BA Modern Languages and History
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BA in Modern Languages and History, a four-year joint honours degree combining the study of historical periods and problems with fluency in French, German, Italian or Spanish. Core topics include Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad in the third year, with an optional placement year also available. The first year introduces foundational concepts through modules such as Critical Analysis for Linguists and History in the Making, alongside beginner or advanced language study in French, German, Italian or Spanish. The second year builds proficiency with targeted language modules including French Language II, German Language II, Italian Language II and Spanish Language II. The third year is spent abroad studying, working or both. The final year advances linguistic competence further through modules such as 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 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.) IB: 6,5,5, in Higher Level or 32 points overall including 5 in the appropriate language at Higher Level if the advanced level language pathway is required or 5 in an essay based subject for the beginners level.
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What students say
Based on about 116 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 170 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 12%
What graduates do next
Based on about 31 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 13%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 275 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 33%
- South East: 37%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 135 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Critical Analysis for Linguists
- History in the Making
- 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
- Intensive French for Beginners II
- 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 History at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £40,000. The £31,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of BA Modern Languages and History at Royal Holloway, University of London 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 Modern Languages and History at Royal Holloway, University of London?
94% 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 History at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 121 UCAS points.
Does BA Modern Languages and History 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 History at Royal Holloway, University of London?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 12% left higher education.