Modern Languages BA

Course overview

This four-year Modern Languages degree allows you to study two languages, as well as a variety of optional modules covering culture and society.

Whether you’re starting your language from beginners’ level, or with prior knowledge, you’ll reach a professional standard in your chosen languages through intensive learning practice and your residence abroad – see the section below on Study abroad and work placements for details of the different opportunities available to you.

You’ll complement your language studies by exploring cultures and societies around the world, choosing from a range of topics, including literature, cinema, popular culture, history and politics. In your first year you’ll have the option to study a third language or study a module that introduces concepts which are important to a wider understanding of languages, cultures and societies

You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your professional language skills, through modules on translation, interpreting or languages for business.

Your independent research project in your final year will be an opportunity to conduct and present your own research.

You’ll gain the language and professional skills to prepare you for an international career in many sectors.

Depending on your chosen language combination, you may also be able to study discovery modules to study subjects outside of your degree.

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.

The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. These include rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters, with materials across the range of languages that we teach, from medieval Latin to the Leeds Russian Archive. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practise with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

Our two Electronic Resource Information Centres (ERIC and ERIN) feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

We also have links with several institutions that support language-learning on campus, such as Instituto Cervantes (Spanish), Instituto Camoes (Portuguese) and Institut Ramon Llull (Catalan).

Course details

Whether you’re starting your language from beginners’ level, or with prior knowledge, you’ll reach a professional standard in your two chosen languages through intensive learning practice and residence abroad – where you’ll spend up to a year in one or more of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken. You’ll complement your language studies by exploring cultures and societies around the world, choosing from a range of topics, including literature, cinema, popular culture, history and politics.

In your first year you’ll have the option to study a third language or study a module that introduces concepts which are important to a wider understanding of languages, cultures and societies.

In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your professional language skills, through modules on translation, interpreting or languages for business. Your final year will involve working on a research project which could be a dissertation, translation or podcast. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of language and cultural modules to deepen your knowledge. The international outlook and knowledge you develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields when you graduate.

What languages can I study?

On the four-year BA Modern Languages degree, we offer the following languages at two entry levels, beginners or with prior experience (A-level or equivalent):

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

We also offer Arabic and Thai from beginners level (please contact us before applying if you have prior experience).

Language combinations

Not all language combinations are possible because of residence abroad requirements. For example, at present it is not possible for students to study French, German or Spanish at beginners level with post A-level Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian.

Please refer to this table to check that the language combination or pathway you wish to study is currently possible before submitting your application.

If you have any questions about your combination, please contact our Admissions team.

You’ll need to tell us your language combination in the ‘Further Details’ section of your UCAS application.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

View information for typical modules/components studied on this degree.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a wide range of assessments including essays, exams, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews, reflective logs and group-written anthologies. We offer support in these areas as well. For example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques which you can attend throughout your time at Leeds. Assessments are designed to deliver the transferable skills needed for the world of work; task-based activities are designed to evidence critical thinking, demonstrate initiative, and show knowledge of a range of relevant subjects and sources.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Where a post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in the relevant language is required.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Extended project and access to Leeds offer: BCC at A Level and A in a relevant EPQ and pass Access to Leeds

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £22,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

You need to tell us your language combination when you apply. Input your chosen language in the Further Details section on your UCAS application.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: lcsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

You’ll gain the language and professional skills to prepare you for an international career in a wide range of sectors. This Modern Languages degree allows you to gain proficiency in two major world languages. As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, your languages degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines which are attractive to employers such as:

• Good research skills and the ability to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions.

• Communication skills, enabling you to defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing.

• Strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently or in a team.

• A deep understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

Leeds graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a range of sectors including education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

Careers support

Leeds is the 5th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2022). At Leeds, we are fully committed to developing your employability and career prospects. You’ll have a wealth of opportunities to develop your skills and make the most out of your time at Leeds and during the time you’ll spend abroad.

Experience of living abroad, combined with detailed study of languages and cultures, is valuable preparation for employment in a multicultural, multinational environment.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

In most cases you'll spend up to a year in a country where one of your chosen languages is spoken. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their degree. Normally, if you are studying one of your languages as a beginner, you’ll be spending your year abroad in a country where this language is spoken. If you are taking two languages as an advanced student, you’ll either spend your year in one country or divide it between two.

If your language combination includes Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian, you’ll spend your second year abroad studying an intensive language course.

For all other language combinations, you’ll spend your third year abroad and, depending on your host country, you may be able to complete a work placement, undertake a British Council school assistantship, or study at one or more of our partner universities. You may also be able to combine a work placement and a study placement, or supplement your main period of residence abroad with shorter periods, such as summer schools in the long vacation.

For students doing two European languages, there is also the opportunity to spend time in two different countries and to develop both of your languages. For details on the options available for each of your chosen languages please see the links below:

• Arabic Residence Abroad

• Chinese Residence Abroad

• French Residence Abroad

• German Residence Abroad

• Italian Residence Abroad

• Japanese Residence Abroad

• Spanish and Portuguese Residence Abroad

• Russian Residence Abroad

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.