BA Modern Languages and History of Art

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/BA Modern Languages and History of Art

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

5QV1

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 24,480 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BA Modern Languages and History of Art

About

An undergraduate BA Modern Languages and History of Art degree blends language and culture with immersive learning, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.

The study of one or two Modern Languages alongside History of Art is a highly complementary and exciting opportunity to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. You'll pair you study of History of Art with a focus on one language from French, Italian, Russian or Spanish; or choose a combination of languages: French and Spanish; or French/Spanish with Russian or Italian. Your linguistic fluency is strengthened with a simultaneous understanding and appreciation of your target culture's literature, history, politics and society in a wide range of optional modules. You can even start two languages from scratch without taking an advanced language, as long as one of these is French or Spanish. Travel opportunities in your degree course such as the Year Abroad and the History of Art European study trip will enrich your skillset as both a linguist and art historian.

You will have access to original works, a dedicated fine art library and collection of resources in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, our acclaimed public gallery at the Univeristy. Here you will find a great collection of European art and works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Degas, Gwen John, Vigée LeBrun and Rodin.

There's an extensive range of language combinations available to you within our Modern Languages department. Some combinations we are unable to offer due to timetabling restrictions. You can see all our options below:

Find the perfect degree for you here

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

Barber Institute refurbishment

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is currently undergoing a two-phase £10 million improvement program which includes a temporary closure of the Lady Barber Gallery and select areas until June 2024 and, in Phase Two, a temporary closure of the Barber Institute's building from February 2025 until late autumn 2025, as we make essential repairs and upgrades to enhance your future experience.

Find out more

Course details for prospective students on our BA Modern Languages and History of Art undergraduate degree programme at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

English Language

You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

English Program Requirements

Number of A levels required:: 3
Typical offer:: ABB
Required subjects and grades:: A level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language, as long as one of your beginner languages is French or Spanish.
General Studies:: Not accepted

IB Diploma:

6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in each modern language that you plan to study.

BTEC qualifications:

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.

BA Modern Languages and History of Art Students can study up to two foreign languages alongside History of Art. At least one of these languages needs to be an advanced language (post A-Level). A full breakdown of combinations and weightings can be found here.

Independent language diplomas:

If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, Italian or Russian as part of your programme but are not currently studying the required language at A level, we are happy to consider applications from those offering an independent language diploma at B2 level as demonstration of advanced language skills.

The independent language diplomas we would consider are as follows; DELF-B2 (French), DELE-B2 (Spanish), DILI-B2 (Italian) and TRKI 2nd Certificate (Russian). These diplomas are assessed against the criteria set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and can be studied for in your own time or through a language centre. These diplomas will be considered when taken in addition to three A levels or equivalent qualifications as outlined above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Career

80% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022).

You will acquire skills and knowledge that are highly prized by employers in many sectors, including:

Strong communication skills in English and one or more other languages;
Visual and textual analysis and interpretation.
A deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures;
Critical thinking skills, alongside the ability to research, analyse and interpret information;
Independence and experience of living abroad;
Leadership and teamwork;
Handling complex information;
The ability to form concise and articulate arguments;
Managing your time and prioritising your workload;

Example employers:

Kettle’s Yard
the Bodleian Library
Cath Kidston
Historic Royal Palaces
The National Portrait Gallery
Christie’s
National Museum of Wales
the Victoria and Albert Museum
Amazon.fr
Harper Collins
Deutsche Bank
Town Hall Symphony Hall Birmingham
Deloitte
HSBC
The British Horseracing Authority
The British Council
French Connection

Example roles:

Archivist
Curator
Gallery Coordinator
Events Officer
Exhibitions Assistant
Learning and Access Officer
Programme Coordinator
Editorial Project Leader
Teacher
International Sales Coordinator
Consultant
Marketing Officer
Account Executive
Account Planner
Researcher

Graduates from both departments return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the wide variety of roles available. Recent speakers hold positions at the Wallace Collection, the BBC, BMAG, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sotheby’s Institute, Manchester’s Craft and Design Centre and the White Cube Gallery.

In addition, throughout your degree you will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and contacts in museums and galleries, both on and off campus. You can also benefit from our biennial Art History Careers Fair. The Modern Languages curriculum also has an increased focus on professional development in areas such as presenting, CV-building, debating, and developing digital projects in the target language.

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birmingham’s employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.’

There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.