BA Modern Languages - 2025 entry

Pathway A - One language

Study one language and graduate with BA (Hons) in one language, e.g. BA (Hons) French.

Students can choose to study one Beginners or one Advanced language in Year 1. Please see the Overview above for details of languages available.

Year 1

You will study 1st year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 2

You will study 2nd year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering areas such as cultural, literary and linguistics topics. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. You can also study modules from other disciplines outside of Modern Languages such as Politics and History.

Pathway B - Two equal languages

Study two languages and graduate with BA (Hons) in two languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Pathway C - Three equal languages

Study three languages and graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) Italian, Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will include 1st year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 2

Your study will include 2nd year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for the three languages. Plus you can select two option modules, covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects, from any of the three languages.

Pathway D - Two equal languages from Year 1 with a third taken up in Year 2

Start by studying two languages, then take up a third language in Year 2. Graduate with a BA (Hons) in three languages, e.g. BA (Hons) French with Russian and Spanish.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Having achieved good grades in the core language modules in Year 1, you decide to start a third language in Year 2.

For language 1 you will study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For the 2nd and 3rd languages you will study the core written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of the language either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your study will include final year core language modules for your three languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules for two languages.

Pathway E - A main language and a secondary language

Start with the study of two languages, then in Year 2 take up modules in another discipline, e.g. Business Studies. Graduate with BA (Hons) in language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

You decide to expand the focus of your study by including modules from another discipline, such as the Business School, to enhance your employability.

For language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. For language 2 you study core language modules. You also study a 1st year core module from your other discipline, e.g. Business Studies.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

You will study final year core language modules for both languages, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages. Additionally, you can study 2nd year core modules from your other discipline.

Pathway F and G - Start with two equal languages and specialise in the Final Year

Start with the study of two languages and decide to focus mainly on one after your international placement (work or study). Graduate with BA (Hons) in ‘language 1’ with ‘language 2’ e.g. BA (Hons) Russian with French.

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 2nd year core modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 or 2, either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4 - Choose either pathway F or G.

Pathway F

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language but still want to continue with the study of language 2. For Language 1 you study core language modules, plus you can select option modules. And for language 2 you only study final year core written and oral modules.

Pathway G

During your year abroad you become increasingly interested in one language. You decide to drop the core language modules for language 2; however you want to maintain your interest in the modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. So, you study the final year core language modules of language 1, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of both languages.

Pathway H and I - Start with two equal languages and specialise after the First Year

Start by studying two subjects, then decide after your first year to focus more on one language.

On Pathway H you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian.

On Pathway I you graduate with BA (Hons) language 1 with language 2 Studies, e.g. BA (Hons) German with Russian Studies.

Pathway H

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both languages. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 but want to keep up the study of language 2.

For language 1 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core 2nd year written and oral modules.

Year 3 - International Placement

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

For language 1 you study core final year written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language. And for language 2 you study core final year written and oral modules.

or

Pathway I

Year 1

Your study will be divided 50/50 between two languages and will include 1st year core language modules for both. You can also select from a variety of modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the languages.

Year 2

After Year 1 you decide you want to concentrate more on language 1 and drop core modules for language 2.

For language 1 you study core written and oral modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules. And for language 2 you select from a variety of 2nd year option modules covering cultural, literary and linguistic aspects of the language.

Year 3 - International Placement 

Your International Placement (work or study) will be spent in a country of language 1 either:

• on a work placement
• studying at a university
• a combination of the above
• in a school working as a British Council Language assistant (for French, German, Italian and Spanish only) 

If you are studying a Beginners language from Year 1, you must spend your third year in the country of that language. 

Year 4

Your focus is on language 1 only and you study core language modules, plus you can select from a variety of option modules.

Chinese

China’s cultural importance in the world is at an all-time high and understanding the country and its language is of increasing strategic importance. The BA Modern Languages: Chinese (Mandarin) course at Exeter offers a complete pathway for you to become a proficient speaker, understand China’s fascinating culture and history, and develop your capacity to analyse its past, present and future through its diverse cultural forms.

In your third year, you will spend a year abroad in China studying at one of our renowned partner universities such as Peking (PKU) or Fudan.

Please note that Chinese is currently only available ab initio rather than at Advanced level.

You can study Chinese through four pathways:

• choose to focus on Chinese and graduate with a BA in Chinese  
• with one or two other languages (eg, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree (providing no more than one language is studied from beginners’ level)
• with Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined Honours programme 

French

At the University of Exeter, we provide a lively and friendly learning community in which to learn French, offering an inspiring teaching programme driven by internationally renowned researchers. Our basic philosophy is to ensure broad academic coverage with maximum choice, allowing you to study one or two additional languages alongside French should you wish to.

As part of the BA Modern Languages: French course you can select from a wide variety of modules in most areas of French Studies: cultural studies from the Middle Ages to the present; literature and the visual arts; film; linguistics; gender studies and philosophy. You can decide to pursue a broad programme of study that includes modules taken from several of the areas mentioned above, or you can specialise in one or two of these areas.

In your third year, you will undertake an International Placement (work or study) in a Francophone country either studying at one of our renowned partner universities such as Paris Sorbonne, Libre Bruxelles and Geneva, teaching English as part of a British Council placement, or gaining valuable employment experience and practical applied learning by working abroad.

