UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · UNITED KINGDOM
History and Modern Languages, BA (Hons)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 1Ranked Number 1 in the UK for History (The Complete University Guide 2026)
- 44-year course duration
- 8+Minimum 8 months spent abroad during third year
- 6Multiple language options available
This joint honours degree allows you to combine the study of history with modern languages, offering insights into the cultures of other countries and a deep understanding of past and present global contexts. The course includes intensive study of language, culture, film, the history of political thought, and a wide variety of modern British, European, American, and world history. You will spend at least 8 months in the third year abroad, immersing yourself in the language, culture, and history of another country through study, work, or other approved activities. You can choose to study languages such as German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. If you have no prior experience with a language, you can begin studying it from scratch. If you have A-level or IB Higher Level qualifications, you can continue with it at a more advanced level. Your language choice is indicated during the application process. The program boasts internationally renowned faculty in both History and Modern Languages. You will have access to excellent library resources, including the Seeley collection in the Faculty of History and the library in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, which cover a wide range of materials from the Middle Ages to the present. Additionally, college libraries and the vast Cambridge University Library are available.
Curriculum
The four-year program integrates language acquisition with historical and cultural studies.
- Year 1-2
- Intensive language study
- History modules
- Cultural studies
- Year 3
- Year Abroad
- Year 4
- Advanced language study
- Advanced history modules
- Dissertation (optional)
Careers
Graduates from History and Modern Languages are highly sought after due to their linguistic abilities, analytical skills, and cultural understanding. The skills developed are transferable to a wide range of professions.
- Diplomacy and International Relations
- Translation and Interpreting
- Journalism and Media
- Publishing
- Education
- Heritage and Museum Sector
- Business and Marketing
- Law
- Government and Public Service
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the History and Modern Languages BA (Hons) program?
- Applicants should have A-Levels or an IB Diploma, with specific subject requirements typical for Cambridge. Prior A-level or IB Higher Level experience is beneficial for advanced language study; French can only be studied with this background, while other languages can be started from scratch.
- What is the duration of the History and Modern Languages BA (Hons) program?
- The program is a four-year course. It includes a minimum of eight months spent abroad during the third year, immersing students in another country's language, culture, and history.
- What languages can I study as part of the History and Modern Languages degree?
- You can choose to study languages such as German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. You can begin studying German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish from scratch, but French requires prior A-level or IB Higher Level qualifications.
- What is the application deadline for this program?
- The main application deadline is typically in mid-October (usually October 15th) for entry the following October. Admissions assessments occur in November, interviews in early December, and decisions are released in January.
- What career paths can I pursue with a degree in History and Modern Languages?
- Graduates are sought after for roles in diplomacy, translation, journalism, publishing, education, and the heritage sector. The skills developed are highly transferable to various professions, including law, business, and government.
Entry requirements
A-Levels/IB DiplomaSpecific subject requirements are not detailed here but are typical for rigorous academic programs at Cambridge. Applicants should check the University's general admission requirements.
For modern language study, A-level or IB Higher Level in the chosen language is beneficial for advanced study. Beginners can study German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. French can only be studied if you have prior A-level or IB Higher Level experience.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are not specified on this page. Please refer to the University's official fees and finance section.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for home/domestic students are not specified on this page. Please refer to the University's official fees and finance section.
LivingLiving costs (maintenance costs) are not specified on this page. Please refer to the University's official fees and finance section for estimated costs and information on general study costs.
Two main costs to consider are tuition fees and living costs. Additional course-specific costs may apply.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for History and Modern Languages. Note any specific language prerequisites.
2. Choose a CollegeApplicants must apply to a specific Cambridge college.
3. Prepare for Admissions AssessmentsMost courses require an assessment at interview or a written assessment taken before the interview.
4. Submit Your ApplicationSubmit your application via UCAS and also complete the Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA) or My Cambridge Application (MCA), indicating your chosen course and college. You will specify your language preferences here.
5. Attend an InterviewShortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, usually in December.
6. Receive an OfferOffers are typically made in January.
7. Meet Conditions of OfferIf an offer is conditional, ensure you meet the conditions (e.g., final exam results).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the History and Modern Languages BA (Hons) program?
+
Applicants should have A-Levels or an IB Diploma, with specific subject requirements typical for Cambridge. Prior A-level or IB Higher Level experience is beneficial for advanced language study; French can only be studied with this background, while other languages can be started from scratch.
What is the duration of the History and Modern Languages BA (Hons) program?
+
The program is a four-year course. It includes a minimum of eight months spent abroad during the third year, immersing students in another country's language, culture, and history.
What languages can I study as part of the History and Modern Languages degree?
+
You can choose to study languages such as German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. You can begin studying German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish from scratch, but French requires prior A-level or IB Higher Level qualifications.
What is the application deadline for this program?
+
The main application deadline is typically in mid-October (usually October 15th) for entry the following October. Admissions assessments occur in November, interviews in early December, and decisions are released in January.
What career paths can I pursue with a degree in History and Modern Languages?
+
Graduates are sought after for roles in diplomacy, translation, journalism, publishing, education, and the heritage sector. The skills developed are highly transferable to various professions, including law, business, and government.