Modern Languages (BA)

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

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.

Year 1

We’ll introduce you to the study skills you’ll need as a Modern Languages student and you’ll take compulsory language modules to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in your 3 chosen languages.

You’ll then be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules. Topics could include:

• applications of linguistics

• modern French culture

• The history and politics of the Hispanic world

• German history, politics and society

• modules from other subject areas, including other languages

Year 2

You’ll continue to develop your language skills in your 3 chosen languages. You'll also 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:

• psycholinguistics

• studying language structure

• learning about culture through ethnography

• the EU and European identity

• gender, race and nation in modern Latin America

• media perspectives on Germany after 1968

• post-war French thought

• modules from other subject areas, including other languages

Year 3

You can spend this year abroad:

• 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 language skills and you’ll be able to choose from a range of other module options.

Module choices may include areas such as:

• a Modern Languages dissertation

• language and identity among US Latinos

• public service interpreting

• language teaching

• writing in a Second Language

• exploring multicultural Germany

• audiovisual translation

• modules from other subject areas, including other languages

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:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• composition portfolios
• debates
• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Stationery
• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Laboratory Equipment and Materials
• Hardware
• Students studying or working outside Europe
• Computer discs or USB drives
• Students studying or working in Europe
• Software Licenses
• Textbooks
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications

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.

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

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.