Ranking
Top 100
globally for Modern Languages
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Course overview
Become a multilingual storyteller and craft digital content that connects communities worldwide.
Combine your love for language-learning with a skillset in storytelling and content strategy. You'll harness multiple languages, digital tools, and technologies to create content that reaches across borders.
How do the languages and translations we use change the meaning of media? You'll explore how language intersects with identity, politics, media, and cultural expression. This dynamic programme will prepare you for a range of careers including cultural journalism, community and cultural management, and roles in the creative and media industries such as advertising and digital communication.
Languages we offer
| 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 |
- All languages are beginners except for French, German and Spanish, which offer Advanced options as well.
- You can choose one language (French, German or Spanish only, either Beginner or Advanced) or two languages, provided they are not from the same group.
Course highlights
- Top 10
for Iberian languages in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 10
for German and Italian in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 20
for French in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
- Study language and topics of cultural significance, designed and delivered by expert teachers and researchers.
- Enjoy focused academic contact – We pride ourselves on our small groups, allowing individual attention and active language learning through engagement with cultural material.
- Cultural venues at your fingertips - Birmingham is home to a range of arts, media, and cultural venues on-campus and in the city. Discover our on-campus gallery, museums, and music spaces, or head to the city for festivals and events.
- Join our language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills and contribute to the student-led Linguist Magazine.
- Study a range of exciting modules including "Languages, Media and Digital Cultures," "Multilingual Storytelling and Content Creation," and "Language, Digital Communication and Cultural Industries."
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
2026/27 Session
Students must take 40 credits in Digital Communications and 80 credits in one modern foreign language [Advanced or Beginners French, Advanced or Beginners German, Advanced or Beginners Spanish]
Two languages with Digital Communications
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Digital Communications.
NB: You can only study Catalan, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian as a two-language combination with Digital Communications.
Some languages cannot be taken together for timetabling reasons
Depending on the language combinations you take, the compulsory 20 credit Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages module will count towards the credits for one of your languages.
The following languages cannot be taken together for timetabling reasons:
Pillar 1: Italian, Japanese and Russian
Pillar 2: Mandarin Chinese, German and Portuguese
Pillar 4: French and Catalan Minor
All students must take the following modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages | 20 |
| Languages, Media and Digital Cultures | 20 |
Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 1.
If you are studying two beginners languages you cannot choose Beginners Catalan or LfA Arabic as an optional module.
The following modules are compulsory at Stage I for each language followed.
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 Hispanic Cultures in Global Contexts.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Italian (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Italian Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
| Visions of Italy on paper and screen | 10 |
| Visions of Italy through music | 10 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Japanese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Beginners I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Beginners II | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Mandarin Chinese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language beginners II | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Portuguese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Environment, Sustainability and Development in the Portuguese-speaking world | 20 |
| Portuguese Language 1 (Beginners): Boas-vindas! | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Russian (40 credits only).
The following modules are compulsory for students studying 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 |
Optional Modules
Students studying one language with Digital Communications
Your compulsory modules will total 80 credits.
For your remaining credits, you will select TWO optional modules. You can choose EITHER an optional module relevant to the language you are studying OR departmental modules which are available to all students.
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 studying two languages with Digital Communications.
You do not choose any optional modules.
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Language, Digital Communication and Cultural Industries | 20 |
| Multilingual Storytelling and Content Creation | 20 |
To proceed from Stage I to Stage II a student must have a minimum of 100 credits, to include the relevant language language module(s).
One language with Digital Communications
Students must take 40 credits in Digital Communications and 80 credits in one modern foreign language [Advanced or Intermediate French, Advanced or Intermediate German, Advanced or Intermediate Spanish].
Two languages with Digital Communications
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Digital Communications.
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.
Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian can only be taken to a maximum of 40 credits in Year 2.
The following modules are compulsory at Stage II for each language followed.
