BA Modern Languages and English
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BA in Modern Languages and English, an undergraduate degree combining the study of English literature with fluency in French, German, Italian or Spanish. Core topics include Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme spans four years and includes a compulsory year abroad in the third year, alongside an optional placement year. The first year covers foundational subjects through Critical Analysis for Linguists, French Ab Initio Written I, Critical Foundations: Thinking As A Critic, and Introduction to Poetry. The second year continues language development with modules such as French Language II, German Language II, Italian Language II, and Spanish Language II. During the third year, students undertake a compulsory year abroad studying, working, or completing a combination of both. The final year advances linguistic proficiency through modules including Pratique du Français III, German Language III, Advanced Italian III, and Spanish III.
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: ABB-BBB (Required subjects: A-level grade B in an essay based subject. A-level in the appropriate language(s) at grade B for the advanced level language pathway There is no language requirement for the beginners' language pathway but at least one essay-based subject is required at grade B and only one language can be studied at this level. We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4 (C) Please note that if you choose to apply for this course you will need to provide details of which languages you wish to study on your UCAS application form. For further details on how to do this please visit our How to apply page .Apply page.) IB: 6,5,5, in Higher Level or 32 points overall including 5 in a Higher Level essay based subject. For the advanced level language pathway HL5 in the appropriate language is required.
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 43%
- South East: 31%
- South West: 8%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Critical Analysis for Linguists
- French Ab Initio Written I
- French Ab Initio Oral I
- French Advanced Written I
- French Advanced Oral I
- German Ab Initio Written I
- German Ab Initio Oral I
- German Advanced Written I
- German Advanced Oral I
- Italian Ab Initio Written I
- Italian Ab Initio Oral I
- Italian Advanced Written I
- Italian Advanced Oral I
- Spanish Ab Initio Written I
- Spanish Ab Initio Oral I
- Spanish Advanced Written I
- Spanish Advanced Oral I
- Critical Foundations: Thinking As A Critic
- Reorienting the Novel
- Introduction to Poetry
- French Language II
- German Language II
- Italian Language II
- Spanish Language II
- Year Abroad
- Pratique du Français III
- German Language III
- Advanced Italian III
- Spanish III
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £38,500. The £31,000 median after five years is £3,000 more than the UK median for Literature in English.
What do graduates of BA Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 123 UCAS points.
Does BA Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London 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 Modern Languages and English at Royal Holloway, University of London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.