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.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 336.2 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 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
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.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level French and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate 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
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 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 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 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.
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 Diploma 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 (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 Leaving 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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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:
- Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning
- Narrative and Cultural Identity in the Hispanic World
- Applications of Linguistics
- Introduction to the Languages of the Spanish-Speaking World
- Modern French Culture
- Reading Culture
- Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
- The Making of Modern French
- Introduction to The Portuguese-Speaking World
- Reading the City
- The History and Politics of the Hispanic World
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:
- Spanish Language Stages 3/4 (Accelerated)
- Immigration, Race and Ethnicity in France
- Ethnography of Latin America
- Globalisation: Culture, Language and The Nation State
- Power and Discourse in Spanish-speaking societies
- Multilingualism
- The EU and European Identity
- Post-War French Thought
- Exploring Spanish Linguistics
- Sound and Voice
- Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography
- Conflicts, Crisis and Identities in the Francophone Context
- Psycholinguistics
- Spanish Language Stage 5
- Exploring French Linguistics
- Discourse Analysis
- Humanities University Ambassadors Scheme (Modern Languages)
- Variation and Change in English
- Culture, Power and Resistance in the Portuguese-Speaking World
- High, Popular and Mass Culture in Modern Spain
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Language, Ideologies and Attitudes
- Syntax: Studying Language Structure
- Gender, Race and Nation in Modern Latin America
- Myths and Realities of Contemporary Spain
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:
- Sex, Gender and Desire in French Literature and Culture
- Writing in a Second Language
- Public Service Interpreting
- Historical Memory in Modern Latin America
- Fragmented France: Cultures and Identities in Transition
- Audiovisual Translation
- French Language Stage 7
- Modern Languages Dissertation
- French Language Stage 6
- Encounters with Bodies in Lusophone Cultural Narrative
- Transatlantic Crossings: Linguistic Variation in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America
- Language Teaching Theory and Practice
- French Sociolinguistics: Challenges to Francophonie
- Second Language Acquisition
- Barrios and Borders: Language and Identity amongst US Latinos
- Sociophonetic Project Module
- Spanish Language Stage 6
- Language Testing and Assessment in Society
- English as a Global Language
- Spanish Language Stage 7
- Advanced Syntax
- Sex, Soap Operas and Female Dissidents: Representations of Women in the Hispanic World
- Travel Writing, Cultural Encounter, Identity in Post-War France
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Exiles, Migrants and Citizens: Narrating and documenting displacement in contemporary Spain
- Translation: Theory and Practice
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
- 21%
- Independent study
- 79%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 20%
- Independent study
- 80%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 22%
- Independent study
- 78%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Anthony Campbell is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- 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
- 30%
- Practical exam
- 29%
- Coursework
- 41%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 25%
- Practical exam
- 19%
- Coursework
- 56%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 30%
- Practical exam
- 18%
- Coursework
- 52%
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
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.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Stationery
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications
- Students studying or working in Europe
- Software Licenses
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Textbooks
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- Hardware
- 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, 336.2 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.
Life at Southampton
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: 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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.