About this course
With this degree, you’ll develop strong language skills in both French and Spanish and gain a comprehensive understanding of both cultures. You’ll also spend a year living and working abroad, building your fluency and considerably boosting your employment prospects.
Using our language development system, we’ll make sure you start at a level that matches your ability in French and Spanish. This means, if you’re a strong student, you can start one of these languages from scratch - and make rapid progress in both.
You’ll have the freedom to tailor your degree to areas that interest you. You could, for instance, take a third language, take modules from other subject areas, or explore more about French or Spanish linguistics, history and culture.
In your year abroad you can choose to:
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work as an English assistant in a school
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study at a university
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take a work placement
You could choose to go to Spain, France, Switzerland or Latin America - we have links in Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Through our innovative scheme in Mexico, developed in partnership with the Mexican Education Ministry, you could work as a Language Resources Assistant in a University.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
ABB including French and Spanish
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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 Spanish, 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, as follows: BBB including French and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in French and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with 6 Higher Level points in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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
Additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, plus BB in A level French and A level Spanish
Access to HE additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including French and Spanish
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including French and Spanish at B1
Irish certificate additional information
Strong candidates with A2 in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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 and Spanish
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Strong candidates with D3 in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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 and Spanish or AB from two A levels including French and Spanish, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either French or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated French or Spanish 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
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 and Spanish
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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?
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 Spanish 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 third 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 and Spanish. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1 overview
We’ll introduce you to the study skills you’ll need as a Modern Languages student and you’ll take compulsory French and Spanish language modules 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:
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applications of linguistics
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an introduction to the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
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the history and politics of the Hispanic world
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the making of modern French
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modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 2 overview
You’ll continue to develop your French and Spanish language skills and you’ll take a module that prepares you for your year abroad, including the research project that 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. These might include topics such as:
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gender, race and nation in modern Latin America
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studying language structure
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The EU and European identity
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teaching English as a foreign language
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multilingualism
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experience as a classroom ambassador
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modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 3 overview
You can spend this year abroad in a French or Spanish-speaking country:
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as an English language assistant in a school
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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
We will support you in your return to university from your year abroad and 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 and Spanish and you’ll be able to choose from a range of other module options.
Module choices may include:
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language and identity among US Latinos
-
public service interpreting
-
language teaching
-
representations of women in the Hispanic world
-
Linguistic variation in the Iberian peninsula and Latin America
-
extra modules to advance your French or Spanish language skills
-
modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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...
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 ...
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 ...
This module is designed to provide you with a broad introduction to the culture, history and language of France and Francophone countries. By studying various types of primary and secondary sources, you will become familiar with a wide range of themes, e...
This module is designed to provide you with a broad introduction to the culture, history and language of Spain, Latin America and the Spanish speaking World. By studying various types of primary and secondary sources, you will become familiar with a wide...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
This unit will introduce you to the main areas relevant to applied language studies.
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...
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.
Year 2 modules
You must study the following module in year 2:
The module will clarify the links between the Year Abroad Portfolio and modules in years two and four.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
How do writers and filmakers grapple with the difficulties of remembering events that many would rather forget? How do they seek to represent events that seem to defy representation? In tackling these questions, this module provides you with a fascinating...
This course is designed to expand and deepen your knowledge of the cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world, bringing together written texts, visual and conceptual art, political materials, and cinema from twentieth-century Portugal, Brazil, and Portugu...
This module highlights and analyses the link between language structure and its situation of occurrence.
This module uses ethnographic approaches to understand the diversity of Latin America’s peoples and cultures. Emphasizing the emergence within Latin American anthropology of focuses on everyday life through topics such as kinship and family, ritual and re...
This module explores various aspects of the French language from the perspective of modern linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and lexis
The module introduces you to relevant issues and topics of contemporary Spanish linguistics and establishes the basis for future application of linguistic principles.
The course examines major turning points in Spanish and Portuguese America from the middle nineteenth century to the present, with a focus on how these upheavals affected and reflected the politics of class, gender and race.
This module will problematize the concept of globalisation and explore and develop an understanding of its meaning in economic, political and cultural terms. Furthermore, we will examine the ideological struggle between competing forces over the nature an...
This module examines high, popular and mass cultural forms in twentieth century Spain and Latin America. Attention is particularly paid to the political uses made of those different forms. The module explores the function of popular culture in predominant...
