BA English and Modern Languages (QR30)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Our BA English and Modern Languages course allows you to combine the study of English Literature with a language and the cultures that relate to it. You'll get to choose between French, German, Italian, Portuguese (beginners only), Russian and Spanish.
Based in both the Department of English and the School of Modern Languages, the two sides of this degree perfectly complement each other.
In our increasingly globalised world, multilingualism and intercultural understanding have never been more critical. Reading literature enables us to:
- question our world
- discover new ideas and ways of being
- evaluate historical and social processes
- think through the complexities of our own times.
All languages can be studied from beginner's level or post A-level, or equivalent, except Portuguese, which is offered from beginner's level only. You'll get to choose your language after you accept an offer.
Over the course of your degree, you'll explore a rich variety of texts in their social, political and historical contexts. You'll develop excellent critical and communication skills, both in English and in your chosen language. There are world-leading literary studies specialists in both departments, while the School of Modern Languages also has expertise in such diverse fields as history, visual culture, film studies, linguistics and cultural studies.
Through your study at Bristol, and the experience you'll gain on your year abroad, you'll build invaluable interpersonal and intercultural skills. These will support your personal and professional development, and open up a world of international career opportunities, whichever sector you go on to work in.
Course structure
Our BA English and Modern Languages degree lasts four years. Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in Bristol. Year 3 is spent working or studying abroad.
Years 1, 2 and 4
You'll take a combination of units from the School of Modern Languages and the Department of English.On the English side of your course, you'll study a broad range of literature, written in English, from the medieval period to the present day. This will include the close, analytical study of poetry, fiction and drama, as well as critical and theoretical approaches to studying literature. By choosing from a diverse range of options, including interdisciplinary and creative writing units, you can shape your degree to align with your own interests.
On the modern languages side, you'll take a structured language course each year in your chosen language of study. This covers reading, writing, listening, grammar and speaking. Alongside this, you'll take core and optional units relating to the cultures in which your language is spoken. Options include literature, as well as topics such as history, film, politics, linguistics and visual art. This enables you either to tailor the language side of your degree further towards literature, or to explore other disciplines and ways of thinking. In year two, you may also have the option to begin a new, non-degree language, such as Arabic, Catalan, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin.
Year 3
You'll work or study abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken. There, you'll refine your language skills and cultural knowledge, and gain valuable work experience. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.Year 4
Finally, you'll complete a dissertation that brings together the skills and expertise you've developed on both sides of your degree, through a topic entirely of your own devising.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 English and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.