BA Modern Languages with Business Management

    BA Modern Languages with Business Management

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 32,529 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    BA Modern Languages with Business Management

    About

    Our BA Modern Languages with Business Management degree prepares you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world, blending language, culture and business studies through unforgettable experiences that increase your employability.

    International businesses need employees who not only speak another language but also understand the history, politics and culture of the region. For this course you can study French, German, or Spanish at advanced level if you have studied the language at A Level. Alongside this, you may choose to study a second language at advanced or beginner level. Languages from beginner level include the ones mentioned above, alongside Portuguese and Chinese. It is possible to study two beginners languages without taking an advanced language as long as one of the beginner languages is French / Spanish. You'll spend a Year Abroad in your third year, with the opportunity to undertake work placement/s in the country where your language/s are spoken. Learn more about Modern Languages optional modules.

    One third of your degree course studies will be based in the country’s first dedicated business school. We have strong links with local, national and global businesses such as Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and Ernst & Young. This course retains a strong practical focus as well as exploring theoretical aspects.

    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

    Course details for prospective students on our BA Modern Languages with Business Management 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:
    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.
    General Studies:
    Accepted.

    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.

    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.

    Independent language diplomas:

    If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, or German 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.

    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

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

    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

    Modern Languages and Business Management graduates have a range of skills and knowledge that are highly prized by graduate employers:

    • A deep awareness understanding and appreciation of other cultures and core topics in Business Management
    • Strong oral and written communication skills in English and one or more other languages
    • Critical thinking skills, alongside the ability to research, analyse and interpret the information that you have gathered
    • Independence and experience of living abroad
    • Leadership and teamwork
    • Handling complex information
    • The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
    • Managing your time effectively and prioritising your workload

    Example employers:

    • Amazon.fr
    • Capita
    • Harper Collins
    • Deutsche Bank
    • Royal Bank of Scotland
    • Aura Financial
    • British Airways
    • Deloiette
    • HSBC
    • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
    • The British Council
    • French Connection
    • NATO
    • BP
    • Educational institutions in the UK and overseas
    • Local and central government

    Our graduates are highly employable and go in to an incredibly wide range of careers, both in this country and abroad.

    Example roles:

    • Editorial Project Leader
    • Teacher
    • International Sales Coordinator
    • Investigation Specialist
    • Operations Analyst
    • Consultant
    • Marketing Officer
    • Account Executive
    • Account Planner

    Example further study programmes include:

    • PgDip Education
    • MA Social Work
    • PGCE (various)
    • Graduate Diploma in Law
    • MA French/German/Italian/Hispanic studies
    • MA Translation Studies
    • MSc International Business

    Our graduates enter the wide range of careers similar to other arts, humanities and business graduates but with much greater scope in international settings. 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.

    You will benefit from events in both departments whereby graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the wide variety of roles available to linguists and business management graduates.

    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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    32,529 / year

    BA Modern Languages with Business Management

    University of Birmingham

    University of Birmingham

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Birmingham