About this course

Develop your French or German and your analytical and critical thinking skills with this modern language and philosophy degree.

Spend a year of this 4 year degree abroad on a workplace, teaching or university placement. Develop your language skills while learning about the French or German speaking world's history and thought.

Engage with fundamental issues in ethics, metaphysics and political philosophy and apply philosophical thought to practical questions.

You can choose a language you have not studied. You'll get extra hours of teaching and funding for a language course abroad at the end of year 1 to make fast progress.

Whichever language you choose, you'll:

develop your analytical abilities as you engage with philosophical questions
become immersed in the language and familiar with how it is spoken
gain the skills to understand ways of thinking and engage in debates
study a society or cultures that the language is spoken in

Choose topics and gain expertise in areas that interest you most, including:

contemporary society
literature and film
anthropology
history

Language study paths

These are the languages you can choose from:

BA Modern Languages (French) and Philosophy
BA Modern Languages (German) and Philosophy

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

ABB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

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 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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

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, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B at A level Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB at A level

RQF BTEC

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B at A level Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB at A level

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

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

You study both philosophy and your chosen language of French, German or Spanish throughout your degree.

You choose what to focus on for both parts of your degree.

Year 1 overview

You study both your language and the society or culture where it is spoken.

We work out which language level you are at to give you the best possible start to develop your skills.

You also get an introduction to major themes and approaches in philosophy.

At the end of year 1 you can choose to take a summer course abroad in your language if you did not study it before the degree.

Year 2 overview

You study how we attain knowledge and understand reality in one philosophy module.

Choose to study other philosophy modules which may include:

moral philosophy
the ethics of poverty
knowledge and evidence

Continue your study of French or German. You choose modules that equip you with different ways to study cultures and languages.

These include:

socio-historical studies
cultural studies
linguistics
ethnography
politics

Year 3 overview

You'll carry out your period abroad and get to know a foreign culture either as a student or in a work placement.

You work independently on tasks as you build knowledge of your chosen language, culture and society. You also complete a portfolio of work in both English and either French or German.

We support you with frequent online meetings and through contact by email.

Year 4 overview

You choose modules in cultural studies, linguistics, ethnographic, socio-historical and politics.

You combine these with philosophy modules of your choice.

These may include:

scepticism
advanced aesthetics
the ethics of climate change
works of Heidegger, Nietzsche or Schopenhauer

You can carry out research for a dissertation using the intellectual skills you've gained throughout your degree.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Confidence
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
EDI leadership
Adaptability
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Local government,

national government bodies,

Publishers,

Press Agencies,

Consultancies,

Think Tanks,

regional councils,

Hotels,

Travel Agencies,

museums,

Libraries,

universities,

schools,

colleges,

Private Language Schools.

Careers directly related to this course:

Translator
Interpreter
Digital copywriter
Editorial assistant
Journalist
Copy editor
Secondary school teacher
Web content manager
Social media content creator
English as a foreign language teacher

Wider career opportunities:

Advertising copywriter
Education consultant
Information officer
Marketing executive
Media researcher
Public relations officer
Social media manager
Local government officer
Records manager
User experience researcher

Example job titles of Southampton BA Modern Languages (One Language) and Philosophy graduates*:

Policy officer
Management trainee
Business development consultant
Communications project coordinator
Data analyst
Secondary school teacher
Paralegal
Staff writer
Recruitment consultant

Job prospects for BA Modern Languages (One Language) and Philosophy graduates

£30k

Average professional salary

79%

In a skilled profession or further study

91%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £23,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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.

Modern Languages and Philosophy (1 language: French or German) (BA)

About this course

Language study paths

Learn more about these subject areas

Philosophy

Languages and linguistics

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

For Academic year

Scottish Qualification

Other requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

Your modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Academic Skills for Modern languages and Linguistics students

Ethics

Introduction to French and Francophone Studies

Introduction to German Studies

Reason and Argument

Truth, Knowledge, and Objectivity

Applications of Linguistics

Applied Ethics

Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning

Faith and Reason

Freedom and Responsibility

Language Acquisition

Puzzles about Art and Literature

Understanding Culture

Understanding History and Society

Year 2 modules

Appearance and Reality

Managing Research and Learning

Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art

Corpus Linguistics: Working with large-scale text data

Discourse Analysis

Epistemology: Knowledge and Evidence

Ethics of Global Poverty

Exploring French Linguistics

Ghosts on Screen

Globalisation: Culture, Language and The Nation State

Health, Culture, and Discrimination

Immigration, Race and Ethnicity in France

Kant’s Copernican Revolution in Philosophy

Language and Society in German-Speaking World

Language, Power and Institutions: how linguistic practices can shape our lives

Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography