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Enjoy plenty of opportunities for practical application in both languages and musicology/performance with this course.

Improve your musical craft, study music in its complex relations to culture and society, and take your language learning to the next level.

Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
in the UK for Music
Guardian University Guide 2026
in the UK for German, Italian and Iberian languages
Complete University Guide 2026
One of the most exciting elements of any degree in Modern Languages is the opportunity to spend your third year abroad, perfecting your language skills, developing a thorough appreciation of another culture and acquiring all manner of transferable skills.
We’ll help you organise your time away, and you’ll be supported throughout by your Year Abroad Coordinator, as well as our academic and wellbeing teams. This means you can relax and embrace hands-on opportunities working, studying or visiting in your chosen countries!

Get involved with over 40 different ensembles alongside competitions, concerts, and a health and wellbeing programme. From orchestras to choirs, folk music to jazz and brass bands, and extensive early music provision, you’ll find community and performance opportunities with like-minded musicians.

Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Study at the University of Birmingham and learn from world-class experts—authors of key works and leaders with global teaching and research experience.
At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:
Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.
You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.
Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2026/27 Session
Students must take 60 credits in Music and 60 credits in one modern foreign language. The compulsory module Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages counts towards your language credits.
JH students take all compulsory language modules in their relevant language as described below, plus further credits appropriate to their level (beginners or advanced).
Language combinations
Languages that can be combined with Music: Beginners or Advanced French; Beginners or Advanced German; Beginners Portuguese; Beginners or Advanced Spanish
COMPULSORY MODULES:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages | 20 |
| Techniques of Tonal Music 2 | 10 |
| Techniques of Tonal Music 1 | 10 |
Core modules:
Students can choose to take the following two modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Music and its Cultures I | 20 |
| Music and its Cultures II | 20 |
OR
Students can choose to take the following four modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composing with Technology (semester 2) | 10 |
| Instrumental Composition (semester 1) | 10 |
| Introduction to Music and its Cultures I | 10 |
| Introduction to Music and its Cultures II | 10 |
The following language modules are compulsory at Stage I.
Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 1.
French (choose either the Beginners or Advanced module):
Students must also take Exploring Identities in the French and Francophone world
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Identities in the French and Francophone world | 20 |
| French Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| French Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
German (choose either the Beginners or Advanced module):
Students must also take Nation, Democracy, Diversity in the German-speaking world
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Nation, Democracy, Diversity in the German-speaking world | 20 |
| German Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| German Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
Spanish (choose either the Beginners or Advanced module):
Students must also take Introduction to Hispanic Cultures
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
Portuguese (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Portuguese):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Environment, Sustainability and Development in the Portuguese-speaking world | 20 |
| Portuguese Language 1 (Beginners): Boas-vindas! | 20 |
2027/28 Session
NB: To proceed from Stage I to Stage II a student must have a minimum of 100 credits, to include the relevant compulsory language module(s).
The University Regulations permit students registered to Joint degrees to vary their credit weighting in their second and final year. A minimum of 40 credits and a maximum of 80 credits must be taken in each discipline in both years (subject to a total number of 120 credits in each year). Students who undertake less than 160 credits in one of their disciplines will graduate with a major/minor degree.
Students must take a minimum of 40 credits in Music and 40 credits in a modern foreign language.
JH students take all compulsory core language modules in their relevant language as described below, plus further credits appropriate to their level (beginners or advanced).
Intermediate French and Intermediate German can only be taken to a maximum of 80 credits if combined with 20 credits of Modern Languages departmental modules.
Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 2.
Students must take at least one of the following modules. Students can take both modules if they wish.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Music | 20 |
| Critical Musicology | 20 |
The following language modules are compulsory at Stage II for each language followed.
French (choose either the Intermediate or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Lang 2(Intermediate) | 20 |
| French Language 2 (Advanced) | 20 |
German (choose either the Intermediate or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language 2 (Advanced) | 20 |
| German Language 2 (Intermediate) | 20 |
