BA Modern Languages

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Modern Languages at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to develop strong language skills while exploring the cultures, histories, societies, and ideas that shape different parts of the world. This course is ideal for students who enjoy languages and global perspectives, offering the flexibility to study one, two, or three languages while building communication, cultural awareness, and analytical skills for a wide range of international careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in their chosen languages while gaining an understanding of the cultural and social contexts behind them. Students can study languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese through language modules designed to improve written and spoken communication, while optional modules allow students to explore areas such as literature, history, culture, and society.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on improving language fluency and developing a deeper understanding of the communities and cultures connected to the languages studied. Students continue with advanced language modules such as French Language, Written and Oral, Intermediate German, Italian Language, Intermediate Chinese, Intermediate Portuguese, Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I, and Spanish Language, Written and Oral, while choosing additional topics that expand their knowledge of global cultures and ideas.

Year 3: International Placement Year
Students have the opportunity to spend a year abroad through options including studying at a partner university, completing a work placement, combining work and study, or taking part in a language assistant placement. This international experience helps students immerse themselves in another culture, strengthen their language abilities, and develop independence, confidence, and professional skills.

Final Year:
In the final year, students further enhance their language expertise through advanced modules such as Advanced French Language Skills, Advanced German Language Skills, Advanced Italian Language Skills, Advanced Chinese Language Skills, Advanced Portuguese Language Skills, Advanced Russian Language Skills, and Advanced Spanish Language Skills. Students can also choose specialist modules related to literature, culture, history, and society, allowing them to personalise their studies according to their interests and career ambitions.

Focus Areas

Modern languages, translation and communication, linguistics, cultural studies, literature, international relations, global societies, language acquisition, intercultural communication, regional studies, international experience, and professional language skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced written and spoken language abilities along with a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. The programme also builds critical thinking, research skills, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and intercultural communication skills, preparing graduates to work effectively in international environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA Modern Languages prepares students for careers where strong communication and cultural understanding are highly valued, including translation, diplomacy, education, international business, tourism, media, and global organisations. By combining language expertise with transferable skills, the course provides graduates with the confidence and adaptability needed for a variety of professional pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter provides a research-led learning environment where students benefit from expertise in modern languages, cultures, and international studies. The programme’s focus on language development, international experience, and global awareness helps graduates develop the skills employers value in an increasingly connected world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Modern Languages at the University of Exeter provides students with practical opportunities to develop language fluency, intercultural communication skills, and confidence in international settings. Students gain hands-on experience through language practice, cultural activities, independent research, and international opportunities such as studying or working abroad. The course is supported by specialist facilities, including the Language Centre, which provides resources and tools to help students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The combination of classroom learning and real-world language experiences helps students apply their skills beyond the university environment:

Language Centre facilities: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Language Centre, which provides specialist language-learning resources, computers, audio materials, and multimedia tools to support independent and classroom-based language practice.
Digital language-learning tools: Students use digital resources, audio materials, and multimedia learning packages to improve pronunciation, listening skills, vocabulary, and communication abilities in their chosen languages.
Interactive language classes: Students take part in practical language sessions focused on developing written and spoken communication skills through discussions, presentations, and activities that build confidence in real-life language use.
International Placement Year: Students can spend a year abroad through opportunities such as studying at a partner university, completing a work placement, or combining an internship with study abroad. This experience allows students to immerse themselves in another culture, improve their language skills, and gain valuable international experience.
Cultural and language immersion: Living and studying in another country helps students use their language skills in everyday situations while developing independence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies.
Collaborative learning and group activities: Through seminars, discussions, and group tasks, students work with classmates to explore cultural topics, share ideas, and develop communication and teamwork skills.
Research and academic projects: Students complete essays, presentations, and research-based assignments that allow them to explore areas such as language, literature, history, and culture while strengthening analytical and research abilities.
Language societies and cultural activities: Students can take part in language-related societies and cultural activities, providing additional opportunities to practise languages, engage with different cultures, and connect with other students.
University Library and academic resources: Students have access to Exeter’s library collections, online databases, and specialist academic resources to support language studies, cultural research, and independent projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Modern Languages at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for a wide range of international career opportunities by developing advanced language skills, cultural understanding, communication abilities, and analytical thinking. The combination of language expertise and transferable skills enables graduates to pursue careers such as Language Specialist, Translator, International Relations Officer, Marketing Executive, Business Analyst, Teacher, Journalist, and Consultant across global industries and multicultural organisations.

The programme’s focus on language development, international experience, and cultural awareness helps students build the confidence and adaptability needed in today’s global workplace. Exeter supports students in preparing for their future careers through dedicated employability services, professional development opportunities, and career-focused activities:

Dedicated Careers Service: Students have access to Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides personalised career guidance, employability workshops, employer events, mentoring opportunities, and support with applications and career planning. Students can also take part in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which recognise their engagement in skills development, volunteering, and professional activities.
Graduate career destinations: Graduates from Modern Languages programmes at Exeter have progressed into sectors such as banking and finance, business, consulting, marketing, publishing, journalism, politics, government, education, and international organisations. Previous graduate roles include Analyst, Audit Associate, Corporate Banking Analyst, Foreign News Researcher, Consulting Analyst, and Graduate Trainee positions.
International career opportunities: The ability to communicate confidently across languages and cultures gives graduates an advantage in global careers. These skills are particularly valuable in areas involving international communication, negotiation, cultural understanding, and collaboration with people from different backgrounds.
University employability support: Students benefit from career workshops, employer engagement activities, mentoring, and skills development programmes designed to help them identify career pathways, strengthen their professional abilities, and prepare for graduate employment.
Employment outcomes and transferable skills: The degree develops valuable skills including critical thinking, research, problem-solving, communication, organisation, adaptability, and the ability to analyse and present information effectively. These skills allow graduates to succeed in a wide variety of industries, including those beyond language-specific careers.
Long-term value of the degree: Advanced language abilities combined with international experience and cultural knowledge provide graduates with a strong foundation for long-term career growth. These skills are increasingly valued in international business, diplomacy, education, media, tourism, and global organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA Modern Languages, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes related to translation, international relations, diplomacy, linguistics, cultural studies, education, business, and regional studies. Further study options may include Master’s degrees in areas such as Diplomacy and International Relations, Media and Communication, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Policy, Translation, or Education, allowing graduates to specialise further and prepare for advanced career opportunities.