Program Overview

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BA History of Art and Modern Languages (VR30)

2026 entry

Course summary

This rewarding degree presents an exciting opportunity for you to explore the past, interpret our present and shape your future through in-depth study of History of Art, your chosen language (French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) and its related cultures.

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, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff incorporate new research into their classes.

The course will give you a grounding in the key skills needed for a history of art degree, enabling you to study a wide range of visual and material culture and to explore some themes in greater depth, while developing your research skills.

Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills that will make you attractive to future employers in the globalised workplace and in the sector of your choice.

All modern languages students 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.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: ABB
• A-level contextual offer: BBC
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: VR30)

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £27400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

On the language side of your degree, you will study core Language and Culture units each year in your chosen language of study (reading, writing, listening, grammar and speaking). Alongside these, you will take a range of core and optional units relating to the culture/cultures in which your language is spoken. These will focus on topics such as literature, history, film, politics, linguistics or visual art.

You will spend your third year 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.

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.

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.

A-level standard offer

• ABB

A-level contextual offer

• BBC

BTEC

• DDM in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

• 77% overall

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AB and Standard Higher: AABBB

Access to HE Diploma

• 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• 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.

Cambridge Pre-U

• 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.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level B.

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 History of Art and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• BA History of Art
• BA Modern Languages