BA Philosophy and Modern Languages (RV50)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
This degree combines philosophy with the study of a language of your choice: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. Together, philosophy and language study provide a valuable skill set that is ideally tailored to the increasingly globalised workplace.
All languages can be studied from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent), apart from Portuguese, which is offered from beginners' level only.
Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, which results in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research. This course combination offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges. Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills, which will make you attractive to future employers in the sector of your choice.
As a Modern Languages student, you will have access to our Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers and talent shows.
Course structure
In your first year of philosophy, you will study units covering an introduction to philosophy, logic, and realism and normativity. In your second and third years, you will also be able to choose from a range of optional units designed to help you develop your own core philosophical specialisation, explore different philosophical methods, engage in collaboration, apply philosophy in relation to other disciplines, such as science or literature, and apply philosophical approaches to civic engagement and contemporary societal issues.
You will spend your third year working or studying abroad in a country in which your language is spoken, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
In your final year, you may undertake an independent study unit on almost any topic in philosophy, writing an extended essay in consultation with a supervisor. Final-year taught units relate to the research interests of staff in areas ranging from global justice to philosophy of physics.
On the Modern Languages side, you will study language and culture units focusing on topics that range from history and politics to literature and cinema. There is a core language unit in each year of the programme, and increasing optionality for the cultural side as the degree progresses.
Check back soon to view the programme catalogue containing further details on the course structure and modules.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.