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Modern Languages with Linguistics BA (UCAS R9Q2)

Modern Languages students in discussion at the University of Warwick.

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.
  • 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.

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.

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.
BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside an A level in their first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects.

AB in two Advanced Highers including A in a language, where you have achieved AAB in three further Highers subjects. You must possess an Advanced Higher in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Welsh Baccalaureate

ABB in three subjects at A level including grade A in a language, plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

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 requirementsLink opens in a new window. 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.


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.

Find out more about flexible Year Abroad options.

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.


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 2023/24 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 2023/24 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 2023/24 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

Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

Undergraduate fees

If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,250. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.


How are fees set?

The British Government sets tuition fee rates.

Learn more about fees from UCASLink opens in a new window.

Undergraduate fees

If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

  • Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
  • Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.


Fee status guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2023/24 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Further information

Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.


Scholarships and bursaries

Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window


You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023.Link opens in a new window

We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary.Link opens in a new window

As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

Further information

Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

Eligibility for student loans

Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

Check if you're eligible for student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

Help with living costs

For the 2023 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:

  • You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course

And

If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.

Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window

Repaying your loans

You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount (for students starting their course after 1 August 2023 the repayment threshold is £25,000). Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

Find out more about repaying your student loan.Link opens in a new window

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

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

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.

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.

Keep exploring life at Warwick

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.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

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.

Explore our 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.

Explore food and shops

Explore Students' Union venues

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.

Explore our societies

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.

Explore sports at Warwick

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.

Studying at Warwick

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).

Travelling from campus

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.

Student support

Chaplaincy

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.

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.

See event calendar Link opens in a new window


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.

Book a tour Link opens in a new window


Student blogs

Explore our student blogs on Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student Link opens in a new window

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.

Open Days at Warwick