BA (Hons) Modern Languages with Translation Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BA (Hons) Modern Languages with Translation at OBU. Over three years, you'll progress from beginner to fluent proficiency whilst building practical translation skills.
About this course
Our Modern Languages with Translation degree at Oxford Brookes is designed for all language learners. You can join with no previous language study, choosing from French, Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese. We'll support you to go from beginner to fluent during your course. And you'll gain key skills for working and From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Modern Languages with Translation is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at OBU, based in Oxford Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Languages and area studies graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Modern Languages, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 83% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 10 modules
- Becoming a Modern LinguistCompulsory
Module details
Find your footing as a linguist and cultural scholar, building on your first year to develop a deeper understanding of your subject and your own potential. Through hands-on projects, collaborative challenges and structured reflection, you'll explore what it means to engage with language, culture and the wider world. You'll develop research skills - learning to find, evaluate and use academic sources with confidence and integrity. You'll build analytical and intercultural communication skills, co
- Language StudyCompulsory
Module details
You can choose to study one or more languages, from Beginners (French, Spanish, or Japanese) and/or Intermediate (French or Spanish).
- Culture, Identity and SocietyCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll gain core analytical skills for your degree as you explore the intercultural differences between societies and expressions of identity. You'll also enhance your communication skills, which are essential for any future career.
- Understanding Languages and TranslationCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll get to understand language and how to study it. You'll look at language as a system, and how we use it in different instances of communication. You'll understand language and its associated terms and definitions. You'll gain core linguistic skills as you explore linguistic analysis in: sound (phonetics and phonology) language as meaning (semantics) language as structure (syntax). You'll gain a strong grounding in these concepts by studying instances of written and spoken l
- From Empires to States: the Origins of International RelationsOptional
Module details
In this module, you'll dive into International Relations, and its key theories. You'll explore how International Relations emerges from specific cultural and historic concerns. You'll gain core analytical skills, as you interpret historical events and use them to explore pressing debates on International Relations. You'll learn how International Relations has been shaped as a Western discipline, and how to challenge this by learning about aspects of international relations that have been erased
- Customs, Icons and SymbolsOptional
Module details
Explore the study and understanding of Culture and Society by looking at relevant Customs, Icons and Symbols with a particular emphasis on communicative practice of reading and written language in contexts.
- Introduction to East Asian CulturesOptional
Module details
In this module, you'll use anthropological perspectives to make an in-depth investigation of contemporary life in Japan. You'll cover factors and topics that affect Japanese everyday life such as: child rearing education and early socialization households, marriage and kinship work and employment gender and sexuality religion and ritual immigration and diversity Japanese popular culture and the globalization of Japanese culture. This will give you a good base of knowledge for taking more advance
- Sustainable and Ethical MarketingOptional
Module details
You are the marketers of tomorrow, so it is key you understand and are able to respond to the ethical and environmental sustainability challenges that will be faced. As such, your learning is tied to the Business School's commitment to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management. You will discuss the meaning of ethical marketing and key environmental issues, such as: global warming pollution biodiversity loss freshwater depletion. You'll examine the role of marketing in causing, as
- Placement 1: Understanding EducationOptional
Module details
This is your chance to work in the community and learn about education in real-life situations. The goal is to give you a wide range of experiences and show you that education also happens away from the school environment. You'll also discuss important things like: keeping people safe being fair and inclusive and doing the right thing. You'll have the choice to pick a place locally that interests you, and we'll help you arrange your experience there.
- Politics in Comparative PerspectiveOptional
Module details
In this module, you'll investigate politics, and the struggle for power, across the nations. You'll have a clear introduction to how and why political systems differ in our world today. You'll examine case studies from a wide range of states, and gain a strong insight into how different regimes function – from the democratic to the totalitarian.
Year 2 3 modules
- Oxford Stories: Professional Development in PracticeCompulsory
Module details
The world's most pressing challenges don't fit neatly into one subject or discipline. This module puts you at the heart of tackling them. Working alongside academics, fellow students and external partners, you'll contribute to real, cross-disciplinary projects addressing complex, real-world problems. The experience is designed to stretch you, building confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of your subject in the context of today's world and tomorrow's workplace. This is also a space f
- Translation as Intercultural CommunicationCompulsory
Module details
You will engage with key models and concepts that form the field of intercultural communication. This will help you as a basis for the analysis of practical examples taken from a variety of texts. Which will be in your main languages of study, including audio-visual support. You will learn to detect intercultural components in the source text. Translating the text in respect of the target cultural and linguistic conventions. Building your linguistic and intercultural skills Working with differen
- Cultural Competence for the World of WorkCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an introduction to organisations, their structure and culture, and the behaviour of individuals and groups within them. This module incorporates elements which will enable you to understand your personal tendencies and will significantly contribute to your
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree is designed for all language learners, you can begin with no previous study, choosing from French, Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese, and progress to fluency during your course. You'll usually start with intensive grammar, speaking and writing foundations, alongside the history, film and literature of the language's cultures, and how languages work at the level of sounds, structure and meaning. In your second year, you'll advance to fluent production through debate and translation, pursue deeper cultural study, and develop professional translation and interpreting skills. A final year typically involves advanced language work and specialist cultural options such as further translation, interpreting, cultural studies or linguistics, culminating in a dissertation. Many courses of this type also incorporate a year abroad for immersed study or work placement.
Who it's for
You're drawn to language, culture and translation. You want genuine fluency and the ability to work across languages professionally. You may have studied languages at school, or you might be starting fresh, this course is built for both. You're curious about how languages work, prepared for sustained study, and interested in careers where linguistic precision and cultural understanding open doors. You're comfortable with close analytical work and enjoy the gradual mastery that language learning demands.
Careers & job market
Across Modern Languages courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 70% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Graduate earnings (national figures for Modern Languages) start at £24,000–£33,500, rising to £25,500–£36,000 after three years and £32,725–£46,200 after five years. Translation, diplomacy, public services, cultural organisations and multinational business all value this qualification.
University & format
Oxford Brookes University is a public university founded in 1865 and located on its Oxford Campus. This BA (Hons) Modern Languages with Translation is taught full-time over 3 years in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its degrees are nationally recognised. The course received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code Q150). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at OBU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Modern Languages graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £29,500 | £25,500 – £30,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £18,000 – £30,000 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £27,000 | £21,000 – £33,000 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in modern languages · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Modern Languages nationally
National figures for Modern Languages graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Modern Languages courses at the same study level.
Compared with 931 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Modern Languages graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Modern Languages graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Translation agencies
- International businesses
- Government (FCDO)
- Tourism & education
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Modern Languages graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 85.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 83%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Oxford Brookes University
Language and area studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Oxford Campus
900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Modern Languages right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to OBU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,250 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check OBU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with OBU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at OBU
Common questions
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