BA History and Modern Languages (VR10)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Our exciting joint honours BA History and Modern Languages course enables you to combine the study of history with a language and its related culture. You can choose from French, German, Italian, Portuguese (beginners only), Russian or Spanish.
Based in both the Department of History and the School of Modern Languages, the two sides of this degree are a perfect complement to each other. In our increasingly globalised world, multilingualism and intercultural understanding have never been more critical. Studying history enables you to question that world, discover new ideas and explore new ways of being. With this degree, you'll get to evaluate historical and social processes, and think through the complexities of our own times.
All languages can be studied from beginner's level or post A-level (or equivalent). Portuguese is the exception, which is offered from beginner's level only. You'll get to choose your language after you accept an offer.
As you progress, you'll explore a rich variety of historical source material. You'll develop excellent critical and communication skills, both in English and in your chosen language. You'll be taught by leading specialists in historical studies in both departments. The School of Modern Languages also has expertise in such diverse fields as literature, visual culture, film studies, linguistics and cultural studies.
Through your study at Bristol, and the experience you'll gain during your third year abroad, you'll build invaluable interpersonal and intercultural skills. These will support your personal and professional development, and open up a whole world of international career opportunities, whichever sector you decide to work in.
Course structure
Our BA History 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 study a combination of units from the Department of History and the School of Modern Languages.
The history side of your degree will blend the latest research on historical debates with new kinds of social, cultural, political, environmental and global histories, all of which Bristol academics are pioneering. Recent units have included:
- The Public Role of the Historian
- Socialism in the United States
- Understanding Italian Fascism
- Mental Health in Modern Britain
- Hong Kong and the World
- Histories of the Polar Regions
- The Wars of the Roses
- England in the 14th Century.
On the modern languages side, you'll take a structured language course each year in your chosen language of study, involving 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 history, but also topics such as literature, film, politics, linguistics and visual art, allowing you either to tailor the language side of your degree further towards history, 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 spend this year working or studying abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken. 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 - you'll complete a dissertation that brings together the skills and expertise you have 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 History 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.