Spanish (choose either the Intermediate or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language 2 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 2 (Intermediate) | 20 |
Portuguese (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Portuguese):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultural Industries: Creativity in Change | 20 |
| Portuguese Language 2 (Intermediate): Vamos lá! | 20 |
Optional Modules
Students should aim for an even balance of credits between semesters. If you have an imbalance, you may not take more than 70 credits in one semester.
In addition to compulsory modules, you will select optional modules relevant to the subjects you are studying to the value of 40, 60 or 80 credits per subject with a combined to of 120 credits.
Depending on the number of credits students opt to take in each subject, optional module choices may be restricted (please refer to the module choice information)
Students may not take more than 40 credits of performance-based modules.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
Catalan Optional Modules [available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying French]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Beginners Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Beginners Catalan Language B | 10 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language B | 10 |
| Artistic and Literary Representations of Barcelona | 20 |
| Gender, New Media and Cultural Identity | 20 |
Portuguese Optional Modules [available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying German]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultural Industries: Creativity in Change | 20 |
French Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Global French: Communities, Politics and International Relations | 20 |
| Sources of Inspiration: Creativity and Adaptation through French Texts | 20 |
German Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultures of Protest and Terror in West Germany, 1967-1977 | 20 |
| Ideals and Ideas: The Making of Modern Germany | 20 |
| Obedience and Autonomy in German Culture and Thought | 20 |
Spanish Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Media and Spanish Youth Culture | 20 |
| Histories of the Excluded: Inquisition and the Birth of Human Rights | 20 |
| Icons of the Hispanic World | 20 |
| Mexican and Chicano Art in the Twentieth Century: Revolution and Beyond | 20 |
| Reading the World in Contemporary Spanish American Fiction | 20 |
| Structures and Varieties of the Modern Hispanic Languages | 20 |
Departmental Optional Modules [available to all students]:
Departmental Optional Modules [available to students taking Advanced languages only]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Translation in the Workplace | 20 |
Optional modules offered by the Department of Music:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Conducting I | 10 |
| Conducting II | 10 |
| Orchestration I | 10 |
| Orchestration II | 10 |
| Advanced Performance Skills | 20 |
| British Music Renaissance 1880 - 1914 | 20 |
| Film Music Techniques and History | 20 |
| Free Composition | 20 |
| From Glinka to Glazunov | 20 |
| Introduction to Jazz Styles: 1920 to 1980 | 20 |
| Music Festivals | 20 |
| Music and Emotion | 20 |
| Music and Gender | 20 |
| Music for Games | 20 |
| Music, Nations and Nationalism 1789 - 1945 | 20 |
| Solo Performance | 20 |
| The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim | 20 |
| The Hybrid Sound Lab: Acoustic and Electronic Composition | 20 |
| The Symphony: Prestige and Politics | 20 |
| Traditional Music in Britain and Ireland | 20 |
Music only: Students may also apply to undertake a Professional Skills module at level I. If successful this will be taken in place of 20 credits of taught modules in Music only. The credits to be dropped will be discussed with the programme convenor. The placement can be taken either during the summer vacation (part-time or full-time) or during semester 1 (part-time only). The placement must be completed prior to the Christmas vacation. Students undertaking a Professional Skills module at level I will not be able to undertake a Professional Skills module at level H.
2028/29 Session
NB: To proceed from Stage II to Stage IIb (Year Abroad) a student must have a minimum of 100 credits to include the relevant compulsory language modules.
Year 2 will be weighted at 25% and final year at 75%. The Year Abroad will be assessed on a pass/fail basis only and it will not contribute to the final degree classification.
Students must normally complete 120-credits in total of year abroad modules (all at intermediate level) in that language.
Students who enter the University as beginners in a language must normally spend at least a semester (or equivalent work period) in a country where that language is spoken.
There is no automatic right to do a work placement in any of the languages. Where students can show valid grounds, as defined and approved by the Department of Modern Languages, exemption from the year abroad may be permitted. In such cases, students will transfer to a 3 year programme.
Students will take a combination of the following modules to the value of 120 credits:
2029/30 Session
The University Regulations permit students registered to Joint degrees to vary their credit weighting in their second and final year. A minimum of 40 credits and a maximum of 80 credits must be taken in each discipline in both years (subject to a total number of 120 credits in each year). Students who undertake less than 160 credits in one of their disciplines will graduate with a major/minor degree.
To proceed from Stage IIb (or from Stage II for the 3-year programme) to Stage III a student must have a minimum of 100 credits, to include the relevant compulsory language module(s).
Students must take a minimum of 40 credits in Music and 40 credits in a modern foreign language.
JH students take all compulsory language modules in their relevant language as described below
