BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey
BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) at University of Surrey. You'll engage with core theory, research methods, applied practice and specialist options, culminating in an independent project.
About this course
Our flexible French and Spanish degree will empower you to become fluent in both languages and study the core concepts of language. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Surrey. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Languages and area studies graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (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: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 90% (2021-23; 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.
Professional Training Year (PTY) 1 modules
- PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MODULECore
Module details
This module supports students' development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, docu
Year 1, Level 4 2 modules
- SKILLS FOR LANGUAGE SPECIALISTSCompulsory
Module details
This module, delivered in English to students following French, Spanish and German degree programmes, is taught during semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. The module gives a broad introduction to linguistics including history and development of language, 1st language acquisition and 2nd language learning, types of teaching and learning, learning strategies and motivation. Students apply knowledge gained to write a reflective portfolio analysing their past and present language learning and future languag
- ADVANCED LANGUAGE TUTORIALCompulsory
Module details
This module will allow students to develop their fluency and accuracy in both target languages, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
Year 1, Level 4, Semester 1 3 modules
- SPANISH FOR ACADEMIC STUDYCompulsory
Module details
This module is taught in Spanish in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. Student journey: this is a sem. 1, L4 module, which is compulsory for post A level students of Spanish. It aims to support students at the start of their transition to HE, both pastorally and academically, and to impart working habits and emerging skills which will be developed throughout their degree. The module is the first of four language-focused modules taken by Spanish students, including at L6.
- AB INITIO LANGUAGE I: FOUNDATIONSCompulsory
Module details
This is an intensive introduction to a modern foreign language, covering the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Students follow a coursebook covering a wide range of everyday topics, such as home life, education, hobbies, food, culture, and tourism. Tutors guide students through the course material, employing interactive tasks encompassing all four skills, pair, and group work, and providing extensive supplementary activities for independent study. The module is de
- FRENCH FOR ACADEMIC STUDYCompulsory
Module details
This module is taught in French in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. Student journey: this is a semester 1, L4 module, which is compulsory for post A level students of French. It aims to support students at the start of their transition to HE, both pastorally and academically, and to impart working habits and emerging skills which will be developed throughout their degree. The module is the first of four language-focused modules taken by French students, including at L6.
Year 1, Level 4, Semester 2 5 modules
- SPAIN: INTRODUCTION TO ITS HISTORY, CULTURE AND SOCIETYCompulsory
Module details
This module complements the language modules in Level 4 by introducing students to the history, culture and society of Spain. It provides insight into the history, traditions and topical issues of the country where they may be spending time during PTY and will provide opportunities to develop linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.
- FRENCH FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORLDCompulsory
Module details
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on the use of French in professional contexts. This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 4.
- SPANISH FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORLDCompulsory
Module details
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on the use of Spanish in professional contexts. This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 4.
- AB INITIO LANGUAGE II: DEVELOPING SKILLSCompulsory
Module details
This module builds on the language skills acquired in semester 1 across all four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), and enables students to attain a level of advanced competency roughly equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. A course book is used in class, and additional activities focus on developing language skills for the professional world, e.g. writing a CV and cover letter, and practising interviews. This enables students to start preparing for the PTY abroad and feeds into their L
- FRANCE AND THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLDCompulsory
Module details
This module complements the language modules in Level 4 by introducing students to the cultures and societies of countries where French is spoken. It provides insight into the history, traditions and topical issues of countries where they may be spending time during PTY and will provide opportunities to develop linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.
Year 2, Level 5, Semester 1 2 modules
- FRENCH FOR RESEARCH PROJECTSCompulsory
Module details
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on using French to carry out, present, and write up research projects on a theme connected to the French-speaking world. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 5.
- SPANISH FOR RESEARCH PROJECTSCompulsory
Module details
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on using Spanish to carry out, present, and write up research projects on a theme connected to the Spanish-speaking world. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 5.
Year 2, Level 5 4 modules
- INTRODUCTION TO TEFLOptional
Module details
This is a module for Level 5 students in the School of Literature and Languages. It is taught over one semester, with three contact hours per teaching week. The module considers a range of approaches to teaching English as a Foreign Language, approaches which can be applied to the teaching of other languages. It provides practice and assessment in lesson planning and in teaching through peer teaching tasks. The skills developed on the module such as speaking in front of groups and decision makin
- TRANSLATION FRENCH-ENGLISH IOptional
Module details
This is a practical introduction to translation from French to English. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts and terminology in translation and will learn through translating short texts from French to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from French to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using
- TRANSLATION SPANISH-ENGLISH IOptional
Module details
This is a practical introduction to translation from Spanish to English. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts and terminology in translation and will learn through translating short texts from Spanish to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from Spanish to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, usi
- IDEA LABOptional
Module details
Enterprise and entrepreneurial skills are highly valued by employers
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 will empower you to become fluent in both French and Spanish whilst studying the core concepts of language. A course like this typically begins with intensive grammar, speaking and writing, alongside foundations in how languages work: sounds, structure and meaning. You'll also study the history, film and literature of French and Spanish cultures. In year two, you'll move to advanced language production, debate, translation and interpreting, alongside deeper cultural study of periods, authors or media. Most four-year degrees include a year abroad for immersed study or work placement. Your final year develops near-native skills through advanced language study and research-led cultural options, culminating in a dissertation in or about your chosen language. Throughout, you'll usually have opportunities to specialise in areas such as translation, interpreting, linguistics or particular cultural studies combinations.
Who it's for
You're drawn to languages and want genuine fluency in both French and Spanish, not just classroom competence. You're intellectually curious about how language works, its structures, history and cultural contexts, and enjoy sustained, disciplined study. You'd benefit from a structured environment that combines practical language skills with analytical rigour. This programme suits those aiming towards careers where bilingual expertise opens doors: translation, international relations, education, or postgraduate research.
Careers & job market
Across Modern Languages courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 70% of those working in highly skilled roles or pursuing further qualifications. Starting salaries range from £24,000 to £33,500; after five years, graduates nationally earn between £32,725 and £46,200. Labour-market outcomes depend on your chosen specialism, location and employer sector, so outcomes will vary individually.
University & format
You'll study full-time over 4 years at the University of Surrey, a public university founded in 1966. Teaching and learning are recognised with a Silver award from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The course is taught in English and leads to a BA (Hons) degree, a nationally recognised UK qualification.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
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 | 100% |
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 RR14). 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 University of Surrey →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 | £30,000 | £25,000 – £31,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £33,000 | £26,000 – £41,500 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £40,000 | £31,000 – £55,000 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
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: 20; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) is worth about +£120,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 12.7. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 99.3% · in work or study 70% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Surrey
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 University of Surrey
1,620 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 University of Surrey from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,900 / 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 University of Surrey’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 University of Surrey and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Surrey
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

