Program Overview

Modern Languages BA Honours

The Modern Languages BA Honours degree programme at Newcastle University is designed to immerse students in the study of global cultures and societies, focusing on the development of language skills in one, two, or three languages. The programme aims to prepare students for a career as engaged, global citizens.

Course Overview

• UCAS code: T901
• Full time: 4 years
• Tuition fees (Year 1): Home: Not Set, International: £24,500
• Scholarships available: Yes

Quality and Ranking

• 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (French category)
• 8th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (German category)
• 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Iberian Languages category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 75 for Arts and Humanities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Modern Languages - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021

Modules and Learning

The programme is divided into stages, with each stage lasting one academic year. Students complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Study one, two, or three languages: up to two post A-Level or equivalent (Level B) and up to one from beginner’s level (Level A).
• Choose from: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, or Spanish.
• Alongside language studies, students choose optional modules that explore the cultures and histories of the countries where their chosen languages are spoken.

Stage 2

• Continue to develop language skills in chosen languages.
• If studied Level A at Stage 1, take Level B (Intermediate) modules this year.
• If studied Level B at Stage 1, study Level C (Advanced) modules this year.
• Optional modules explore the cultures and histories of the countries where chosen languages are spoken.

Optional Year Abroad

• Studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in local cultures, meet new people, and improve language skills.
• The year abroad is highly flexible, and students can choose to spend their year abroad in one country or divide it between two or even three countries for those taking three languages.

Optional Careers Placement Year

• Work experience can enhance career prospects beyond university.
• All modern language students not taking a year abroad have the opportunity to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK.
• With a placement year, students can choose to do one placement lasting 9-12 months or two placements which last at least 4.5 months each.

Opportunities

• Year Abroad: Spend a year abroad in your third year to develop language skills among native speakers and experience a different culture.
• Careers Placement Year: Undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK in your third year to gain valuable work experience.
• Language combinations: Study one, two, or three languages, with the option to explore additional languages such as Catalan, Italian, Dutch, or Korean.

Facilities and Environment

• Language Resource Centre: Access to PC-equipped rooms and the award-winning Language Resource Centre, with self-study resources for over 100 languages.
• Support: Personal tutor throughout the degree to help with academic and personal issues, and peer mentors in the first year.

Your Future

• Career prospects: Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business.
• Research skills: Option to write a dissertation in the final year, which allows students to explore and discuss a topic of interest in great detail, while developing research skills.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB including French, German, or Spanish.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points with Higher Level French or German or Spanish at grade 6 or above.
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to view specific requirements.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, or Duolingo English Test.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition fees: Home: Not Set, International: £24,500.
• Scholarships: Available for UK, EU, and international students.
• Year abroad and additional costs: Significant fee reduction for the year abroad, and some degrees involve additional costs not covered by tuition fees.