BA (Hons) Modern Languages Bachelor's degree at the University of Exeter
BA (Hons) Modern Languages at University of Exeter. Studying Modern Languages at Exeter means preparing for a career and life that stretches well beyond the classroom, with the university's Career Zone highlighting how graduates from language-related disciplines move into varied…
About this course
Explore what Exeter graduates do | Career Zone | University of Exeter Section links Career Planning Reflect on yourself Explore your options Exploring Postgraduate Study Employment Sectors Explore what Exeter graduates do Anthropology Arab and Islamic Studies Archaeology Art History and Visual Culture Biosciences Class From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Modern Languages is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Exeter, based in Streatham Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Others in language and area studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 94% (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 30 modules
- French LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- French Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- German LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- German Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Italian LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- Italian Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Beginners ChineseCompulsory30 credits
- Portuguese Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Contemporary Russian Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Russian Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- The Making of Modern FranceOptional15 credits
- The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in FrenchOptional15 credits
- The French Language, Present and PastOptional15 credits
- An Introduction to French ThoughtOptional15 credits
- A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural MemoryOptional15 credits
- Turning Points in German History 1200 - 2000Optional15 credits
- An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of FeelingOptional15 credits
- Russia: Empire and IdentityOptional15 credits
- Chinese Art and the Art of LivingOptional15 credits
- Introduction to Asian PhilosophyOptional15 credits
- Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about ItalyOptional15 credits
- A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century ItalyOptional15 credits
- Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and ApproachesOptional15 credits
- Reading ComparativelyOptional15 credits
- Language, Communication and PowerOptional15 credits
- Introduction to FilmOptional15 credits
- Language, Culture, International RelationsOptional15 credits
- An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in ContextOptional15 credits
Year 2 18 modules
- French Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate FrenchCompulsory30 credits
- German Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate GermanCompulsory30 credits
- Italian Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate Chinese (One)Compulsory30 credits
- Intermediate PortugueseCompulsory30 credits
- Contemporary Russian Written and Oral ICompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate RussianCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language (ex-beginners)Compulsory30 credits
- Advanced French Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced German Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Italian Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Chinese Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Portuguese Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Russian Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Spanish Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
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
The course is organised so that you build language competence alongside academic and professional skills throughout the three years. You'll work through core theory that underpins the study of language, literature, culture and society, before moving into research and methods training that equips you to investigate topics independently and rigorously. Applied practice forms a consistent thread, giving you the chance to put language skills to use in realistic contexts rather than purely theoretical exercises. As you progress, you'll choose from specialist options such as literature, linguistics, history, film or cultural studies, allowing you to shape the degree around your own interests within modern languages. The independent project, usually undertaken in the final year, gives you the opportunity to research a subject of your choosing in depth, drawing together the language and analytical skills you've developed. Professional skills are woven throughout the course too, helping you translate academic study into transferable strengths such as communication, research and cross-cultural understanding, which are relevant whether you go on to further study or into employment.
Who it's for
This course suits people who are genuinely curious about languages, cultures and how societies communicate and understand one another, and who want to spend three years deepening that curiosity rather than simply reaching a fixed level of fluency. You should enjoy reading, discussing and questioning, modern languages at this level involves engaging with texts, ideas and debates, not just vocabulary and grammar. If you're someone who likes making connections between subjects, perhaps linking a language to history, politics or literature, you'll likely find the flexibility to explore specialist options appealing. It also suits people who are comfortable with independent study and who look forward to the challenge of a final-year project shaped by their own interests. Most students accepted onto this course arrive with A-levels or equivalent qualifications, and the typical UCAS tariff among recent entrants has been in the 128–143 points range, though this reflects what students have brought rather than a fixed requirement. Day-to-day, expect a mix of structured teaching and independent research, along with opportunities to develop confidence in using your chosen languages actively. If you enjoy sustained intellectual engagement and want a degree that rewards curiosity as much as diligence, this is likely to feel like a natural fit.
Careers & job market
Nationally, Modern Languages graduates report a range of outcomes worth understanding as context rather than guarantees. Across Modern Languages courses in the UK, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and of those in work, 70% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their education. Around 90% of students on these courses continue past their first year, whether by completing or remaining enrolled, which offers some indication of course engagement nationally. In terms of earnings, national data (Graduate Outcomes/LEO) shows starting salaries 15 months after graduation typically ranging between £24,000 and £33,500, rising to between £25,500 and £36,000 after three years, and between £32,725 and £46,200 after five years. These figures describe national patterns across graduates from similar courses, not outcomes specific to Exeter or guaranteed for any individual. They're worth reading as a general indication of the labour market for modern language graduates rather than a promise of what any particular career path will bring.
University & format
The University of Exeter is a public, Russell Group institution founded in 1955, and this course is based at the Streatham Campus. It runs full-time over three years, is taught in English, and leads to a BA (Hons) degree. Exeter holds a Gold rating in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality, and was. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, degrees from Exeter are nationally recognised, and its membership of the Russell Group reflects its status as a research-intensive university. The university also offers bursaries and scholarships, and prospective students are encouraged to check Exeter's funding pages for full details of what's available.
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.
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 | 91% |
| a Baccalaureate | 9% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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. 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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Exeter →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 | £32,000 | £27,500 – £35,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £24,000 – £35,000 | 165 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £29,000 – £46,500 | 160 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
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: 70; response rate: 55%. 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.
Head of Modern Languages, Inspire, Lead & Develop MFLSuffolk County Council11 To 18 (Secondary) QTS Programme - Modern Languages (French, Spanish or German)Diversity DashboardHead of Modern Languages - Inspire & Lead GCSE FrenchCoast and Vale Learning TrustHead Of Department of Modern LanguagesSheringham High SchoolHead of MFL: Lead & Grow our Modern Languages DepartmentWayman Learning TrustModern Foreign Languages Assistant (French) 18 hrs p/w (temporary position)The Cherwell SchoolIs 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 83.6% · in work or study 90% · continued 94%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Exeter
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 Streatham Campus
1,452 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 Exeter from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Exeter; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 Exeter’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 Exeter and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Exeter
Common questions
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