Modern Languages BA (UCAS 8R73)
Discover more about our Modern Languages degree at Warwick
Have a passion for language learning, looking to study multiple languages within a flexible degree structure? A Modern Languages degree at Warwick enables you to study two or three languages and cultures. You would usually spend a year studying or working abroad, boosting your skills and employability.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAB to include A in a language. You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including A in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek, with at least B in language chosen as language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner’s level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
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Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner’s, intermediate or post A-Level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A-Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A-Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.
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Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at beginner's or intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
34 to include 6 in a Higher Level language. You must be taking your first choice language (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32 including 6 in a Higher Level modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek, with at least 5 in Higher Level language chosen as language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner’s level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner’s, intermediate or post A-Level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A-Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A-Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.
- Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at beginner's or intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside an A level in their first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner’s level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner’s, intermediate or post A-Level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A-Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A-Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.
- Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at beginner's or intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirements. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band B
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
This flexible degree programme allows you to study two or three languages and cultures to degree level. Alongside your language study, you can develop a specialism in the culture one or more of your languages and also have the opportunity to study thematic modules across cultures.
You can choose one of two different routes on this degree:
- On route one you study two languages, a culture module in language 1 and a further cultural module from across the School.
- On route two you study three languages. In Year One you will study a cultural module from across the School.
On route one you can choose your first language from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Your second language can be selected from: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish. 50% of your time will be devoted to language learning and the other 50% of your time will be spent studying cultural modules focused on your first language and/or selected from cultural modules offered within the School.
On route two you can choose two languages from: French, German, Italian or Spanish. Your third language will be selected from: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish. 75% of your degree will be devoted to language learning and the remaining 25% of your time will be spent studying cultural modules focusing on one or more of your languages.
We offer a wide range of cultural modules within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and the full range is open to you on both routes of this course. You will normally spend your second or third year abroad consolidating and enhancing your language learning.
Important information
We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Modern Languages (BA) degree for 2023 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.
Study abroad
We strongly recommend that you take a year abroad as part of your modern languages degree, if you are able to. If you are unable to take a year abroad you may move to a three-year degree. In such cases, you will be required to complete further language reinforcement work. You will also be encouraged to spend time abroad in other ways, during vacation times.
You will usually spend your year abroad doing one of three things:
- Working as a language assistant teaching English in a primary or secondary school
- Studying full-time at a partner university in your chosen country
- On a work placement
The year abroad options are flexible.
Core modules
Route one
On the first route in the BA Modern Languages, you will choose two languages. Language 1 must be post A-Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 can be either French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian. Of these, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin can be taken at any level, beginners or advanced, whereas Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian will normally be taken at beginner's or post-GCSE level.
In your first year, in addition to your language modules, you will take a culture module related to language 1 and can choose whether to take a further culture module in that language, or a culture module from your language 2 (if French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies), or a cross-school module in translation studies.
In each on-campus year of your degree you will continue with your two languages. Each year, you will take a culture module related to language 1 and then select further cultural modules from the wide variety of options available across the School.
You will normally spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your language learning. You can choose whether to spend the whole year in one destination, or to split the year between countries where your two languages are spoken.
Route two
In your first year, you will take three language modules and one module related to the culture of one the languages you are studying. Your cultural module can be associated with either language 1 or 2 (from French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies) or a translation studies module.
At the end of your first year, you can decide whether to continue with your 3 languages or to move to the 2-language pathway (Route 1 above).
In each on-campus year of your degree you will continue with your three core language modules. You will select your cultural modules from the wide variety of options available across the School.
You will normally spend your second or third year abroad consolidating your language learning. You can choose whether to spend the whole year in one destination, or to split the year between countries where your two main languages are spoken.
Important information
We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Modern Languages (BA) degree for 2023 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.
Which pathway are you interested in?
- Pathway One: study two languages and associated cultures
- Pathway Two: study two languages and cultures, and a third language in addition
Pathway One: Year One
On Pathway One you will study two languages and associated cultures.
