BA History and Modern Languages
About this course
BA (Hons) in History and Modern Languages, a degree combining the study of historical periods and global contexts with modern language acquisition and cultural analysis. Core topics include Research Methods. The four-year degree includes a compulsory year abroad where students study, teach, or complete an internship in a country matching their chosen language, alongside an optional placement year. The first year covers an introductory paper on literature, history, film, and philosophy alongside a History Outline paper spanning ancient to twentieth-century societies. The second year progresses to a language-related paper, a History topic paper, and further options including literature, history, linguistics, film, thought, art, philosophy, translation theory, or an introduction to a new language culture. In the third year, students undertake a compulsory period abroad incorporating advanced language work and a study abroad project related to the host country's history. The final year involves three specialised papers in Modern Languages and History, with the option to write a dissertation in a historical field.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level . To apply to any of our Colleges for History and Modern Languages, you will need A level/IB Higher Level (or the equivalent) in: History the language you want to study (if you will not be studying it from scratch) If you’re not taking History but are able to demonstrate that you have developed other, equivalent skills by taking other relevant subjects, or through independent subject exploration, you should contact the admissions office of your shortlisted Colleges for advice. If you’re not taking a modern language at A Level or IB Higher Level, you can apply for all options except French. You will study your chosen language ‘ab initio’ (from scratch).
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Media Professionals: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 205 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 62%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- one introductory paper about the literature, history, film and philosophy of the country where your language is spoken
- one History Outline paper on a selection of topics ranging from ancient and medieval societies to the twentieth-century world
- one paper related to your language, such as literature, history, linguistics, film, art or thought
- one topic paper in History
- one further paper from either Modern Languages or a History Research Project
- literature
- history
- linguistics
- film
- thought
- art
- philosophy
- translation theory
- an introduction to a language culture you haven't studied before
- go abroad to study, teach or work as an intern in a country where your chosen language is spoken
- research and write a study abroad project, normally on a topic related to the history of the country you’re staying in
- continue with advanced language work
- take 3 specialised papers in Modern Languages and History, from a range of topics, areas and periods
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £31,500 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £73,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £10,500 more than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
Does BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA History and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.