About this course

Learn a modern language and understand how languages are created, learned and shaped as they are used. Study linguistics with either French, German or Spanish on this course and earn a master's degree in 4 years.

Spend a year of this 4 year course on a placement in a university abroad. Develop your language skills while learning about the culture, history and thought of a French, German or Spanish speaking society.

Whichever language you choose, you'll:

become skilled in a language and familiar with how it is spoken
develop your critical thinking and gain the skills to interpret cultures
study a society or cultures where your chosen language is spoken
write a dissertation on a topic that you are interested in

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

translation and interpreting
contemporary society
literature and film
ethnography
politics

Language study paths

These are the languages you can choose from:

MLang Modern Languages (French) and Linguistics
MLang Modern Languages (German) and Linguistics
MLang Modern Languages (Spanish) and Linguistics

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).

What it's like to study Modern Languages and Linguistics at Southampton

In this video Thomas talks about how studying at Southampton provided the opportunity to explore a range of career interests such as interpreting, translating or languages for business.

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 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA including one named language

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in one named language

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in one named language A level Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in one named language A level Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in one named language A level and A in one further A level

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.

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 in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in one named language A level Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in one named language A level Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in one named language A level and A in one further A level

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.

or

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 linguistics and your chosen language of French, German or Spanish throughout your degree.

Year 1 overview

You study both your language and explore how languages develop in situations they are spoken in.

You are introduced to major themes in linguistics and study the history, politics and culture of a society where your language is spoken.

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

Year 2 overview

You continue your study of French, German or Spanish. You choose to study at least 3 linguistics modules and at least 2 language modules.

You can choose modules that equip you with different ways to study cultures and languages.

These include:

socio-historical studies
cultural studies
ethnography
linguistics
politics

You also prepare for your year abroad.

Year 3 overview

Spend a period of time abroad, studying in a country where your chosen language is spoken.

You’ll get to know the culture and people, and practise your language skills. You'll carry out independent study as part of your Southampton modules, as well as modules from your host university.

We’ll support you with regular video calls and emails.

Year 4 overview

After returning to the UK, you’ll take master's-level modules and can focus on areas of interest you've developed during your studies.

You 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.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

Choose from the study paths below to display modules on this page.

Select a study path

Your modules

Choose your study path

Modules will display here

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

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)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Laurence Richard is the course leader.

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 MLang Modern Languages (One Language) and Linguistics graduates*:

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

Job prospects for MLang Modern Languages (One Language) and Linguistics 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 £36,200 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.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: R9Q4
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Language selection

If we make you an offer which you accept, we’ll email you to confirm the language you want to study. We’ll be in touch no later than 2 months before the start of your course.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

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

Related courses

Modern Languages and Linguistics (1 language: French, German or Spanish) (MLang) is a course in the Languages and linguistics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

e

BA

English and Modern Languages

BA

English Language and Linguistics

BA

English Language and Linguistics with Year Abroad

h

BA

History and Modern Languages

l

BA

Language, Culture and Communication

BA

Liberal Arts

m

BSc

Modern Languages and Business Management (1 language: French, German or Spanish)

BA