BA Modern Languages (R900)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

In an increasingly globalised world, multilingualism and intercultural understanding have never been more important. Our flexible Modern Languages degree - on which you can study one, two or three languages and their related cultures - presents an exciting opportunity for you to explore the past, interpret our present and shape your future. You can choose from French, German, Italian, Portuguese (beginners only), Russian and Spanish.

Through your language, cultural studies and year abroad, you will build invaluable interpersonal and intercultural skills that will support your personal and professional development and open up a world of international career opportunities, whichever sector you go on to work in.

We are both a large, vibrant School of Modern Languages and a close-knit community. Our dedicated staff are experts in their fields and have very diverse teaching and research interests, which they incorporate into their classes. This means that we can offer a good range of both core and optional units. film or the intricacies of the languages themselves have drawn you to university-level language study, our course will have plenty to inspire you.

Our school hosts a breadth of extracurricular activities such as talks, societies, language cafés, student newspapers and talent shows. With our excellent staff and wonderful Multimedia Centre - complete with a video editing suite, language lab facilities, extensive foreign-language film collection and mini-cinema - we offer an outstanding environment in which to study modern languages and develop a valuable skill set that is ideally tailored to the globalised workplace.

Course structure

In year one, you take core language unit(s) (grammar, reading, writing, speaking, listening) and gain an introduction to the culture and history of countries where your language(s) are spoken. In years two and four, you take a combination of core and optional language classes and complementary units. The latter may include history, film and visual culture, literature, linguistics, translation and politics.

Year three is spent abroad and is split according to your languages. To find out more, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

Languages are chosen after you accept an offer.

Available course combinations:

One language

French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish. Beginners' or post-A level (or equivalent) routes are available in all languages.

Two languages

French, German, Italian, Portuguese (for beginners only), Russian and Spanish. At least one of your languages must be post-A level (or equivalent).

Three languages

French, German, Italian, Portuguese (for beginners only), Russian and Spanish. At least two of your languages must be post-A level (or equivalent).

Check back soon to view the programme catalogue containing further details on the course structure and modules.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

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.

ABB including a modern language. Where a candidate is not taking an A-level in a modern language, we may accept ABB plus a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.
BBC including B in a modern language. Where a candidate is not taking an A-level in a modern language, we may accept BBC plus a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDM in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma and B in a modern language A-level (or equivalent). We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a modern language. We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a modern language. We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
77% overall with 8.0 in a modern language. We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.
Advanced Higher: AB including a modern language, and Standard Higher: AABBB. We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.
Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above and B in a modern language A-level (or equivalent). We may accept a standalone language qualification at CEFR level B1, in lieu of a modern language. Further details available on our Modern language requirements page.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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