What developments led to the headscarf and the so-called ‘burka ban’ in France? Why has ‘multiculturalism’ been a taboo subject? To what extent have anti-racism associations been a success in combating racism? This module offers you the opportunity to gai...
This module is designed to explore in detail the key areas of feminism, postcolonial theory, and cultural semiotics i.e. the analysis of cultural signs, whether in visual culture, such as advertising, political culture, or based in cultural practices. Th...
This module examines three areas of psycholinguistics which help to understand what the relationship between language and the human mind might be.
This module builds on the basic concepts of articulatory phonetics introduced in the first year, and introduces theory and methodology of acoustic science for the study of the production and perception of speech sounds.
This module will provide introduce you to the study of syntax within current linguistic theory.
This module will introduce you to key issues, concepts and methods in teaching English as a second/foreign language.
The course seeks to provide an overview of the evolution of the European Union (EU) from its early stages to the present. In so doing, it examines the ideas and history of the EU, the institutions of the EU, examples of specific issue areas and the presen...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
This module is designed to accompany you as you resume your programme of studies in Southampton and grapple with the challenges of re-entry. We will support you as you reflect upon your experience of study abroad, enable you to articulate those experience...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Where does the idea of a stateless person come from? Why did France become one of the foremost nations for refugee reception? How were refugees fleeing from persecution in other parts of Europe treated in France? Why did France establish a system of ‘conc...
This module will introduce you to the different types of audiovisual translation and the various kinds of subtitles produced nowadays. You will learn about the interaction between text and image and the technical issues and constraints involved in creatin...
This module will introduce the main theoretical ideas of language and identity alongside tracing the historical, social and linguistic background to the presence of the so-called Latinos in the USA. By considering a range of texts, as well as cultural ou...
Based on written texts, films and visual materials from and about Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, this course is intended to show you the cutting edge of cultural production and research from the Portuguese-speaking wo...
This module explores the rise of English as a global language focusing on the factors that have led to, and the issues that have arisen from, its dominant status. You will learn about the interrelation between globalisation, standardisation and variabilit...
Migration has been a recurrent theme that has characterized Spain’s social, political and cultural history since its emergence as a modern nation in 1492. By drawing on narrative inquiry, this module will focus on the most recent migration movements of th...
This option will examine the relationship between French identity and culture since 1981 with the elections of François Mitterrand by exploring the ways in which identities of different social groups are expressed within the economic, political and cultur...
This module in French sociolinguistics aims to build on and re-evaluate your existing knowledge of the French language from a sociolinguistic perspective. The module has three major themes: language change, language variation and language identity in rela...
This module examines the theory and practice of language teaching and explores 'reflective practice' as a set of skills that can be applied to your future working life.
This module develops awareness of how language testing and assessment have developed in educational and wider social contexts. It focusses on both purposes and processes of language testing and assessment, and critically examines applications in policy ar...
This unit will allow students to undertake independent research to produce an in-depth study of a specific topic located in one of the fields within Modern Languages.
This module will provide students with both a practical and theoretical insight into the role of a Public Service Interpreter. Beginning with a general introduction to interpreting, it will go on to focus more in depth on the wide range of issues and chal...
This module provides an insight into the cognitive processes involved in the acquisition of language. Different theories of first and second language acquisition will be examined and critically assessed in the light of empirical evidence. Various factors ...
Fuelled by the sexual revolution, the women’s movement and gay activism, the late twentieth century saw a flourishing of critical interest in questions of sex, gender and desire and their relation to literature and culture. This module will develop your u...
This course will introduce you to a range of examples of Spanish American (e.g. may include Puerto Rican, Argentinean, and Mexican [American]) and Iberian cultural production from the period of the 1980s to the 21st century, in order to provide a sense o...
This final year module builds on the theoretical grounding students gain in LING 2011 Variation and Change in English and the instrumental analysis techniques from LING 2008 Sound and Voice. Through a series of computer, lab-based sessions, students test ...
The module examines selected written texts and films in the areas of travel, cultural encounter and identity. These will cover a variety of topics and cross-cultural encounters, within the broad area of Francophone film and non-fiction writing. Critical...
The module will take you through the process, the product and the place of writing. Process will deal primarily with modelling cognitive operations, analysis of composing strategies, and individual differences and changes in processes over time. Product w...
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
Marta Crosby 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 including:
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translation
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interpreting
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teaching
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marketing
-
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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,300.
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 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 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: R1R4
- 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?
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
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