Program Overview

Modern Languages BA

Overview

Studying languages is both fascinating and challenging. In today’s complex world, language skills are more important than ever before. They break down barriers, allow us to connect globally and see the world from a different point of view.

During this degree, you will have the opportunity to hone these skills by spending a year abroad immersing yourself in your chosen languages and cultures. Many of our students say the year abroad is their course highlight and find that they return more independent and confident, with experiences and skills that make them stand out to future employers.

Why Choose This Course?

• Great teaching - 91% of students from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2024)
• Go beyond the language - study all aspects of your language’s culture, from contemporary media to remembering the past
• Tailor the course to your interests or career aspirations through module selection
• Increase your employability - open up job opportunities with foreign language skills
• Year abroad - spend a year abroad immersing yourself in your chosen languages and cultures
• A great track record - 85% of students from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures graduated with either a 1st or 2:1 in 2023
• Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities

Language Pathways

There are two pathways for most of the languages offered: ‘beginner’ and ‘post A-level'. These are taught separately over the first two years. By the time you return from your year abroad, all students will be at a similar level and so for most pathways final year students take the same language modules.

The combination of languages you choose is up to you, but due to timetabling and the nature of language learning there are a few restrictions:

• You may only start one language as a beginner
• Portuguese and Serbian/Croatian may only be started as a beginner

Engaged Arts

All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

Rankings

• Top ten for French Studies in the UK - Daily Mail University Guide 2025
• Top ten for Iberian Studies in the UK - Daily Mail University Guide 2025
• 3rd for East and South Asian Studies in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
• 4th for Asian Studies in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
• Top ten for German in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
• Top ten for Russian and East European Languages in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025

Foundation Year

You may also progress to this course from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, subject to eligibility.

Course Structure

• Year 1: Language learning pathways, cultural studies, and introductory modules
• Year 2: Language learning pathways, cultural studies, and intermediate modules
• Year 3: Year abroad - study, work, or teach in a country where your chosen language is spoken
• Year 4: Language learning pathways, cultural studies, and advanced modules

Modules

• Language learning pathways
• Cultural Horizons: Exploring Language, Power, Identity
• French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, and Mandarin Chinese language modules
• Cultural studies modules, including film, literature, history, and politics
• Engaged Arts modules, including sustainability, equity and justice, and digital humanities

Assessment

• Coursework and exams
• Commentaries, dissertations, group work, in-class tests, portfolios, and presentations
• Language proficiency tests

Careers

• Language teaching and translation
• International business and trade
• Diplomacy and foreign affairs
• Journalism and media
• Tourism and hospitality
• Arts and cultural management

Employability

• 78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation
• Average starting salary: £23,974
• Careers advice and support from the University’s Careers and Employability Service

Campus

• University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
• Green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities
• One of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003

Help and Support

• Academic support from module tutors and academic advisors
• Language support from language tutors and language exchange programs
• Personal support from the University’s Student Services and Wellbeing teams

Additional Information

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