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Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Communicate across borders through the study of language and culture.

Embrace flexibility - choose to combine study of two or three languages from Catalan, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
You can choose two or three languages. They can't be from the same group.
All languages are Beginner level except for French, German and Spanish, which offer Advanced options as well.
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian | Mandarin Chinese | Spanish (Beg or Adv) | Catalan |
| Japanese | German (Beg or Adv) | French (Beg or Adv) | |
| Russian | Portuguese |
If you want to focus on just one language, check out our BA French and BA Spanish courses.

Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
for Iberian languages in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
for German and Italian in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
for French in the UK
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!

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 can study:
Route 1: A Major/Minor in two languages
Students study two modern foreign languages. They must take 80 credits in one modern foreign language and 40 credits in a second modern foreign language in each year of study. Students take all compulsory modules in their relevant languages as described below, plus further credits appropriate to their level (beginners or advanced).
Route 2: A Joint Honours in two languages
Students study two modern foreign languages. Students must take 60 credits in one modern foreign language and 60 credits in a second modern foreign language in Year 1. In Year 2 and Final Year, students may be able to vary their credit weighting but this will depend on the languages they study. Students take all compulsory modules in their relevant languages as described below, plus further credits appropriate to their level (beginners or advanced).
Route 3: Three languages
Students study three modern foreign languages.
Please note: some languages only allow 40 credits per year (Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian), others permit up to 80 credits if combined with departmental options (French, German, and Spanish). In Final Year, students studying Italian, Portuguese and Russian can vary their credit weighting with additional Independent Study Module credits.
The University Regulations state that the minimum requirement for a named specialist minor is 100 credits. Students who undertake less than 160 credits in one of their languages will graduate with a major/minor degree. Students who undertake less than 100 credits in one of their languages will not have that language named on their degree certificate.
In order to reach 100 credits in a language you must undertake all compulsory modules and if necessary make up the additional credits with the Independent Study Module or optional/departmental modules in the relevant languages.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages | 20 |
For ALL routes, 1-3, the following language modules are compulsory at Stage I for each language followed.
Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 1.
French (choose either the Beginners or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| French Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
German (choose either the Beginners or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| German Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
Spanish (choose either the Beginner or Advanced Module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
Italian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Italian):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Italian Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
| Visions of Italy on paper and screen | 10 |
| Visions of Italy through music | 10 |
Mandarin Chinese (choose both Beginners modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners II | 20 |
Japanese (choose both Beginners modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Beginners I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Beginners II | 20 |
Russian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Russian):
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 |
Catalan (students must take all modules for the Catalan Minor (40 credits):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Beginners Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Beginners Catalan Language B | 10 |
| Catalan Culture Project A | 10 |
| Catalan Culture Project B | 10 |
Core modules
These modules are core for students who study Advanced or Beginners French, German or Spanish in any language combination.
Route 3: Three languages
If you are studying three languages the ‘Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages’ module will count towards one of your languages. Please select your additional core module(s) below.
Routes 1 and 2: Two languages
If you are studying two languages (combining French, German, Spanish), you must select the core modules related to both of your languages below.
If you are studying two languages (one is French, German, Spanish combined with Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian), you must select the core module for French, German or Spanish below.
French:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Identities in the French and Francophone world | 20 |
German:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Nation, Democracy, Diversity in the German-speaking world | 20 |
Spanish:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | 20 |
Optional Modules
Students studying two languages
Your compulsory language modules will total 40 credits (per language). You will also take the compulsory 20-credit module: Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages.
For your remaining credits, you will select ONE optional module. You can choose EITHER an optional module relevant to the languages you are studying OR departmental modules which are available to all students.
Student studying three languages
You do not choose any optional modules.
If you are studying two beginners languages you cannot choose Beginners Catalan or Languages for All Arabic as an optional module.
2027/28 Session
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).
Route 1: Major/Minor in two languages
Students must take 80 credits in one modern foreign language and 40 credits in a second modern foreign language.
Route 2: Joint Honours in two languages
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.
Route 3: Three Languages
Students must take 40 credits in three modern foreign languages. Students take all compulsory language modules in their relevant languages as described below, plus further credits appropriate to their level (intermediate 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.
Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 2.
If students are studying two languages (Route 1 or 2) and they have an A-Level or equivalent in Italian, Portuguese or Russian, they may switch to Route 3 (three languages) and take Intermediate Italian, Intermediate Portuguese or Intermediate Russian with direct entry into Year 2. Students will need to undertake a diagnostic test before permission can be granted.