You can study French through four pathways:

• choose to focus on French and graduate with a BA in French
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree
• with Arabic, Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Latin, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme 

German

At the University of Exeter, the BA Modern Languages and German course is characterised by a wide-ranging approach to the society, literature and culture of the German-speaking world, in particular Germany and Austria. These countries have a rich cultural past and play a crucial role at the heart of today’s Europe. The German language, which can be studied both at post A-level and beginners’ level, is a passport to a diverse community of 200 million speakers worldwide, to a treasure-house of European culture and to a major economy whose political and diplomatic influence reaches across the world.

German at Exeter is small enough for us to know our students well, yet our teaching and research have a very broad reach. Our research interests feed directly into your undergraduate degree programme, ensuring that you have access to the latest knowledge and ideas. Our teaching includes classics of literature, film and thought but also the study of museums and exhibitions, cultural memory and urban culture.

In your third year, you have the opportunity to spend a year abroad studying at one of the top universities in Germany and Austria, including Vienna, Tübingen and Humboldt University in Berlin. You can also choose to teach English as part of a British Council placement or gain valuable employment experience and practical applied learning by working abroad. Whatever you choose, immersing yourself in a German-speaking country will enrich your understanding of German and giving you an unparalleled experience.

You can study German through four pathways:

• choose to focus on German and graduate with a BA in German
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree
• with Arabic, Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme

Italian

Studying Italian at the University of Exeter brings you into contact with one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. Our research interests will give you access to a wide range of aspects of Italian culture that we are passionate about and you can study a broad range of topics or follow particular pathways that interest you most, such as Italian film, literature, linguistics including dialectology, or history. You can also pick up a number of open modules on linguistics, literature, medieval history, visual arts, film and culture offering you the chance to further customise the programme to suit you.

We value our extensive contacts with universities and other institutions in Italy; thanks to these exchanges there is a constant presence of Italian students in our team, which creates a distinctive atmosphere. In your third year, you will undertake an International Placement (work or study) in Italy: either studying at one of our renowned partner universities such as Bologna-Forlì, Padova and Ca' Foscari Venice, teaching English as part of a British Council placement, or gaining valuable employment experience and practical applied learning by working abroad. 

You can study Italian through four pathways:

• choose to focus on Italian and graduate with a BA in Italian  
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree
• with Arabic, Art History and/or Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme

Portuguese

Portuguese is one of the six most widely spoken world languages, with over 200 million speakers in Portugal, Brazil, and African countries such as Angola and Mozambique. Studying Portuguese at the University of Exeter brings you into contact with one of the most diverse cultures in the world and its literary, linguistic and artistic manifestations.

You will study in an engaging research-active environment, examining not only the cultures and literatures of the Portuguese-speaking world, but also Portuguese linguistics: this includes the established and emerging dialects of Portuguese, as well as the current sociolinguistic situation in Lusophone Africa and Creole societies, among other topics. You can also can pick up a number of open modules on linguistics, literature, medieval history, visual arts, film and culture offering you the chance to further customise the programme to suit you.

In your third year, you will undertake an International Placement (work or study) in Portugal or Brazil: either studying at one of our renowned partner universities such as Coimbra and Porto in Portugal and Santa Catarina in Brazil, or gaining valuable employment experience and practical applied learning by working abroad. 

You can study Portuguese through four pathways:

• choose to focus on Portuguese and graduate with a BA in Portuguese 
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree 
• with Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme 

Russian

Russia has long been a significant cultural and political force and will undoubtedly continue to play a major role in 21st century culture, history and politics. Russian currently ranks fifth in the number of speakers worldwide and is one of the six official languages of the UN. Studying Russian at the University of Exeter gives you the opportunity to learn about a centuries-old culture which has had an enormous influence on our own view of the world. You will be able to experience some of the great works of literature and art, as well as exciting, lesser-known novels and poems that make up much of Russian cultural life. You will also be able to study Russia’s past, with modules specialising in the tumultuous history of the country.

In your third year, you will spend time in Russia or another country where Russian is spoken, to gain greater competence in the Russian language, further your knowledge of Russian culture and society, and develop your capacity for independent learning. Choose to study at one of our renowned partner universities in Moscow, St Petersburg and other areas across Russia including Siberia and Tatarstan.

You can study Russian through four pathways:

• choose to focus on Russian and graduate with a BA in Russian  
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree
• with Arabic, Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme 

Spanish

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with speakers in 21 countries across Europe and the Americas. Spanish is therefore one of the most valuable and exciting languages you can learn, owing to its commercial and cultural importance on both sides of the Atlantic. Studying Spanish at the University of Exeter, you will understand the historical development of Spain and the Hispanic world and be introduced to some of the most inspiring and famous works of art and literature, including the visual arts, painting and cinema. You’ll learn about the disciplines of linguistics, history and literary criticism, while gaining an insight into the life of Spain and Latin America.

In your third year, you will undertake an International Placement (work or study) in a Spanish-speaking country. Choose from studying at one of our renowned partner universities such as Córdoba or Valencia in Spain and UDLAP in Mexico. Alternatively, you might apply for a job teaching English under the scheme run by the British Council. Other students apply for work placements, either in Spain or Latin America. 

You can study Spanish through four pathways:

• choose to focus on Spanish and graduate with a BA in Spanish
• with one or two other languages (eg, Chinese, French, German Italian, Portuguese or Russian) as part of our BA Modern Languages degree
• with Arabic, Art History & Visual Culture, Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology as part of one of our Combined Honours Programmes
• or with a bespoke selection of subjects as part of our Flexible Combined honours programme