Achieve fluency in two languages and prepare for an international career. You’ll also learn about the culture, history and politics of different countries.
Studying Modern Languages enables you to read, write and speak two foreign languages, and learn about the cultural, social and political evolution of the principal countries in which they're spoken.
Our degree offers flexible pathways. You can select two advanced languages you've studied at A-level or combine one with a language at beginners' (ab initio) level.
For advanced language pathways, you’ll study the cultures, societies and histories of the countries in which your languages are spoken. Beginners' language pathways focus on an integrated approach. This means you’ll learn about culture through language.
You can study this course with these languages:
Please note: We are not currently recruiting to Russian language pathways.
In Year 1, you'll develop your core linguistic skills, while exploring the history, cultures and societies of countries in which your language is spoken.
Year 2 combines the study of languages with acquiring the skills of intercultural communication. This will help you to gain the skills to live and work in a foreign country.
You'll spend Year 3 either studying or working abroad.
Your final year will offer you the freedom to explore topics that interest you and prepare you for your future career. You’ll be able to do a dissertation or translation project and a range of optional units, or select entirely from optional units. Optional units will cover areas such as contemporary politics, translation studies, film and media studies, and sociolinguistics.
You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in modern languages. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching, which ultimately enhances your learning experience. They have expertise in areas such as:
We believe that your learning will be at its best through immersion in your chosen language. For this reason, you will spend your third year abroad. We also teach many of the final year units in the target language.
Throughout the course, you will develop skills to prepare you for employment and further study. These include:
You will also develop advanced language skills and gain experience of working and living in a different cultural environment.
You can also combine your languages with either international management or politics to gain the skills required for a range of different careers with an international focus.
Our modern languages graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, in the UK and internationally. They’ve worked in education, global businesses, journalism and charities.
Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
The units you study will vary depending on your language choices.
If you study two advanced languages, you will study the following units for both of your chosen languages in each year:
If you study an advanced language and a beginner (ab initio) language, you will study the following units in your advanced language in each year:
You will also study 'Introduction to language 1: language and Society' in Year 1 and 'Introduction to language 2: language in context' in Year 2 in your beginner (ab initio) language. You will then study 'Advanced language 3' in both of your chosen languages in Year 4.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
15 credits
10 credits
10 credits
25 credits
15 credits
10 credits
5 credits
25 credits
5 credits
60 credits
15 credits
30 credits
In Year 3, you’ll study or work abroad. During this, you'll spend time in countries that primarily use your chosen languages. You could spend this time:
You can even combine two options across countries, spending half of Year 3 on each.
This year will improve your language skills. Many students gain confidence, life experience and independence. It can also increase your professional network.
Your Year Abroad Officers and Tutor will support you during this time. If you choose to do a placement, our placements team will help you to find your role and support you during your time abroad.
Previous students have completed placements with:
Placements can’t be guaranteed but you will receive support from our dedicated placements team to help you. Study abroad opportunities are limited and are subject to availability at our partner institutions. Some placement and study abroad opportunities (including some within EU countries) might not be available to UK students because of visa restrictions.
Read more about studying or working abroad during your undergraduate language degreeYou’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, practical sessions, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 12 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 23 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
25% to 50% of your course will be assessed through examinations. Around 50% to 60% will be assessed through coursework. The remainder will be assessed through practical work.
The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree, and it may depend on the optional units you choose.
The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks. Each contributes 24%, 8% and 68% respectively.
You will primarily be assessed individually, but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘I love the University and city. Our teachers are so motivated and enthusiastic, and they really transfer their passion for the languages and culture onto us.’
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for modern languages, expressed through an interest and knowledge of certain social, political or cultural aspects, as well as general cultural awareness.
We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds to our language courses. Language teaching in the first year of this degree for beginner languages is typically pitched at students who have little or no knowledge of the language. Teaching in the first year of this degree for advanced languages is intended for those who have studied the language to A level (or equivalent). If you have more advanced language skills you may want to contact us to discuss your options.
You will need a strong performance in either French, German or Spanish as part of your entry qualifications, depending on which language you wish to study at advanced level. If you are not taking it as part of your entry qualifications, we can accept a relevant B2 level language qualification, such as DELF for French, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat Deutsch or DSD for German or DELE for Spanish. If you wish to study two languages at advanced level you will need qualifications in each.
When completing your UCAS application for this course you will need to indicate the two languages and the level in each language you wish to study. You should do this under "further details" in the "choices" section of the application form, using our listed codes separated by a space.
You must choose at least one advanced language:
Your second language can be any other advanced language or any beginner language (except your chosen advanced language):
For example, if you wish to study advanced Spanish and beginner French you should enter "FB SA" (or "SA FB") on your UCAS choice.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
ABB in three A levels.
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include that language.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
BBC in three A levels.
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include grade B in that language.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
BBB in three A levels plus one of:
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
BBBB in three A levels and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include that language.
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
35 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include that language but we can consider you if you study it at Standard Level. Our typical offer in this case would be 35 points overall with 5, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 7 in Standard Level in your chosen language.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To study an advanced language option, you will normally need a 5 at Higher Level or 7 at Standard Level in that language, or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
To study an advanced language option, you will normally need a 5 at Higher Level or 7 at Standard Level in that language, or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
These entry requirements were updated in April 2023 and replace those listed in our 2024 prospectus.
35 points overall and 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include grade 5 in that language.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include that language but we can consider you if you study it at Standard Level. Our typical offer in this case would be 35 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects plus 7 in Standard Level in your chosen language.
DDM in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
You will need grade B in an A level in your advanced language option(s) or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
AB in two Advanced Highers.
For an advanced language option, your Advanced Highers must normally include that language.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AABBB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 30 credits achieved at Distinction and 9 credits achieved at Merit or above.
You will need a separate qualification demonstrating you are using a language you have chosen to study at advanced level regularly and at a high level. This could be an A level or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
We are usually unable to consider you for two advanced languages if you are applying with an Access to HE Diploma.
Please contact us to discuss the content of the Access course you are studying to check that the units you are covering are suitable.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Modern Languages BA (Hons) with study or work abroad
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusFee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
In Year 3, you will be required to spend time studying or working abroad. During this time, you are responsible for your travel, accommodation and living costs. These may vary depending on where you are based and your own personal choices.
If you study in China with one of our partner institutions, you will be required to pay additional tuition costs to that partner. These are not covered by UK Government tuition fee loans.
The exact fees may vary from year-to-year, but you should budget between £1,500 and £2,500-per-semester for this. There are no additional tuition costs for study as part of our other language options.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you hold a language qualification that is not covered by our typical entry requirements we may invite you to attend an interview to assess your language level. This interview will usually take place remotely.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
This course was updated with a new structure, title and languages for applicants starting from September 2020 onwards. The data from Discover Uni is based on a previous version of this course with differences in the choices of languages offered and the level of study required. Some data has been grouped with similar courses where appropriate.
You can use these course profiles as a guide:
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience