Modern Languages with Linguistics BA (UCAS R9Q2)
Find out more about our Modern Languages and Linguistics degree at Warwick
Studying our Modern Languages with Linguistics (BA) degree allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of two or three languages and cultures while exploring the social contexts of language.
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 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.
34 to include 6 in a Higher Level language. You must be taking language 1 (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 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 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 degree will enable you to gain expertise in at least two languages and cultures, as well as in Linguistics.
Choose your language 1 from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 (and language 3, where appropriate) is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
This course is split 75:25 between Modern Languages and Linguistics.
You will normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.
Important information
We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Modern Languages with Linguistics (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
In your first year you will either take two language modules, one culture or Translation Studies module and one linguistics module, or three languages and one linguistics module. The culture module can be either a culture module from your first language (French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies) or a Translation Studies module. From Linguistics you will take one core module ‘Linguistics: Understanding Language’.
In your intermediate year you will take two (or three) core language modules and two Linguistics modules ‘Phonetics and Phonology’ and ‘Morphology and Syntax’. You will also select cultural modules (if you are studying two languages).
Your third year is normally spent abroad, where you may opt to spend a full year in one country or split the year between two countries. We encourage students to spend time in a country where their ab initio language is spoken.
In your final year you will study two (or three) core language modules and optional modules in Linguistics. You will also select cultural modules if you are studying two languages.
Important information
We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Modern Languages with Linguistics (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.
Year One
Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)
Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)
Language 3 or a cultural module related to Language 1 or 2 or a Translation Studies module
A note on the languages
Arabic/Japanese/Russian/Portuguese: These languages can usually only be taken at beginner’s or post-GCSE (or equivalent) level maximum. The course aims to bring you to B2 standard (CEFR) in this language (this approximates to A level) or beyond by the end of the degree. If you have any prior learning of the language please contact ugadmissions at warwick dot ac dot uk before applying.
Chinese: This language can be taken at beginner’s, post-GCSE or post-A level (or equivalent) level maximum. This course would not be suitable for applicants with language ability above this level, including native speakers.
If studying three languages two of your languages should be from French, German, Italian or Spanish.
A note on cultural modules
For those studying two languages cultural modules are available in all years of the course. These either relate to French, German, Italian or Spanish, or they are of a cross-cultural nature.
Linguistics: Understanding Language
What is language? What is it made of? What rules do we follow when we put sounds together to create words and when we combine words to create sentences? How many languages are spoken in the world today, and in which ways are they similar or different? These are some of the questions that you will explore on this module. Using examples from different languages, you will analyse real-life language data in order to develop the practical skills required for linguistic analysis.
Read more about the Linguistics: Understanding Language moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021/22 year of study).
Intermediate Year
Continuation of Language 1
Continuation of Language 2
Continuation of Language 3 or cultural modules related to Language 1 or 2 including cross-cultural options
Phonetics and Phonology
This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in phonetics and phonology as essential fields of language study. It aims to:
- Familiarise students with the phonetic and phonological systems of the world’s languages
- Introduce methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document, study, and analyse language data
- Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically
- Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics
Read more about the Phonetics and Phonology moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021/22 year of study).
Morphology and Syntax
What structures do the world’s languages have in common and how are they different? How can we classify languages? Why do languages change? This module expands on concepts introduced during Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax. You’ll learn about more advanced morpho-syntactic features of a wide range of the world’s languages and how these features interact with semantics. You’ll explore methodologies to document, study, and analyse real-world language data. You’ll also be introduced to research in subfields of linguistics such as typology and language change.
Read more about the Morphology and Syntax moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021/22 year of study).
Final Year
Continuation of Language 1
Continuation of Language 2
Continuation of Language 3 or cultural modules related to Language 1 or 2 including cross-cultural options
Optional modules in Applied Linguistics
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
14 hours per week.
Tuition fees
Scholarships and bursaries
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.
Find out more about flexible Year Abroad options.
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
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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.
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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.