BA Modern Languages and Linguistics

A BA Modern Language and Linguistics degree from the University of Birmingham introduces you to a fusion of language and culture. Employability is at the heart of this joint honours course, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.

Studying a modern language from beginner or advanced level (French, Italian, Russian, or Spanish), alongside English is highly complementary and an exciting way to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. At Birmingham, undergraduate language is taught through the lens of the target culture's literature, history, politics and society, and through total immersion on the Year Abroad. You can choose from a range of optional modules.

By studying Modern Languages as a Joint Honours degree with Linguisitics, you will gain a thorough appreciation of the technical aspects of the English language and its social and political context and how it interacts with other languages. Finding out how a language works and how societies communicate, combines a unique intellectual challenge with significant practical potential. You will also have the chance to use new resources, such as computer-held databases of linguistic data and you will be encouraged to embrace theoretical and technological advances in the study of language.

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

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

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.

Number of A levels required:

3

Typical offer:

AAB

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.

Please see our guidelines for prohibited combinations before you make your application.

A level English Literature, English Language or English Language and Literature is required.

IB Diploma:
6,6,5 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, plus HL 6 in English Language & Literature / English Literature.

BTEC qualifications:

• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus BB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Diploma: DD, plus BB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.

Independent language diplomas:

If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, German, 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), Goethe-Zertifikat-B2 (German), 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.

A full breakdown of which Modern Languages levels and weightings are available in combination with English. Please note: you cannot study English Language with German due to timetabling reasons.

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered on a case by case basis.

Please be aware that you will need to meet the subject specific requirements for both subject areas within the degree programme - please check their Single Honours coursefinder entries for more information. If you need further guidance please contact us.

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

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.