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Modern Languages and Music

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Birmingham

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Enjoy plenty of opportunities for practical application in both languages and musicology/performance with this course.

Improve your musical craft, study music in its complex relations to culture and society, and take your language learning to the next level with your Year Abroad.

Why study this course?

  • Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method - study topics of cultural significance, designed and delivered by expert researchers.

  • Enjoy a diverse programme, with modules such as Film Music Techniques and History, Music and Emotion, and The Symphony: Prestige and Politics.

  • Benefit from additional one-to-one instrumental and/or vocal tuition in each year and refine your musical craft.

  • Take advantage of our top of the range music facilities and outstanding opportunities, including joining a symphonic orchestra or a gospel choir.

  • Learn in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse.

  • Join our language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills and contribute to the student-led Linguist Magazine.

Top 10 for Music in the Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 100 for Modern Languages in the QS World Subject Rankings 2025

Modules

First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the course page.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 28 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
R752
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

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:
R752
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
ABB

To include A level Music at grade A. You normally require an A Level grade B or above in the advanced language(s) you wish to study. If you do not have the relevant language A Level(s), please feel free to contact us to discuss your options.

Grade 6-8 ABRSM Theory or ABRSM grade 8 Performance is acceptable if you are not studying A Level Music, provided it is completed alongside three A levels. Equivalent Trinity or LCM Music theory qualifications are still considered.

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

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus AB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus AB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects, to include Music. You normally require Higher Level language(s) at 5 or above in the advanced language(s) you wish to study.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)

BA Modern Languages and Music Students can study up to two foreign languages alongside Music. At least one of these languages needs to be an advanced language (post A-Level).

To take a language from beginners level, evidence of language learning ability is required such as a grade A in a Modern Language at GCSE.

We are able to consider applications from candidates who do not meet the standard requirements for A Level Music, graded theory or performance exams on a case by case basis. Following your application you may be invited to an audition.

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.

The historic entry grades range shown below includes students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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

For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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