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Course overview
At Birmingham, language learning goes beyond the classroom - dive into your language/s of choice, and combine this with modules focusing on economics, management, marketing and more.
Increase your employability - international businesses need employees who not only speak another language but also understand the history, politics and culture of the region.
Other languages
Course highlights
- Top 10
in the UK for German and Italian
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 10
in the UK for Iberian languages
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 20
in the UK for French
Complete University Guide 2026
- Enjoy a varied degree – with a third of your course study dedicated to business studies and a year abroad in your country of choice, you’ll gain a range of experience and expertise.
- Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method. You'll study topics of cultural significance in your target language, designed and delivered by expert researchers.
- Study at one of the handful of business schools in the UK that holds the prestigious ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
Real-life experience on our year abroad
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!
Talk to our students
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.
Course delivery
Study at the University of Birmingham and learn from world-class experts—authors of key works and leaders with global teaching and research experience.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
- Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
- Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.
Support during your studies
At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:
- Personal Academic Tutors: You'll have a tutor assigned to you who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
- Wellbeing Officers: The Wellbeing team help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges. They’ll also connect you with further support on campus or elsewhere.
- Academic Writing Advisory Service: Tutorials, workshops and support in structuring an argument and developing your own academic voice.
- Student Experience Team: They offer research opportunities, and cultural, intellectual and social activities to enhance your university experience.
Contact hours
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.
Assessment methods
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.
Module information
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.
Year 1
Year 1
2025/26 Session
One language with Business Management Students must take 40 credits in Business Management and 80 credits in one modern foreign language. Two languages with Business Management Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Business Management. No more than two languages may be taken at beginners level, one of which must be Beginners French or Beginners Spanish. Catalan and Mandarin Chinese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in any year. Beginners German, beginners French and beginners Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 80 credits in Year 1 if combined with 20 credits of departmental modules.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Economics and Finance | 20 |
| Introduction to Management and Marketing | 20 |
The following core language modules – 40 credits for post-a-level, or 40 credits at beginners level – are compulsory at Stage I for each language followed.
French (choose either Beginners or Advanced modules):
German (choose either Beginners or Advanced modules):
Spanish (choose either Beginners or Advanced modules):
Portuguese (choose both Beginners modules):
| Module title | Credits | Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese Core I - Beginners: The expansion of Portuguese as a World-Language | 20 | Semester 1 | |
| Portuguese Core II - Beginners: Modernities in Portuguese | 20 | Semester 2 |
Mandarin Chinese (choose both Beginners modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners II | 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 |
In addition to the core language module(s) for their chosen language(s), students choose additional Level C modules provided annually by the School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music up to the relevant credit value for their respective route, to a combined total of 120 credits. Depending on the number of credits students opt to take in each language, optional module choices may be restricted. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
Optional Modules
Students taking one language with Business Management. Students taking 80 credits in language A: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Beginners French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] Choose two optional modules in language A (includes departmental options) And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2. Students taking two languages with Business Management Students taking 40 credits in language A: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Beginners Catalan, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 40 compulsory language credits. Students taking 40 credits in language B: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Beginners Catalan, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 40 compulsory language credits. And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2. Optional modules offered by the Department of Modern Languages. The following is an indicative list:
French Optional Modules:
German Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Writing Identities in the German-Speaking World A | 10 |
| Writing Identities in the German-Speaking World B | 10 |
Spanish Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Between the National and the Global: Peninsular Spanish History, 1936 to the Present Day A | 10 |
| Between the National and the Global: Peninsular Spanish History, 1936 to the Present Day B | 10 |
| Figuring and Re-figuring the Hispanic World in Visual Culture A | 10 |
| Figuring and Re-figuring the Hispanic World in Visual Culture B | 10 |
| Unity, Diversity and the Re-shaping of the New World: Latin America since 1800 | 10 |
| Unity, Diversity and the Re-shaping of the New World: Latin America since 1900 | 10 |
Catalan Optional Modules: (available to all students)
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Beginners Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Beginners Catalan Language B | 10 |
| Catalan Culture Project A | 10 |
| Catalan Culture Project B | 10 |
Portuguese Optional Modules: (available to all students)
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Roots of Inequality: Race, Gender and the Legacies of Colonialism in the Global North | 10 |
| Roots of Inequality: Race, Gender and the Legacies of Colonialism in the Global South | 10 |
Departmental Optional Modules: (Available to all students)
Departmental Modules [available to students taking Advanced languages only]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Translation in Practice I | 10 |
| Translation in Practice II | 10 |
Year 2
Year 2
2026/27 Session
NB: To proceed from Stage I to Stage II a student must have a minimum of 100 credits, to include the relevant Core II language module(s). One language with Business Management Students must take 40 credits in Business Management and 80 credits in one modern foreign language. Two languages with Business Management Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Business Management. Catalan and Mandarin can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in any one year. Intermediate German, Intermediate French and Intermediate Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 80 credits in Year 2 if combined with 20 credits of departmental modules.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Economics and Financial Decision Making | 20 |
Business Management Students must choose one of the following:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Management | 20 |
| Marketing & New Technology | 20 |
The following core language modules are compulsory at Stage II for each language followed.