Portuguese can be increased to 60 or 80 credits in Final Year if students opt to take additional independent study module (ISM) credits in this language.
French:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Language Final Year | 20 |
German:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language Final Year | 20 |
Spanish:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language Final Year | 20 |
Portuguese (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Portuguese):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Language Final Year: Avante! | 20 |
| Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial Approaches to Contemporary Thought and Culture | 20 |
Independent Study
All students must take 40 credits of independent study in either Music or Modern Languages selected from the modules below.
Students taking 80 credits in Modern Languages or Music cannot take the JH Link Dissertation.
Students may take two 20 credit Independent Study modules in Music OR one 40 credit Special Subject module in Music
OR
Students can take the 40 credit Extended Independent Study Module in Modern Languages
OR
Students can take one 20 credit Independent Study module in Music plus one full-year 20 credit Independent Study module in Modern Languages
Optional Modules
Students should aim for an even balance of credits between semesters. If you have an imbalance, you may not take more than 70 credits in one semester.
In addition to compulsory modules and the independent study module, you may select optional modules relevant to the subjects you are studying to the value of 40, 60 or 80 credits per subject with a combined total of 120 credits.
Depending on the number of credits students opt to take in each subject, optional module choices may be restricted (please refer to the module choice information)
Students may not take more than 40 credits of performance-based modules in Music.
Students choose additional Level H modules provided annually by the department.
The following is an indicative list from Music:
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
Optional modules offered by the Department of Modern Languages:
The following is an indicative list
French Optional Modules:
German Optional Modules:
Spanish Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Imagining the Truth: Latin American Culture in a Post-truth World | 20 |
| Performing Gender/Translating Performance | 20 |
| Spanish Exile Culture | 20 |
| The Digital Past | 20 |
| The Spanish Caribbean: History and Literature | 20 |
| US Latinx Cultures: Spanish Caribbean | 20 |
| Uniformity and diversity in the Iberian-Romance speaking world | 20 |
Departmental Optional Modules:[available to all students]:
Portuguese (available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying German):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial Approaches to Contemporary Thought and Culture | 20 |
Catalan Optional Modules [available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying French]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language B | 10 |
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
ABB see below for full information.
6,5,5 to include 32 points overall. See below for full information.
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus B at A level in the required subject/s. See below for full information.
Number of A levels required: 3
ABB with A level Music grade A. Where applicants are not taking Music at A level then ABRSM Grade 6 Theory or Grade 8 Performance is acceptable, in addition to the three A levels at ABB. Applicants with equivalent Trinity or LCM music theory qualifications are still considered. Music Technology A Level or any Music BTEC qualifications will not be accepted as a substitute for Music A level (however, they will be accepted as part of your wider offer providing all other requirements are met).
A level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study one beginner language, in which case an A level is not required.
We will also consider applications from candidates who do not meet the standard requirements for A Level Music, graded Theory or Performance exams on a case-by-case basis. Following your application you may be invited to an interview/audition.
General Studies is accepted.
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. Where applicants are not taking HL Music, similar alternatives as in A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview). You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in the modern language that you plan to study.
Where applicants are not taking Music A level, similar alternatives as in A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview).
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), or Goethe-Zertifikat-B2 (German). 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.
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
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. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBC - including B in Music
BBB - including Music
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.

We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
By studying a degree in Modern Languages and Music at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to work well with others, strong language and communication skills, plus an awareness of different cultures.
Meet Elizabeth from the BBC | Built in Birmingham | University of Birmingham
Our Modern Languages graduates have a wide range of skills that are valued by employers, such as:
Employers our Modern Languages graduates have worked for include:
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
BMus
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.

Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.

Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.

Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.