BA History and Modern Languages

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA History and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter combines the study of history with the opportunity to develop strong language skills and a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. This course is ideal for students who enjoy exploring the past, understanding global perspectives, and building communication skills in another language while preparing for careers in an increasingly international world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in historical study while beginning or improving their chosen modern language. Modules such as Becoming a Historian: Core, Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History, and Understanding Modern History introduce students to historical research methods, while language modules help students build confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding another language.

Year 2:
In the second year, students expand their historical knowledge while progressing to more advanced language study. History modules such as Uses of the Past, Doing History in the Digital Age, Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe, and Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures allow students to explore important historical themes, while advanced language modules develop their written and spoken communication skills.

Year 3:
In the final year, students specialise further through advanced language study and independent historical research. Modules such as Advanced French Language Skills, Advanced German Language Skills, Advanced Spanish Language Skills, and the History Dissertation allow students to strengthen their language abilities, investigate specialist historical topics, and complete an independent research project.

Optional International Placement Year:
Students can choose a four-year pathway that includes an international placement year, giving them the opportunity to study abroad at a partner university, complete an overseas internship, or combine work experience with further language development. This experience helps students improve their fluency, gain international confidence, and develop skills that are valuable in global careers.

Focus Areas

Historical research methods, modern languages, cultural studies, European and global history, digital approaches to history, international perspectives, translation and communication skills, independent research, and intercultural understanding.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse historical sources, understand different cultural viewpoints, communicate effectively in another language, and conduct independent research. The course also strengthens transferable skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication, which are valued by employers in many sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA History and Modern Languages provides students with a combination of historical knowledge, language expertise, and international awareness that supports a wide range of career opportunities. The skills developed through the programme are relevant for careers in international organisations, education, government, translation, media, business, cultural organisations, and further academic research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter has a strong reputation as a leading UK university with excellent academic standards and global connections. Graduates from History and Modern Languages benefit from a unique combination of analytical skills and language abilities, helping them progress into international careers across business, diplomacy, education, publishing, journalism, heritage, and public service.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students studying BA History and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter develop practical skills by combining historical research with real-world language learning. The course encourages students to strengthen their communication skills through interactive language classes, independent research, cultural engagement, and international experiences. Students also benefit from access to specialist language-learning facilities, historical collections, digital resources, and research-led teaching that enriches their academic experience.

Throughout the programme, students build confidence through small-group language sessions, presentations, collaborative discussions, and independent projects. The opportunity to study or work abroad allows students to apply their language skills in authentic settings while gaining valuable international experience and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

International Placement Year: Students can spend a year abroad by studying at a partner university, completing an overseas internship, or combining work and study abroad. This experience helps improve language fluency, cultural awareness, and professional confidence.
Language Centre: Students have access to the University of Exeter's Language Centre, which provides specialist resources, learning support, and facilities to help develop language proficiency and intercultural communication skills.
Small-Group Language Classes: Weekly written and spoken language classes, including conversation practice with native speakers, help students build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking their chosen language.
University Library and Historical Collections: Students use extensive library resources, archives, and historical collections to support coursework, independent research, and dissertation projects.
Digital Humanities Lab: Students can explore digital approaches to historical and cultural research through facilities that support digitisation, digital preservation, multimedia projects, and digital exhibitions.
Language Societies and Cultural Activities: Students have opportunities to join language societies, participate in tandem language partnerships, and attend events such as the Languages in a Global World Festival, allowing them to practise their language skills outside the classroom.
Independent Research and Dissertation: In the final year, students complete an independent research project that develops advanced skills in historical analysis, critical thinking, and academic research.
Seminars and Collaborative Learning: Interactive seminars, presentations, and group discussions encourage students to work with classmates, exchange ideas, and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA History and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter prepares students for a wide range of careers by combining historical knowledge with advanced language skills, cultural awareness, and strong analytical abilities. Graduates leave with valuable research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in both national and international workplaces, leading to careers such as Historian, Translator, Archivist, Civil Servant, Parliamentary Researcher, Journalist, International Marketing Executive, and Business Analyst.

The combination of language proficiency and historical understanding gives graduates a competitive advantage in an increasingly global job market. Alongside academic learning, students benefit from Exeter's dedicated career support and international opportunities that help them build confidence, gain professional experience, and prepare for successful careers.

Key progression and career opportunities include:

Dedicated Careers Service: Students have access to specialist careers advisers, one-to-one career guidance, employer events, networking opportunities, mentoring, CV and interview support, and careers workshops. They can also complete the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award to develop and showcase their employability skills.
International Placement opportunities: Students on the four-year pathway spend a year abroad through study, work, or a combined study and internship experience. This helps improve language fluency, develop intercultural skills, and gain valuable international work experience.
Graduate career destinations: Graduates progress into careers across international business, government, education, journalism, publishing, heritage, marketing, finance, recruitment, charities, and cultural organisations. Common roles include Translator, Historian, Archivist, Civil Servant, Business Analyst, Digital Marketing Executive, Parliamentary Researcher, and Global Market Researcher.
Employer engagement: The University of Exeter connects students with employers through careers fairs, networking events, guest speakers, and professional development activities, helping students explore career options and build valuable industry connections.
Graduate outcomes: The programme develops a combination of historical expertise, language proficiency, research skills, cultural understanding, and effective communication, enabling graduates to pursue opportunities across a wide range of industries or continue into postgraduate study.
Long-term value of the degree: The ability to communicate across cultures, analyse complex information, conduct research, and solve problems gives graduates adaptable skills that remain valuable throughout their careers and support progression into specialist and leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA History and Modern Languages, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes to specialise further or prepare for professional careers. Graduates may progress to courses such as MA History, MA English Literary Studies, MA Conflict, Security and Development, MSc International Management, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or PGCE teacher training, opening pathways into research, education, law, international relations, management, and other specialist fields.