martinique
-
La Réunion
We have partner universities in the Erasmus exchange programme across France 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.
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 or Portuguese
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
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 or Portuguese 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 or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in French or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
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, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level French or Portuguese
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level French or Portuguese
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level French or Portuguese and one further A level
BTEC additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, plus B in A level French or Portuguese
Access to HE additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including French or Portuguese
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including French or Portuguese at B1
Irish certificate additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including French or Portuguese
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including French or Portuguese
or
AB from two A levels including French or Portuguese and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in French or Portuguese
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
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 French or Portuguese (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
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 French or Portuguese (minimum grade A) 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 French or Portuguese (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in French or Portuguese
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages. 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, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level French or Portuguese
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French or Portuguese
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level French or Portuguese and A in one further A level
BTEC additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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 or Portuguese
Access to HE additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including French or Portuguese
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including French or Portuguese at A2
Irish certificate additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Scottish Qualification
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) 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 or Portuguese at D3
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including French or Portuguese (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A levels including French or Portuguese and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Students study accelerated French or Portuguese language classes from beginner’s level and can reach up to degree level in both languages.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 in French or Portuguese
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
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
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of French and Portuguese 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 proficiency in French and Portuguese. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1 overview
This year improves your French proficiency and introduces you to the history of Portuguese-speaking nations through topics such as colonisation, migration, ethnicity and dictatorship.
You can also choose from topics including:
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modern French culture
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an introduction to the Portuguese-speaking world
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elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
Year 2 overview
You’ll improve your French communication skills and deepen your knowledge of the cultures of Portugal, Brazil, and Lusophone Africa. There’s also a module that prepares you for the year abroad.
Topics include:
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immigration, race and ethnicity in France
-
learning about culture through ethnography
-
language, ideologies and attitudes
-
post-war French thought
-
culture, power and resistance in the Portuguese-speaking world
-
multilingualism
Year 3 overview
You can spend a year abroad:
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as an English language assistant
-
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 overview
This year is another opportunity to explore your special interests and master the French and Portuguese languages. You can also choose to do a Modern Languages dissertation.
Topic choices include areas such as:
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sex, gender and desire in French literature and culture
-
travel writing in post-war France
-
translation
-
language testing and assessment in society
-
language teaching
-
how a second language is acquired
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must study the following module in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
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)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- composition portfolios
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- composition portfolios
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- composition portfolios
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- composition portfolios
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
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:
-
gathering and interpreting information
-
working with and leading teams
-
understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
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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
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: RR15
- 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