Program Overview

Modern Languages (French and Spanish) BA (Hons)

The University of Surrey's Modern Languages (French and Spanish) BA (Hons) course is designed to empower students to become fluent in both French and Spanish, understanding the core concepts of language and preparing them for a rewarding career in translation, interpreting, and other communication disciplines.

Course Details

• Course Options: BA (Hons) with placement
• Typical Offer: BBB at A-level, with required subjects being French and Spanish. Alternative offers include ABC with grades AB in required subjects.
• Start Date: September 2026
• Full Time: 4 years
• UK Fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas Fees: ｣22,900
• Subject Area: Languages, communication, translation, and interpreting
• UCAS Code: RR14
• Campus: Stag Hill

Why Choose This Course?

• Immersive teaching in both languages to develop fluency quickly
• Industry-ready with award-winning Professional Training placements and study abroad opportunities
• Practical module choices, including Languages for the Professional World and Introduction to TEFL
• Development of 'future-proof' skills highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, communications, and intercultural awareness
• Opportunity to take a language as a beginner if not taken at A-level or equivalent
• Renowned for excellent pastoral care with small class sizes and an individualized approach

Course Structure

The academic year is divided into two semesters, each consisting of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning, and assessment. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps. The University operates a credit framework for all taught programs based on a 15-credit tariff.

Year 1 - BA (Hons) with Placement

• Semester 1:
  • Compulsory modules include Skills for Language Specialists, Spanish for Academic Study, Ab Initio Language I: Foundations, French for Academic Study, and Advanced Language Tutorial.
• Semester 2:
  • Compulsory modules include Spain: Introduction to its History, Culture, and Society, French for the Professional World, Spanish for the Professional World, Ab Initio Language II: Developing Skills, and France and the French-Speaking World.

Year 2 - BA (Hons) with Placement

• Semester 1:
  • Compulsory modules include French for Research Projects and Spanish for Research Projects.
  • Optional modules include Introduction to TEFL, Translation French-English I, and Translation Spanish-English I.
• Semester 2:
  • Compulsory modules include France since 1945: Politics, the Economy, and Society, and Spanish America: An Introduction to its History, Culture, and Society.
  • Optional modules include Introduction to Sociolinguistics, Teaching Languages and Literature, Translation English-French I, and Translation English-Spanish I.

Year 3 - BA (Hons) with Placement

• Semester 1:
  • Compulsory modules include Advanced French Language Skills and Advanced Spanish Language Skills.
  • Optional modules include Translation of Specialised and Creative Texts, Short Dissertation (Compulsory), Translation English-French II, and Translation English-Spanish II.
• Semester 2:
  • Optional modules include Spanish Sociolinguistics, Short Dissertation (Compulsory), The Arts in the French-Speaking World, Translation French-English II, and Translation Spanish-English II.

Teaching and Learning

The course supports students in becoming independent language learners and confident communicators, with an emphasis on the teaching of study skills. Teaching styles are innovative and highly engaging in both lectures and seminars, mostly conducted in small groups and in the target language.

Assessment

Modules are assessed individually, with credits awarded for successful completion. Assessment methods include a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations, and reports.

Career Opportunities

Graduates do exceptionally well in the employment market due to their academic excellence and experience abroad. The proficiency in languages, combined with an understanding of intercultural processes and socio-political contexts, gives them a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive international employment market.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: Overall BBB, with required subjects being French and Spanish.
• BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma: Overall DDM.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Overall 32, with HL5/SL6 in French and Spanish.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.

Fees and Funding

• UK Fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas Fees: ｣22,900
• Professional Training Placement Year Fees: Approximately 20% of the full-time UK fees of the academic year.

Placements and Study Abroad

The Professional Training placement is an integral part of the course, offering the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. Placement providers include 1Global Translators, British Council, EDF France, Havas Group, Macmillan Iberia, Office du Tourisme, Paris, RTE International, and Volkswagen.