| UCAS code | Q204 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | Q205 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- Gain a breadth of knowledge in literature, film and art from around the world, from the ancient to the contemporary.
- Develop your translation literacy and understanding of the cultural, political, social and economic forces that shape how material travels from one language and context to another.
- Our BA takes a comparative lens on pressing issues such as migration, the environment, and gender and sexuality. We have a decolonial focus, both in terms of theory and our commitment to consider literature beyond the Western canon.
- Opportunity to learn Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian or Portuguese from beginners. French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian can also be taken from advanced/post-A level.
- Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language.
- Gain a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding and speaking your selected language, providing you with valued language skills of potential use for future careers.
Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in UK subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
The Complete University Guide 2025
Internationally recognised fine art, heritage and film collections on site, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | Dependent on subjects chosen (see 'read more' below) |
| IB | 32/655 | Dependent on subjects chosen (see 'read more' below) |
| BTEC | DDM | Dependent on subjects chosen (see 'read more' below) |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | Dependent on level chosen the required L3 credits in Modern Foreign Language subject area |
| T-Level | Distinction | Dependent on subjects chosen: GCE A-Level in a Modern Foreign Language |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Language requirements
- No previous language qualifications are required.
- You may only choose one language.
- French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish can be studied either from A-Level or beginner’s level, with both cohorts reaching degree level in the final year.
- Portuguese and Chinese can normally only be studied from beginner’s level, not from A-Level; students of these two languages reach degree level in final year.
- If you choose a beginners language, you must take the four-year variant of the course with an International Placement.
Languages and levels available for Combined Honours courses
|
I want to study a new language at beginner level alongside my other subject (excluding programmes with Arabic) |
|
| Modern Languages requirements | No previous language qualifications required. We strongly recommend that students who want to start a languages degree with no previous linguistic experience should contact us. |
| Advanced level languages available | n/a |
| Beginners level languages available | Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish |
|
I want to study my A level (or equivalent) language at advanced level alongside my other subject (including programmes with Arabic) |
|
| Modern Languages requirements | A level grade B or IB HL5 or SL6 (or equivalent) in the language chosen at advanced level |
| Advanced level languages available | French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish |
| Beginners level languages available | n/a |
Completing your UCAS form
In the section named ‘further details’ on your UCAS application form please indicate in the ‘choices’ field the language and route you wish to study using the abbreviations below, separated by a space:
| French | Fren |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Chin |
| German | Germ |
| Italian | Ital |
| Portuguese | Port |
| Russian | Russ |
| Spanish | Span |
Course content
Each year, you will study 30 credits of a compulsory language module, 30 credits of optional modules developing your knowledge and understanding of the country/countries where your chosen language is spoken, and 60 credits of Comparative Literatures and Cultures modules.
The Modern Languages side of the programme offers the choice of one of seven major languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish), taught by experienced language specialists including native speakers and academic staff at the cutting edge of research in their particular discipline. Progression through the programme will combine the acquisition of language with the study of the literature, culture, film, history and/or linguistics of the language disciplines as well as advanced translation practice. You will develop a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding and speaking your selected language.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures at Exeter is unique for its breadth, introducing you to literature, film and art from around the world, from the ancient to the contemporary. You will be taught by world-leading scholars with expertise in literature and culture from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. You will develop the key intercultural understanding and communication skills necessary to be a global citizen.
This programme will prepare you for a range of careers around the world. It includes a compulsory element of either an employability module (e.g. Humanities in the Workplace) or a module preparing you for MA study. You also have the option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. 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.
If you choose the with International Placement variant of this course, your placement will take place in Year 3.
Course variants
International Placement (work or study)
Study/Work Abroad in Year 3
A pivotal part of all Modern Language programmes is the International Placement, either studying at one of our prestigious partner universities, teaching on a British Council placement, or working in other employment. By immersing yourself in the culture you study, you will not only enhance your language skills, but cultivate:
- strong intercultural understanding
- improved communication skills
- the ability to think and study in different ways
- resilience and confidence
- analytical skills and the ability to make cross-cultural comparisons
- adaptability, independence and valuable life experience
During your International Placement, you will still be registered as an Exeter student and therefore supported in several ways. You will retain your personal tutor and be expected to keep in contact with them. You will also have the support of the Exeter Global Opportunities team for advice on any matter.
Our four-year “with International Placement” degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, either working or studying abroad.
You will need to confirm how you intend to spend your International Placement during the first semester of the second year. We will help you in the process. During your first year you will be invited to an introductory presentation about your International Placement options. In your second year, there is an extensive orientation programme to help you prepare for your International Placement.
