BA Modern Languages - 2025 entry

Pathway A - One language

Study one language and graduate with BA (Hons) in one language, e.g. BA (Hons) French.

Students can choose to study one Beginners or one Advanced language in Year 1. Please see the Overview above for details of languages available.

Year 1

You will study 1st year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 2

You will study 2nd year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Pathway B - Two equal languages

Study two languages and graduate with BA (Hons) in two languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Pathway C - Three equal languages

Study three languages and graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian, Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will include 1st year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 2

Your study will include 2nd year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Pathway D - Two equal languages from Year 1 with a third taken up in Year 2

Start by studying two languages, then take up a third language in Year 2. Graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) French with Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Having achieved good grades in the core language modules in Year 1, you decide to start a third language in Year 2.

For language 1 you will study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For the 2nd and 3rd languages you will study the core written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for your three languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules for two languages.

Pathway E - A main language and a secondary language

Start with the study of two languages, then in Year 2 take up modules in another discipline, e.g. Business Studies. Graduate with BA (Hons) in language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

You decide to expand the focus of your study by including modules from another discipline, such as the Business School, to enhance your employability.

For language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For language 2 you study core language modules. You also study a 1st year core module from your other discipline, e.g. Business Studies.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules for both languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages. Additionally, you can study 2nd year core modules from your other discipline.

Pathway F and G - Start with two equal languages and specialise in the Final Year

Start with the study of two languages and decide to focus mainly on one after your international placement (work or study). Graduate with BA (Hons) in ‘language 1’ with ‘language 2’ e.g. BA (Hons) Russian with French.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 2nd year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2, either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4 - Choose either pathway F or G.

Pathway F

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language but still want to continue with the study of language 2. For Language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select option modules. And for language 2 you only study final year core written and oral modules.

Pathway G

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language. You decide to drop the core language modules for language 2; however you want to maintain your interest in the modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. So, you study the final year core language modules of language 1, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of both languages.

Pathway H and I - Start with two equal languages and specialise after the First Year

Start by studying two subjects, then decide after your first year to focus more on one language.

On Pathway H you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

On Pathway I you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2 Studies, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian Studies.

Pathway H

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 but want to keep up the study of language 2.

For language 1 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

For language 1 you study core final year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core final year written and oral modules.

or

Pathway I

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 and drop core modules for language 2.

For language 1 you study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. And for language 2 you select from a variety of 2nd year option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your focus is on language 1 only and you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules.

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.