About this course
With this joint honours degree, you'll become proficient in both German and Spanish, and study contemporary culture, society, politics, history, literature and cinema. You'll specialise in Linguistics and explore the structure, use and psychology of both languages. You'll also spend a year abroad in a German- or Spanish-speaking country.
Following our unique system of language development, you’ll start at a level that matches your ability in both German and Spanish. This means we can personalise your learning and you'll make the most rapid progress at each stage of the course.
In Linguistics, you'll study the nature of speech, the structure of language, phonetics, how languages are learnt and their social context.
You’ll also have all the resources you need to support you in our Centre for Language Study.
The third year is spent in a Spanish- or German-speaking country, giving you the opportunity to enhance your linguistic and cultural proficiency. You could choose to spend a year in Spanish-speaking Latin America, Spain, Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 319.82 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 German and Spanish
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 German and Spanish
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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.
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 German and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish.
BTEC additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 German 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 German 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 German and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level German and A in A level Spanish.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level German 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 German and A level Spanish
Access to HE Diploma additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 German and Spanish
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including German and Spanish at A2 and B1
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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
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 German and Spanish
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Strong candidates with Grade A at A level in either German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in German and Spanish
or
AA from two A levels including German 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 German or Spanish but with no previous knowledge of the other language may apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated German 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 German 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
In your first and second years, you'll take a balanced range of modules in German and Spanish. You'll take some Linguistics modules specific to German and Spanish, but also more general topics in areas such as Psycholinguistics, Discourse Analysis and Phonetics.
Your second year also includes preparation for your year abroad. While abroad in the third year, you will study at one of our Erasmus exchange partner institutions and complete an independent research project. In year 4 you'll be encouraged to pursue your interests, including a dissertation.
You can also take modules from different subject areas or learn a different language.
Year 1
You’ll develop your proficiency in speaking and writing German and Spanish and take compulsory modules in topics such as:
German linguistic studies
languages of the Spanish-speaking world
elements of linguistics - sound, structure and meaning
applications of linguistics
Year 2
You’ll develop your listening, reading, writing and other academic skills. There are compulsory modules on Managing Research and Learning, German Language and Society and Spanish Linguistics.
At the end of the year you'll take a module that helps prepare you for study abroad next year.
You'll also choose from optional topics including:
accelerated German language
accelerated Spanish language
psycholinguistics
discourse analysis
sound and voice
language structure
Year 3
You’ll spend a year abroad in a German- or Spanish-speaking country on a study placement at one of our specially selected partner universities.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4
After returning to the UK, you can select from an extensive range of modules and focus on areas of interest developed during your studies.
You'll be encouraged to reflect on your experience of being abroad. You'll also get support for the challenges of returning to the UK and career planning.
Module choices include:
audiovisual translation
language in society
translation
intercultural communication
second language acquisition
You’ll also do a dissertation exploring a topic of particular interest.
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:
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
- Managing Research and Learning
- Language and Society in German-Speaking World
- Exploring Spanish Linguistics
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
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:
- Sociophonetic Project Module
- Language Teaching Theory and Practice
- Spanish Language Stage 6
- Second Language Acquisition
- German Language Stage 7
- Modern Languages Dissertation
- Writing in a Second Language
- German Language Stage 6
- Transatlantic Crossings: Linguistic Variation in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America
- Barrios and Borders: Language and Identity amongst US Latinos
- English as a Global Language
- Spanish Language Stage 7
- Advanced Syntax
- Language Testing and Assessment in Society
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
- 23%
- Independent study
- 77%
- 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
- 20%
- Independent study
- 80%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Anthony Campbell is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 33%
- Practical exam
- 28%
- Coursework
- 39%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 44%
- Practical exam
- 27%
- Coursework
- 29%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 37%
- Practical exam
- 16%
- Coursework
- 47%
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.
There is 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)
- Students studying or working outside Europe
- Hardware
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications
- Students studying or working in Europe
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Textbooks
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- Software Licenses
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 319.82 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: RRF4
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 normally invite all candidates to an interview.
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.