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 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Italian (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Italian cities: texts and contexts | 20 |
| Italian Language 2A (Intermediate) | 10 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Japanese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Intermediate I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Intermediate II | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Mandarin Chinese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate I | 20 |
| Mandarin Chinese Language Intermediate II | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Portuguese (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultural Industries: Creativity in Change | 20 |
| Portuguese Language 2 (Intermediate): Vamos lá! | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying Russian (40 credits only).
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LI 19th Century Russia through the Lens of the Novel | 20 |
| Russian Language 2 (Intermediate): Russian Language in Action | 20 |
The following modules are compulsory for students studying the Catalan Minor (40 credits):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Catalan Language A | 10 |
| Intermediate Catalan Language B | 10 |
Students must also take one of following modules on offer in a given year for the Catalan Minor (40 credits):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Artistic and Literary Representations of Barcelona | 20 |
| Gender, New Media and Cultural Identity | 20 |
Optional Modules
Please note that some language combinations may not be possible for timetabling reasons.
Students should aim for an even balance of credits between of credits between semesters. If you have an imbalance, you may not take more than 70 credits in one semester.
Depending on your language combination, your compulsory language modules will total 20 or 40 credits (per language). You will also take 40 compulsory credits of Digital Communications modules.
For your remaining credits, you will select between ONE and THREE optional modules. You can choose EITHER optional modules relevant to the language(s) you are studying OR departmental modules which are available to all students.
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)
If you are studying two beginners languages you cannot choose Beginners Catalan or LfA Arabic as an optional module.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
Year abroad
Year abroad
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 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 count towards the final degree classification.
For all routes, students must normally complete 120-credits in total of year abroad modules (all at intermediate level).
Where students are studying two languages and do not split the year, they must normally take a vacation course in the other language.
Students who entered the University as beginners in a language should 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 BA Modern Languages 3 year programme. Where students taking three languages are exempted from the Year Abroad, the normal expectation would be that the student would only continue with two languages into final year.
Year 4
Year 4
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 language module(s).
One language with Digital Communications
Students must take 40 credits in Digital Communications and 80 credits in one modern foreign language [French, German, Spanish].
Two languages with Digital Communications
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language and 40 credits in Digital Communications.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation on Communications Research Methods | 20 |
| The Earth: Mediatic Representations of Our Planet | 20 |
The following core language modules are compulsory at Stage III for each language followed.
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 |
Italian:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring the self: Dante and Leopardi | 20 |
| Italian Language Final Year | 20 |
Japanese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Advanced I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Advanced II | 20 |
Mandarin Chinese
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced I | 20 |
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced II | 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:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Russian Language Final Year: Towards Fluency | 20 |
One of the following two Russian modules 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 |
Catalan: Students must also choose an independent study module on a Catalan-related topic:
Independent Study
All students must take 40 credits of independent study modules.
20 credits forms part of the compulsory Digital Communications modules.
NB: There are some two language combinations where students will only be able to take 20 credits of ISM. This applies to students studying three languages where one is Chinese or Japanese (40 compulsory credits) and one is Italian, Russian or Portuguese (40 compulsory credits).
Students must choose a further 20 credits from the following independent study modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages | 20 |
| Final Year Independent Study Module in Modern Languages Semester 1 | 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.
You will take 40 compulsory credits of Digital Communications modules.
Depending on your language combination, your compulsory language modules will total 20 or 40 credits (per language) plus a 20 credit of Independent Study module.
If you have any credits remaining, you will select between ONE or TWO optional modules. You can choose EITHER optional modules relevant to the language(s) you are studying OR departmental modules which are available to all students.
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).Please note that some language combinations may not be possible for timetabling reasons.
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
ABB A level grade B is required for any advanced language/s you wish to study. See below for full information.
- IB
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
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus B at A level in the required subject. See below for full information.
Number of A levels required: 3
A levels
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.
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
- 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, 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.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
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.
Core Maths qualification
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.
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.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
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.
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.
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
BBC - A level
- Contextual Offer
BBB - 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.
- £9,535*
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.
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 2026, 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.
- 14 January 2026
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.
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 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.
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.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
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.