BA Linguistics and Modern Languages
About this course
BA (Hons) in Linguistics and Modern Languages, a Linguistics and Modern Languages degree focused on the scientific study of language alongside modern language acquisition and cultural history. Core topics include Research Methods. The four-year full-time programme includes a mandatory year abroad spent studying, working as an assistant, or completing an internship. The first year covers core topics through Sounds and Words and Structures and Meanings. The second year branches into a wide range of subjects including literature, history, linguistics, film, thought, art, Catalan, Modern Greek, Polish, Portuguese, and Ukrainian. In the third year, students undertake either a dissertation or a translation project while abroad. The final year involves continuing advanced language work alongside specialised papers in Modern Languages and Linguistics, allowing students to specialise in one language, combine options from two or more languages, or take comparative options in linguistics, culture, or literature.
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 . We don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to Linguistics and Modern Languages, if you want to study a modern language from scratch. You can study all languages options from scratch, except French. If you choose French as your language option, you must have: A level/IB Higher Level French If you want to study your chosen language at a more advanced level, you will need an A level or equivalent in the language. We also recommend these subjects for a strong application: Languages English (literature or language) History Mathematics
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 155 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 99%
- Left higher education: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 16%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 12%
- Teaching Professionals: 11%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 30%
- London: 40%
- South East: 10%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 135 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 96%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Sounds and Words
- Structures and Meanings
- literature
- history
- linguistics
- film
- thought
- art
- Catalan
- Modern Greek
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Ukrainian
- a dissertation (extended research project)
- a translation project
- continue with advanced language work
- take 3 specialised papers in Modern Languages and Linguistics, from a range of topics, areas and periods
- specialising in one language
- combining options from 2 or more languages
- taking comparative options in linguistics, culture or literature topics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Linguistics and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £34,500 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £69,000. The £41,000 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of BA Linguistics 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 Linguistics and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Linguistics 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 196 UCAS points.
Does BA Linguistics and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Linguistics and Modern Languages at University of Cambridge?
99% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.