UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL · UNITED KINGDOM
Modern Languages
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Interdisciplinary approachStudy literature, cinema, history, politics, linguistics, and more
- Comparative studiesExamine multiple cultures simultaneously
- Flexible curriculumChoose units from a wide range of subjects
- Units in EnglishMany courses accessible without prior language knowledge
The School of Modern Languages at the University of Bristol offers a dynamic interdisciplinary program where you can explore far beyond just language acquisition. You'll delve into a rich array of subjects including literature, poetry, cinema, visual culture, history, politics, linguistics, and cultural studies. The program allows for comparative study, enabling you to examine multiple cultures simultaneously, with a focus on Continental Europe and Latin America, but also engaging with the Caribbean, Africa, North America, and Britain. Many units are taught in English, making the program accessible even if you are not fluent in another language, though some units may require prior language knowledge. As a student on this pathway, you will select a minimum of 40 credits per semester from the study guide. The program is structured with increasing prerequisites for later years, suitable for all students in Year 1, and for those with prior university study or a strong academic background in relevant disciplines in Years 2 and 3 respectively.
Curriculum
The Modern Languages program allows you to select units across various disciplines each academic year. You are required to choose a minimum of 40 credits per semester. The program's structure progresses in terms of prerequisites, with Year 1 units suitable for all students, Year 2 for those with some university study in related fields, and Year 3 for students with a strong background and regional familiarity.
- Year 1
- Contemporary European CinemaMODL10009
- Classics of European CinemaMODL10010
- Introduction to Visual Cultures: from Bristol to the WorldMODL10019
- Understanding Russia: Literature & Visual CultureRUSS10042
- Approaches to PoetryENGL10026
- Comparative Literature: What is it and how can we practise it?MODL10016
- Critical IssuesENGL10017
- Medieval and Renaissance ItalyITAL10034
- Understanding Russia: History & IdentityRUSS10041
- Histories of BritainAFAC10021
- Language and Power: Introductions to German HistoryGERM10039
- Arabic – Beginners Modern StandardUWLP10008
- Year 2
- British & Irish Film & TelevisionFATV20037
- Italian Cinema: Genre and Social ChangeITAL29007
- Germany and Austria in Motion: Film, Society, and IdentityGERM20054
- Introduction to French CinemaFREN20056
- Contemporary Latin(x) American PoetryHISP20115
- Dante’s InfernoITAL20047
- Latin America in the Twentieth Century: A People’s HistoryHISP20119
- Russian Orthodox CultureRUSS20044
- The Nineteenth-Century Russian NovelRUSS20069
- Barcelona: Culture and RepresentationsHISP20117
- Fairy Tales Across BordersMODL20029
- Republic, War and Dictatorship in Spain, 1931- 1975HISP20076
- Talking to Tyrants: Politics, Thought and Drama in GermanyGERM20059
- General LinguisticsMODL20016
- Year 3
- Decadence, Decay and Rebirth: Russian & Czech LiteratureRUSS30084
- Institutions and Anti-Institutions in Italy in the 1960s and 1970sITAL30055
- Intermedia Encounters in 20th Century American ArtHISP30110
- Me, Myself, and I: The Essais of Michel de MontaigneFREN30114
- Translating in a Professional ContextMODL30010
- Visibility Matters: Identity, Diversity, and Power in the Cultural MarketplaceGERM30081
- Communities in Contact: Identities in Modern and Contemporary EuropeMODL30043
- Dante: Purgatorio and ParadisoITAL30059
- DostoevskyRUSS30073
- Les Misérables: Readings and ReceptionsFREN30030
- Remembering Italian ColonialismITAL30065
- Russian and the World, 1991-presentRUSS30083
- Sociolinguistics: Language Variation and ChangeMODL30015
- Theoretical Approaches to Language TeachingMODL30036
- Liaison InterpretingMODL30006
Careers
A degree in Modern Languages opens doors to a wide range of career paths, equipping you with valuable transferable skills highly sought after by employers. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters critical thinking, analytical abilities, and strong communication skills.
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Linguist
- International relations
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Teaching
- Cultural affairs
- Tourism
- Marketing
- Diplomacy
Frequently asked questions
- What subjects can I study within the Modern Languages program?
- Beyond language acquisition, you can explore literature, poetry, cinema, visual culture, history, politics, linguistics, and cultural studies, with a focus on Continental Europe and Latin America, also engaging with other global regions.
- Do I need prior language knowledge to join the program?
- No, many units are taught in English, making the program accessible even without prior fluency in another language. However, some units may require previous language knowledge.
- What are the career prospects after graduating with a Modern Languages degree?
- Graduates are equipped for roles such as Translator, Interpreter, International Relations specialist, Journalist, Teacher, or positions in Marketing, Diplomacy, and Cultural Affairs.
- How do international students apply to the Modern Languages program?
- International students must check entry requirements, apply through the university's admissions portal, submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, and English language test results, then accept their offer and apply for a visa.
- When is the application period for the Modern Languages program?
- