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Modern Languages (3 Languages: Chinese, French, German, Portuguese or Spanish)

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Course summary

About this course
Develop your fluency in three languages by choosing from Chinese, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish and broaden your understanding of societies and cultures where your chosen language is spoken. You'll become immersed in the language and familiar with how it is spoken, as well as develop the skills to interpret cultures and their beliefs and behaviours. Get to study a society or cultures where your chosen language is spoken.

A degree in languages equips graduates with a deep understanding of the intricacies of language, communication, and cultural contexts. This expertise is invaluable in our increasingly globalised world, where clear cross-cultural communication is paramount. Our graduates have went on careers as data analysts, marketing executives, translators, language teachers, lexicographers, language therapists as well as working in a variety of fields including publishing, law, diplomatic service, NGOs and many more.

Key features of the course

  • Join a department that is 10th for Lingustics, Complete University Guide 2026

  • Choose topics in areas that interest you most, including translation and interpreting, contemporary society, literature and film, anthropology, history

  • Spend a year of this 4 year dual language degree abroad on a workplace, teaching or university placement

  • Options to take related modules in other disciplines such as Philosophy and Film, allowing you to tailor your module choices to your own interests and career choices.

  • Access to our Digital Humanities Hub and support from our team of expert academics and technicians.

Student Support
You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.

Further information
The BA Modern Languages is a four-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. For details, visit our course page."

Modules

Over the four years of this Modern Languages course, you will combine advanced study in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and/or Chinese- from post-A-Level or from scratch - with related modules in cultural studies, history, literature and linguistics.

Year 1: Start your university language journey, while taking introductory modules in cultural studies, and applied and formal linguistics.
Year 2: Prepare your language skills for your residence abroad, and study film, literature and history in countries linked to your chosen language.
Year 3: Spend the academic year abroad (in one or two countries), immersing yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) by studying at a university, teaching in a school or working in industry
Year 4: Take your language skills to near-native levels in final year, while taking careers-specialised modules in translation, interpreting, digital communication, and language disorders.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through modules from outside your discipline, including from sociology, education and philosophy.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

Assessment method

The learning activities for this course include the following:

  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects
  • independent learning (studying on your own)

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
R903
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB

Typical Offer: BBB including one named language. If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC including one named language, and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: BBB including French, German or Chinese Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in one named language A level. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 24 credits M: 21 credits

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit, plus B in one named language A level. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in one named language A level. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in one named language A level, and one further A level Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in one named language A level. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in one named language A level. . Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in one named language A level, and one further A level. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

Pass, with 30 points overall with 115 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in one named language. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

BBB from 3 A levels including one named language or BB from two A levels including one named language and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including one named language. Candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M2, M2

M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including one named language subject. Strong candidates with an A level in one language but with no previous knowledge of the other two languages may still apply for this programme. Students on this route would study accelerated language classes from beginner’s level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard.

The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.AH@southampton.ac.uk

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 16 other others in language and area studies courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

91% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

45 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

70 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£24800Year 1
International£24800Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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