French (choose either the Intermediate or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Language 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 |
Italian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Italian):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Italian cities: texts and contexts | 20 |
| Italian 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 |
Catalan Minor (40 credits) (students must take Intermediate Catalan A&B plus one of the 20 credit Catalan options.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language B | 10 |
| Artistic and Literary Representations of Barcelona | 20 |
| Gender, New Media and Cultural Identity | 20 |
Russian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Russian):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LI 19th Century Russia through the Lens of the Novel | |
| Russian Language 2 (Intermediate): Russian Language in Action | 20 |
Japanese (students must choose both modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Intermediate I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Intermediate II | 20 |
Mandarin Chinese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate II | 20 |
Optional Modules
Please note that some language combinations may not be possible for timetabling reasons. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
The following is an indicative list:
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 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Ideals and Ideas: The Making of Modern Germany | 20 |
| Obedience and Autonomy in German Culture and Thought | 20 |
Italian Optional Modules
[available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying Russian]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Italian cities: texts and contexts | 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 |
Russian Optional Modules [available to all students but cannot be taken by students studying Italian]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| 19th Century Russia through the Lens of the Novel | 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 |
LfA Optional Module [available to students studying two languages only]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| IWLP Arabic Level 2A | 10 |
| IWLP Arabic Level 2B | 10 |
2028/29 Session
To proceed from Stage II to Stage IIb (Year Abroad) a student must have a minimum of 100 credits to include the relevant compulsory 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 count towards the final degree classification.
Routes 1 and 2
Students studying two languages who do not split the year must normally take a vacation course in the other language.
Route 3
Students who study three languages must normally undertake an additional period of residence abroad in their third language if they wish to continue studying that language at Honours level.
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 BA Modern Languages 3 year programme.
2029/30 Session
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).
Route 1: Major/Minor in two languages
Students must take 80 credits in one modern foreign language and 40 credits in a second modern foreign language.
Route 2: Joint Honours in two languages
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.
Route 3: Three Languages
Students must take 40 credits in three modern foreign languages. Japanese and Mandarin Chinese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Final Year. Italian, Portuguese and Russian can be increased to 60 or 80 credits in Final Year if students opt to take additional ISM credits in these languages.
French:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Language Final Year | 20 |
German:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language Final Year | 20 |
Italian: (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Italian):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring the self: Dante and Leopardi | 20 |
| Italian 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 |
Russian: Russian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Russian):
One of 'Business Russian' or 'Audio-Visual Translation Project: Russian to English' will be offered each year and students must take this module:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audio-Visual Translation Project: Russian to English | 20 |
| Business Russian | 20 |
| Russian Language Final Year: Towards Fluency | 20 |
All students must take 40 credits of independent study modules (ISM). Students can take a 20 credit ISM in each semester in two languages.
Students must choose ONE or TWO of the following to a maximum of 40 credits:
Japanese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Advanced I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Advanced II | 20 |
Catalan: Students must also choose an independent study module on a Catalan-related topic:
Mandarin Chinese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced I | 20 |
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced II | 20 |
Optional Modules
Please note that some language combinations may not be possible for timetabling reasons. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
ABB A level grade B is required for any advanced language/s you wish to study. See below for full information.
6,5,5 32 points overall. We require a Higher Level or equivalent in any modern languages that you plan to study at Advanced level. See below for full information.
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned below. BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned below. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned below.
Number of A levels required: 3
Required subjects and grades
A level grade B is required for any advanced languages you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language.
General Studies
Accepted.
IB Diploma
6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Higher Level grade 5 is required for any advance languages you wish to study. If you do not have a Higer Level language or equivalent, it is possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language.
BTEC qualifications
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), and 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 - A level
BBB - A level
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.
Students who choose to study Japanese will be expected to purchase Minna no Nihongo vol. 1 and 2 (by 3A Network) and Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 and 2 (by Bonjinsha).
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.
On our Modern Languages courses, you’ll build skills that are useful in workplaces all over the world, preparing you to succeed in lots of different careers after university.
Our Modern Languages graduates have a wide range of skills that are valued by employers, such as:
Our Modern Languages students have gone on to secure roles such as Translator, Director, Founder, and Communications Manager, working for organisations such as:
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
Meet Elizabeth from the BBC | Built in Birmingham | University of Birmingham
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.
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.