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Become an expert linguist, ready to communicate in multiple languages.

You'll learn the languages that interest you alongside core modules in translation in this flexible degree. You'll prepare for work in all kinds of sectors, from business and marketing to interpreting and teaching.
| 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 |

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 Modern Languages in the UK
Guardian 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
One language with Translation Studies
Students must take 40 credits in Translation Studies and 80 credits in one advanced modern foreign language (Advanced French, Advanced German or Advanced Spanish). The compulsory module Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages counts towards your language credits.
Two languages with Translation Studies
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language (one must be an advanced language) and 40 credits in Translation Studies. If you are studying two languages (combining French, German, Spanish), the Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages module will count towards one of your languages.
Advanced Languages that can be combined with Translation Studies are:
Advanced French, Advanced German or Advanced Spanish.
NB: You can only study Catalan, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian as a two-language combination with Translation Studies.
Some languages cannot be taken together for timetabling reasons.
Translation Studies is restricted to speakers of English + French, or English + German or English + Spanish. Native standard is required in one of the languages of each pair and Advanced Level in the other.
Students must take the following modules:
The following language modules are compulsory at Stage I for each language followed.
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 |
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 |
Spanish (choose either the Beginners or Advanced Module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language 1 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 1 (Beginners) | 20 |
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.
One language with Translation Studies
If you are studying one language (French, German, Spanish), you must select the core module related to your language below.
Two languages with Translation Studies
If you are studying two 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 below.
If you are studying two languages (one is French, German, Spanish combined with Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian), you do not need to select a core module below. The ‘Discover: Personal, Academic and Professional Development in Modern Languages’ module will count towards French, German or Spanish.
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 one language with Translation Studies
Your compulsory language and Translation Studies modules will total 80 credits. 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 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)
Student studying two languages with Translation Studies
You do not choose any optional modules.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
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).
One language with Translation Studies
Students must take 40 credits in Translation Studies and 80 credits in one advanced modern foreign language (Advanced French, Advanced German or Advanced Spanish).
Two languages with Translation Studies
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language (one must be an advanced language) and 40 credits in Translation Studies.
You can only study Catalan, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian as a two-language combination with Translation Studies.
Translation Studies is restricted to speakers of English + French, or English + German, or English + Spanish. Native standard is required in one of the languages of each pair and Advanced Level in the other.
Students must take the following two 20-credit modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Audiovisual Translation Group Project | 20 |
| Translation in the Workplace | 20 |
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 modules):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language 2 (Advanced) | 20 |
| German 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 |
Spanish (choose either the Intermediate or Advanced module):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language 2 (Advanced) | 20 |
| Spanish Language 2 (Intermediate) | 20 |
Portuguese (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Portuguese):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultural Industries: Creativity in Change | 20 |
| Portuguese Language 2 (Intermediate): Vamos lá! | 20 |
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 |
|---|---|
| 19th Century Russia through the Lens of the Novel | 20 |
| Russian Language 2 (Intermediate): Russian Language in Action | 20 |
Japanese:
| 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
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 credits in Translation Studies.
Depending on your language combination, your compulsory language modules will total 20 or 40 credits (per language).
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)
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
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 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).
In Route 1 students must normally complete 120 credits of year abroad modules in a single language.
In Route 2, 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 spoke.
There is no automatic right to do a work placement in any of the languages.
Where students can show valid grounds, as defined and approved by the Department of Modern Languages, exemption from the year abroad may be permitted. In such cases, students will transfer to a 3 year programme. 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.
2029/30 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Translation and Creativity in the Digital Age I | 10 |
| Translation and Creativity in the Digital Age II | 10 |
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).
One language with Translation Studies:
Students must take 40 credits in Translation Studies and 80 credits in one advanced modern foreign language (Advanced French, Advanced German or Advanced Spanish).
Two languages with Translation Studies:
Students who opt to study two modern foreign languages are required to study 40 credits in each language (one must be an advanced language) and 40 credits in Translation Studies.
You can only study Catalan, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian as a two-language combination with Translation Studies.
Translation Studies is restricted to speakers of English + French, or English + German, or English + Spanish. Native standard is required in one of the languages of each pair and Advanced Level in the other.
2: CORE 1
Students must take EITHER Translating Sound and Vision I & II OR One of the Final Year Independent Study Modules in Modern Languages on a translation-related topic):
All students must take 40 credits of independent study modules.
There is one exception for students taking two languages with Translation Studies where one language is Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian or Mandarin Chinese. Students can only take 20 credits of independent study in Modern Languages due to the credit requirements for compulsory core language and Translation Studies modules.
Students studying one language can EITHER take a 40 credit dissertation in their advanced language OR two 20 credit dissertations (one in their advanced language and one in Translation Studies)
Students taking two languages (40 credits in each language) must take both of the 20 credit dissertation modules in Modern Languages (EITHER one in each language OR one in a language and one in Translation Studies)
Students taking two languages (40 credits in each language where one is Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian or Mandarin Chinese must take the following dissertation modules. One in French, German or Spanish and one in Translation Studies:
The following 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 |
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 |
Spanish:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spanish Language Final Year | 20 |
Portuguese (These modules are compulsory for all students studying Portuguese):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Language Final Year: Avante! | 20 |
| Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial Approaches to Contemporary Thought and Culture | 20 |
Catalan: Students must also choose an independent study module on a Catalan-related topic:
Russian (These modules are compulsory for all students studying 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 |
Mandarin Chinese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced I | 20 |
| Contemporary Chinese Language and Business Culture Advanced II | 20 |
Japanese:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Japanese Language Advanced I | 20 |
| Japanese Language Advanced II | 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 credits in Translation Studies.
Depending on your language combination, your compulsory language modules will total 20 or 40 credits (per language). You must also take 40 credits of Independent Study modules.
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).
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 the advanced language you wish to study. See below for full information.
6,5,5 including 32 points overall. See below for full information.
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 level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study a beginner and advanced language. Beginner language study does not require an A level.
6,5,5 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.
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.