BA History and Modern Languages (VR10)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
This course combines the broad historical knowledge and well-developed research skills gained in a History degree with the in-depth cultural awareness and advanced linguistic skills that come from studying a language and the cultures in which it is spoken.
You can choose to study French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. All languages can be studied from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent), apart from Portuguese, which is offered from beginners' level only.
You will join two large departments with researchers in a great diversity of fields and will be encouraged to develop expertise and research skills relevant to both disciplines while also considering the relationships between them. Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff incorporate new research into their classes.
Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills that will make you attractive to future employers in the globalised workplace and in the sector of your choice.
All modern language students have access to our Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Teaching happens through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Course structure
On the History side of your degree, you will take a range of units from our expansive programme that draws on expertise spanning all seven continents and over 1500 years of history. Building on a foundation of ‘core’ units that provide training in source analysis, historical research and historiography, in every year of the programme you will choose from a wide range of specialist optional units.
On the language side of your degree, you will do core language units each year in your chosen language of study (reading, writing, listening, grammar and speaking). Alongside these, you will take a range of core and optional units relating to the culture/cultures in which your language is spoken. These will focus on topics such as literature, history, film, politics, linguistics or visual art.
Your third year will be spent abroad, where you will have the opportunity to explore historical issues in the distinct cultural and social context of a country in which your language is widely spoken. Those who choose to study at a university will be advised to select history-based options and those who opt for work placements will be encouraged to seek placements in the heritage sector. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
On your return to Bristol for the final year, you will have the chance to explore the intersections between History and your chosen linguistic context independently through a historically minded dissertation, for which you will be required to use some sources written in the target language. The combined knowledge of history, language and culture will mean you are uniquely placed to foster and lead intercultural communication across national boundaries.
Check back soon to view the programme catalogue containing further details on the course structure and modules.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
More about Access to HE entry requirements
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for History and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.