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:
-
work as an English assistant in a school
-
study at a university
-
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.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including French and 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 students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including French and 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
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A level French and Spanish.
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
- 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 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
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 Grades AB in 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:
ABB including Grades AB in French and Spanish, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in French and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 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.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Spanish.
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
- 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 AB 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 H2 H2 including French and Spanish
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including French and Spanish at A2 and 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 D3 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
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in French and Spanish
or
AA 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
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 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 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 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:
-
applications of linguistics
-
an introduction to the languages of the Spanish-speaking world
-
the history and politics of the Hispanic world
-
the making of modern French
-
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:
-
gender, race and nation in modern Latin America
-
studying language structure
-
The EU and European identity
-
teaching English as a foreign language
-
multilingualism
-
experience as a classroom ambassador
-
modules from other subject areas, including other languages
Year 3 overview
You can spend this year abroad in a French or Spanish-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 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:
-
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
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
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- 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:
-
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: RR14
- 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