BA English and Modern Languages

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA English and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter combines the study of English literature with the exploration of a modern language and its cultural background, helping students understand how language, literature, and societies influence one another. This programme is ideal for students who enjoy literature, languages, and global cultures, while developing strong communication, analytical, research, and intercultural skills for careers in international organisations, creative industries, education, media, and business.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the foundations of English literature and modern language study, helping you build confidence in literary analysis, language communication, and cultural understanding. You will study English modules such as Beginnings: English Literature before 1800, The Poem, and Academic English, alongside language modules such as French Language, Written and Oral, Intermediate French, German Language, Written and Oral, or Spanish Language, Written and Oral, depending on your chosen language pathway. Optional modules including Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry, The Novel, and Rethinking Shakespeare allow you to explore different approaches to storytelling, creativity, and literary interpretation.

Year 2

In your second year, you will develop deeper knowledge of English literature while continuing to improve your modern language skills and cultural understanding. Modules such as Desire and Power: English Literature 1570-1640, Theatrical Cultures in Early Modern England, Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900-1960, Romanticism, Adaptations: Text, Image, Culture, Creative Writing: Building a Story, and Creative Writing: Making a Poem allow you to explore literary movements, creative expression, and the relationship between texts and society while progressing in your chosen language.

Year 3 (Study Abroad, Work Abroad or Internship Abroad)

A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity to spend a year abroad, where you can study at a partner university, complete work experience, or undertake an internship abroad. This international experience allows you to immerse yourself in another culture, improve your language fluency, develop independence, and gain valuable personal and professional skills that are highly valued by employers.

Final Year

In your final year, you will undertake advanced study in English literature and your chosen modern language while developing independent research skills. You will complete a dissertation and choose specialist modules that allow you to explore literature, culture, language, and society in greater depth, preparing you for postgraduate study or a wide range of professional opportunities.

Focus areas

English literature, modern languages, translation, intercultural communication, literary criticism, language development, cultural studies, creative writing, global perspectives, international study, communication skills, research skills.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced language abilities, cultural awareness, and the ability to analyse literature and societies from different perspectives. You will gain strong research, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while learning how to work effectively across cultures and apply your knowledge in international and professional environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA English and Modern Languages develops valuable skills in communication, cultural awareness, research, adaptability, teamwork, and critical analysis that are highly valued by employers. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, the combination of language expertise and humanities knowledge provides excellent preparation for careers in translation, international business, education, publishing, diplomacy, media, and global organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students’ career development by helping them build communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional skills throughout their studies. The programme’s international opportunities, including study abroad, work placements, and language immersion experiences, help graduates develop the global awareness and adaptability valued by employers in today’s international job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA English and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter provides students with opportunities to develop practical language skills, cultural awareness, research abilities, and professional experience through a combination of classroom learning, international experiences, and specialist humanities resources. Students gain hands-on experience by exploring literature, languages, translation, and cultural topics while applying their knowledge through real-world activities such as studying or working abroad. The programme also gives students access to specialist facilities that support language learning, digital research, and the exploration of literary and cultural materials.

Students develop practical skills and gain experience through a range of specialist facilities, international opportunities, and learning resources:

Take part in a Study Abroad, Work Abroad, or Internship Abroad year, where students can study at a partner university, complete workplace experience, or undertake an internship abroad while improving language skills and gaining valuable international experience.
Develop language abilities through the University of Exeter’s Language Centre, which provides language-learning support, independent study resources, computers, audio materials, and facilities to help students practise and improve their communication skills.
Study a range of modern languages including Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, with opportunities available for both beginners and students with previous language experience.
Participate in language-related activities such as language societies, tandem partnerships, cultural events, and translation activities that help students practise communication skills beyond the classroom.
Access the University of Exeter’s Special Collections, which include rare books, manuscripts, letters, and literary archives, allowing students to work with original materials connected to literature and cultural history.
Explore the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, which provides resources for studying film, popular culture, visual storytelling, and connections between literature and media.
Use the Digital Humanities Lab, a specialist research facility supporting digital approaches to literature, culture, and heritage. The facility includes interactive digital spaces, photography equipment for digitising materials, audio-visual recording and editing facilities, and a MakerSpace with 3D scanning and printing technology.
Develop research skills through coursework, presentations, independent projects, and dissertation work that allow students to explore topics related to language, literature, translation, and culture.
Build professional communication skills through activities that strengthen writing, speaking, teamwork, cultural awareness, and adaptability for international environments.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong literary and cultural environment, including its recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature, providing opportunities to engage with literary events, creative activities, and cultural experiences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA English and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a valuable combination of language expertise, cultural awareness, communication skills, and analytical abilities that are highly valued in today’s global job market. Through language study, international experiences, and opportunities to apply their knowledge in professional settings, students develop the confidence and adaptability needed for careers such as Translator, International Relations Officer, Marketing and Communications Officer, Civil Servant, Journalist, Teacher, Consultant, and Business Professional.

The programme supports your career development by helping you build professional skills, gain international experience, and connect your degree with a wide range of employment opportunities:

Access Exeter’s dedicated Careers Service, which provides career guidance, one-to-one support, employability workshops, employer events, mentoring opportunities, and resources to help students prepare for graduate careers.
Participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help students develop workplace skills through activities such as skills workshops, volunteering, leadership development, and career-focused experiences.
Develop highly valued skills in communication, research, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, cultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to analyse and present information effectively.
Gain international professional experience through the programme’s Study Abroad, Work Abroad, or Internship Abroad year, where students can study at a partner university, complete work experience, or undertake an internship while improving their language skills and cultural understanding.
Explore career opportunities across sectors including education, translation, international business, government, diplomacy, media, publishing, law, charities, finance, consultancy, and cultural organisations.
Benefit from the strong employability value of a Modern Languages degree, as employers increasingly seek graduates who can communicate across cultures, understand global perspectives, and work effectively in international environments.
Build a strong professional profile through Exeter’s links with global opportunities, language networks, and international learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers in an interconnected world.
Gain long-term value from a degree that develops transferable skills in languages, communication, cultural understanding, and independent research, allowing graduates to adapt to a wide range of career pathways.
Benefit from the University of Exeter’s strong academic reputation in English and language-related subjects, supporting graduates with a respected qualification recognised by employers and postgraduate institutions.
Graduate with the skills and confidence to pursue specialist and broader career opportunities, combining language ability with analytical and communication expertise.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA English and Modern Languages, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that allow them to specialise in areas such as translation, literature, international relations, education, and cultural studies. Further study options may include MA Translation Studies, MA Global Literatures and Cultures, MA International Relations, MA European Studies, PGCE Teacher Training, and other advanced language and humanities programmes, helping graduates develop specialist knowledge for academic, research, teaching, and professional careers.