French (students must choose both Advanced modules of both Intermediate modules):
German (students must choose both Advanced modules or both Intermediate modules):
Spanish (students must choose both Advanced modules or both Intermediate modules):
Core V is compulsory for all students studying French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. 8: PROJ Students will take either the 10 or 20 credit module depending upon their language combinations. 8: PROJ Students will only take the research project in one of their chosen languages.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core V - Student Research Project | 10 |
| Core V - Student Research Project | 20 |
Portuguese (choose both Intermediate modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Core III - Intermediate: Global Cultures in Portuguese | 20 |
| Portuguese Core IV - Intermediate: Transatlantic Exchanges | 10 |
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 |
Mandarin Chinese (choose both Intermediate modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate II | 20 |
In addition to the core language module(s) for their chosen language(s), students follow additional Level I modules up to the relevant credit value for their respective programme, to a combined total of 120 credits. Depending on the number of credits students opt to take in each language, optional module choices may be restricted (please refer to the module choice information). Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints. Students taking one language with Business Management Students taking 80 credits in language A: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Intermediate French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] Choose ONE optional module in Semester 1 and ONE optional module in Semester 2. You must also take the compulsory Core III module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core IV and 10 credit Core V Research Project modules in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2. Students taking two languages with Business Management Students taking 30 credits in language A: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Intermediate French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 30 compulsory language credits. Students taking 50 credits in language B: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Intermediate French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 30 compulsory language credits PLUS the 20-credit compulsory Core V Research Project And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2. Students taking 40 credits in language A where one is Catalan or Mandarin: [Intermediate Catalan and Mandarin] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 40 compulsory language credits. Students taking 40 credits in language B: [Advanced French, German, Spanish or Intermediate French, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 30 compulsory language credits PLUS the 10- credit compulsory Core V Research Project And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
Optional modules offered by the Department of Modern Languages. The following is an indicative list:
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 |
| Obedience and Autonomy in German Culture and Thought | 20 |
Spanish Optional Modules:
Catalan Optional Modules:
Portuguese Optional Modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Memory and Public Space in the Portuguese-speaking World | 20 |
| Popular Culture and Resistance in the Portuguese-speaking World | 20 |
Departmental Optional Modules:
Departmental Optional Modules [available to students taking Advanced languages only]:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Translation in the Workplace | 20 |
Year abroad
Year abroad
To proceed from Stage II to Stage IIb (Year Abroad) a student must have a minimum of 100 credits to include the relevant Core III and Core IV language modules.
Students must normally complete 120 credits in total of year abroad modules (all at intermediate level). spoke.
There is no automatic right to do a work placement.
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.
Year 4
Year 4
2028/29 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 core language module(s).
One language with Business Management
Students must take 40 credits in Business Management and 80 credits in one modern foreign language.
Two languages with Business Management
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Business Management.
Catalan and Mandarin Chinese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in any one year.
Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 80 credits in Final Year if combined with departmental modules or an Independent Study module.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corporate Finance and Supply Chain Management | 20 |
| Strategic and Innovation Management | 20 |
Independent Study Modules:
All students must take 40 credits of independent study in Modern Languages. There is one exception for students taking two languages with Business Management where one language is Mandarin Chinese. Students can only take 20 credits of independent study in Modern Languages due to the credit requirements for compulsory core language and business management modules.
Students studying one language must take the following dissertation module:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Final Year Extended Independent Study Module in Modern Languages | 40 |
Students taking two languages (40 credits in each language) must take both of the following dissertation modules in Modern Languages (one in each language):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages Semester 1 | 20 |
| Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages Semester 2 | 20 |
Students taking two languages (40 credits in each language where one is Mandarin Chinese) must take the following dissertation module.
NB: The dissertation cannot be taken in Mandarin Chinese.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages | 20 |
The following core language modules are compulsory at Stage III for each language followed.
At least 20 credits must consist of independent study in modern languages.
Catalan and Mandarin Chinese can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in any one year.
Portuguese can only be taken to a maximum of 80 credits in Year 2 if combined with 20 credits of departmental modules and the Independent Study module.
French:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| French Core VI - Language and Contexts | 10 |
| French Core VII - Language and Contexts | 10 |
German:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Core VI - Language and Contexts | 10 |
| German Core VII - Language and Contexts | 10 |
Spanish:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Core VI - Language and Contexts | 10 |
| Spanish Core VII - Language and Contexts | 10 |
Portuguese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Core VI - Language and Contexts | 10 |
| Portuguese Core VII - Language and Contexts | 10 |
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 |
| LH Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced II |
Students taking one language with Business Management
Students taking 80 credits in language A: [French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] Students choose ONE 20-credit option in Semester 1. You must also take the 40 credit Extended Independent Study Module in Modern Languages PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
Students taking two languages with Business Management Students taking 40 credits in language A: Language A: [French, German, Portuguese, Spanish] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 1 in language A PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 Language B: [French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 2 in language B PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
OR Students taking 40 credits in language A where one is Mandarin Chinese: [Mandarin Chinese] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take 40 compulsory language credits. Students taking 40 credits in language B: [French, German, Spanish] You do not choose any optional modules. You must take the year-long 20 credit Independent Study module PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
OR Students taking 40 credits in language A where one is Catalan: Language A: [Catalan] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 1 in language A PLUS the compulsory Advanced Catalan A & B modules Language B: [French, German, Spanish] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 2 in language B PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
OR Students taking 40 credits in language A where one is Catalan: Language A: [Catalan] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 2 in language A PLUS the compulsory Advanced Catalan A & B modules Language B: [French, German, Spanish] You must take a 20 credit Independent Study module in Semester 1 in language B PLUS the compulsory Core VI module in Semester 1 and the compulsory Core VII module in Semester 2 And 40 credits in Business Management: You must take the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 1 and the compulsory 20 credit module in Semester 2.
Optional modules offered by the Department of Modern Languages. The following is an indicative list:
French Optional Modules:
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe I (French) | 09 31456 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe II (French) | 09 31457 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Adapting Nineteenth-Century France | 09 26876 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Colonial and Postcolonial Cultures in the Francophone Worlds | 09 34933 | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
| Discourses, Disciplines and Dissidence: The Construction of Sexuality in Nineteenth-Century France | 09 24745 | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
| Franco-African Relations from de Gaulle to Macron (1944 to the present) | 09 35133 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| From Princesses to Poisoners: Gender, Identity and Society in Seventeenth-century French texts | 09 34926 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Algerian War | 09 21093 | 20 | Semester 2 |
German Optional Modules:
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic and Romance | 09 30649 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Seeing Differently: German-Language Cinema since 1960 | 09 35142 | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
| Sex, Seduction and Submission: Gender in German Literature from 1900 to Today | 09 26799 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe I (German) | 09 32303 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe II (German) | 09 32304 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| War in Peace: Writing the First World War in Germany, 1918-1939 | 09 30781 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Spanish Optional Modules:
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gender and Sexuality in the Hispanic World | 09 29791 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Imagining the Truth: Latin American Culture in a Post-truth World | 09 34900 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Performing Gender/Translating Performance | 09 34942 | 20 | |
| Spanish Exile Culture | 09 30745 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| The Digital Past | 09 29767 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Marginal Other in the Hispanic World | 09 34941 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Spanish Caribbean: History and Literature | 09 35141 | 20 | Semester 1 or 2 |
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe I (Spanish) | 09 32307 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Translation in Theory and Practice in Europe II (Spanish) | 09 32308 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| US Latinx Cultures: Spanish Caribbean | 09 40436 | 20 | |
| Uniformity and diversity in the Iberian-Romance speaking world | 09 32380 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Catalan Optional Modules (available to all students):
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Catalan Language A | 09 33755 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Catalan Language B | 09 33757 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language A | 09 33753 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language B | 09 33754 | 10 | Semester 2 |
Portuguese Optional Modules (available to all students):
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial Approaches to Contemporary Thought and Culture | 09 34910 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Departmental Optional Modules (available to all students):
| Module title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back to the Future – Hidden Histories and Utopian Possibilities, 1800-present | 09 34928 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Contemporary representations of the body: literature, theory and art | 09 30770 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Echoes of Colonialism and Imperialism Across Cultures | 09 34935 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| From Text to Tech: Digital Approaches to Languages and Cultures | 09 30754 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language, Culture and Communication: Digging into the text | 09 32333 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Narratives of Conquest and Incomprehension | 09 38836 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Romance languages: structure, variation and change | 09 34943 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Uniformity and diversity in the Iberian-Romance speaking world | 09 32380 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB A level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language, as long as one of your beginner languages is French or Spanish.
- IB
6,6,5 32 points overall. You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in each modern language that you plan to study.
- BTEC
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 the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language, as long as one of your beginner languages is French or Spanish.
General Studies
Accepted.
IB Diploma
6,6,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in the modern language that you plan to study.
BTEC qualifications
- BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
- BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
- BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.
Independent language diplomas:
If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, German, Italian or Russian 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), Goethe-Zertifikat-B2 (German), DILI-B2 (Italian) and TRKI 2nd Certificate (Russian). 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.
English language requirements
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.
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
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.
Alternative Offers
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. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
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.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB - A level
- Contextual Offer
ABB - A level
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. 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. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
Additional course costs
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).
Undergraduate loans
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.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
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.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2025, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
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.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
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:
- Strong communication and presentation skills in English and one or more other languages
- A deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures
- Independence and experience of living abroad
- Expressing thoughts, feelings and opinions in different registers
- Leadership, negotiation, debating and teamwork
- Handling complex information
- The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
Our Modern Languages students have gone on to secure roles such as Translator, Director, Founder, and Communications Manager, working for organisations such as:
- BBC News
- House of Commons
- Warner Bros. Discovery
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.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, 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.
Careers Network
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.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
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.
Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
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.
Student support
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.
Campus life
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.
Take a virtual tour
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.