- Language 1
- Language 2
- Cultural module in Language 1
- Choose a further cultural option from languages 1 or 2, or a Translation Studies module
Pathway Two: Year One
On Pathway Two you will study two languages and cultures, and a third language as a minor subject.
- Language 1
- Language 2
- Language 3
- Choose a cultural option in language 1, or 2 or a Translation Studies module
Pathway One: Intermediate Year
This might be your second year or your third year, depending on when you choose to take your year abroad.
- Continue Language 1
- Continue Language 2
- Culture module in Language 1
- Culture module in Language 1 or Language 2, or a thematic cross-school module
Pathway Two: Intermediate Year
This might be your second year or your third year, depending on when you choose to take your year abroad.
- Continue Language 1
- Continue Language 2
- Continue Language 3
- Culture module(s) from Language 1 or Language 2 or a thematic cross-school module
Pathway One: Final Year
- Continue Language 1
- Continue Language 2
- Select culture module from Language 1
- Choose further culture module(s) from Language 1 or Language 2 or a thematic cross-school module
Pathway Two: Final Year
- Continue Language 1
- Continue Language 2
- Continue Language 3
- Choose culture module(s) from Language 1 or Language 2 or a thematic cross-school module
Optional modules
Assessment
We will track your progress through:
- Language assignments
- Essays
- Presentations
- Portfolio submissions
- Examinations (written and oral)
To help you improve your skills you will receive detailed and personalised feedback throughout your course.
Your intermediate and final year marks each contribute 50% of your final degree classification.
Teaching
We employ a variety of teaching styles within the School of Modern Languages including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Written and spoken language classes in small groups
You will spend the rest of your time:
- Studying independently
- Preparing for classes
- Reading
- Analysing materials set for study
- Writing essays
- Working on your language skills
Class sizes
Seminars of around 15 students.
Typical contact hours
Approximately 14 hours per week.
Tuition fees
Scholarships and bursaries
Your career
A languages degree will equip you with skills applicable to a wide variety of different jobs and career paths. Our students often go on to careers using their languages after graduation. They also develop transferrable communicative and analytical skills that are highly sought after by employers.
Graduates from Modern Language courses have gone on to work for employers including:
- Amazon
- British Airways
- Civil Service
- Grayce Consulting
- HM Revenue and Customs
- HSBC
- Ipsos Mori
- Lidl
- NBC Universal
- Save the Children International
- The Department for International Trade
They have pursued careers such as:
- Business and financial project management professionals
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Financial accounts managers
- Human resources and industrial relations officers
- Management consultants and business analysts
- Public services associate professionals
- Teachers and other educational professionals
Helping you find the right career
Our School has a dedicated, professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events to boost your employability. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- What are you doing after Warwick? Career planning for final year language students
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages
- Reflecting on Your Year Abroad
- Languages Alumni Evening
Modern Languages and Cultures at Warwick
Join us at one of the best universities in the UK for Modern Languages, with an excellent reputation for employability. Study one, two or three languages and cultures, or combine languages with other subjects.
Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department websiteLink opens in a new window
Explore our new Faculty of Arts building
The department recently moved into the brand new £57.5 million Faculty of Arts building.
This means, as an Arts student at Warwick, you’ll find your home amongst brand new teaching, learning and social spaces, including specialist facilities, all designed to support collaborative working and to enable your creativity and innovation to flourish.
The sustainably built, eight-storey building is located next to the newly refurbished Warwick Arts Centre in the heart of the University’s creative and cultural arts quarter.
Explore our new Faculty of Arts building further.
Our courses
For degrees combining two or more languages, please see our Modern Languages courses.
- International Business with French
- Linguistics with French
- International Business with German
- Linguistics with German
- International Business with Spanish
- Linguistics with Spanish
- International Business with Italian
- History of Art with Italian
- Linguistics with Italian
- Linguistics with Arabic
- Linguistics with Chinese
- Linguistics with Japanese
- Linguistics with Russian
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.
Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
3 ways to connect
Talk to us
Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.
Warwick Experience
Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.
Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in OurWarwick. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
Explore campus with our virtual tour
Our 360 tour lets you:
- Watch student videos
- View 360 photography and drone footage
- Learn about facilities and landmarks
Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.