Ways to spend the International Placement (work or study)
- You must spend 6-15 months abroad, maximising the opportunities available to you
- You can work, study, or split the year on two or more placements
- Students going to China or Russia can currently only study (work abroad is not available)
- If you study Portuguese, the only options available are study or work abroad (not a British Council assistantship)
Study Abroad
Studying abroad offers a range of possibilities, with over 40 different partner universities worldwide available to Modern Languages students. This can provide you with the opportunity to experience a different academic environment with local and other international students, broadening your knowledge of the language and culture you study.
Please note that Study Abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. The allocation of these places is competitive and based on first-year marks.
Work Abroad
Internships are very rewarding in that they can offer you valuable workplace experience. Placements can be sourced via our Employability and Placements webpages, but you can also source your own internship externally, though it must be approved by the Employability and Placements team.
Some of our students have spent their international placement working in translation, tourism, marketing, fashion, commerce, journalism, heritage and many other sectors.
British Council English Language Assistantship
Becoming an English Language Assistant with the British Council is a brilliant opportunity to explore both the world of working and, more specifically, the idea of working as a teacher. An academic year is spent supporting teachers in a primary or secondary school in the country of the language you are studying.
Please note that these assistantships are organised by the British Council and placements are subject to their criteria and availability.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subject(s) you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Global Opportunities website.
What will I study whilst I am abroad?
Whilst overseas, you will complete predominantly Modern Languages-related modules that supplement the academic content of the modules offered at Exeter.
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the departmental Study Abroad Coordinator.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes - the International Placement is an assessed year and the marks obtained count towards your final degree classification. If you begin a language in your first year at Exeter and intend to take that language in your final year, you must do your International Placement in that language. If you are a beginner and decide not to do an International Placement, you will be moved to Single Honours Global Cultural Studies for the final year.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For your International Placement you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. You will also continue to receive any Student Finance support for which you are eligible.
How do I apply?
You may apply directly to the four-year BA Modern Languages with International Placement programme via UCAS – these students will be given priority of available study abroad placements. Alternatively, you may apply to the three-year BA Modern Languages programme and are able to request to apply to change onto the four-year programme once you are at Exeter, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Please note that study abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed on either option. The allocation of study abroad places is competitive based on your first-year average grade along with your successful completion of Years 1 and 2.
What happens if I am unable to secure a study placement?
Once at Exeter, if students cannot go or are unwilling to go on their International Placement year, they can apply to move to either a three-year BA Modern Languages programme or a three-year BA Global Cultural Studies programme (dependent on their language level by the final year). This would need to be approved by the department.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
The nature of learning at university involves considerable self-guided study and research. You will be taught through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminars. We also support the development of team-based learning by organising students into study groups, and we make full use of both traditional learning resources and our virtual learning environment. Lecturers and tutors are all available to provide further support in one-to-one consultations.
Written language is taught through weekly classes, with teams of tutors, including native speakers who contribute to a programme aimed at grammar improvement and the development of advanced writing and translating skills. You’ll also have weekly oral practice in classes of eight to 10 students with native speakers of the language(s) that you are studying. You will have access to our Language Lab for private study, and can benefit from the Peer Assisted Learning scheme.
You will also develop a range of professional abilities, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical, analytical and communication skills.
We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including the increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning. Through our virtual learning environment, you can access detailed information about modules, and interact through activities such as discussion forums.
You will also have access to online subscription databases and websites, such as Early English Books Online (EEBO), Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), MLA FirstSearch and JSTOR
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by coursework, which will take a variety of forms, from traditional essays to reflective portfolios, videos and research projects. The range of assessments is designed to develop skills including communication, critical thinking and creativity. Some assessment will involve group work to strengthen your ability to work in a team.
The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification.
Other/extra-curricular opportunities
We provide an exciting range of special lectures and seminars by visiting academics and cultural practitioners. In addition to your academic work, student-run cultural societies (e.g. Literary Society, French Society) organise book and poetry readings, film screenings and social events, providing an opportunity to meet students who share a love of literature, culture and the arts.
Students from the Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies department are active in the University student newspapers, radio and TV station. The department also has strong links with Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, the Phoenix arts centre, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and other local cultural organisations.
Your future
This programme will equip you with a comprehensive understanding and skillset for a range of careers across a multitude of industries. In particular: intercultural understanding and communication skills, which are at the heart of this programme, are increasingly required by employers in a globalized world.
The course includes a compulsory element of either an employability module (e.g. Humanities in the Workplace; Making a Career in Publishing) or a module preparing students for further study. Digital literacy and translation literacy are embedded throughout the course.
Career paths
Example destinations for our students include:
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Translation
- Teaching and roles in other educational organisations
- Accountancy and financial services
- Public sector roles
Further study
This course is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study in areas such as:
- MA Comparative Literature and Cultures
- MA Translation Studies
- MA Intercultural Communications
- MA Publishing
- MA English Literary Studies
- MA Classics
- MA Creativity
Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in UK subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
The Complete University Guide 2025
Internationally recognised fine art, heritage and film collections on site, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad
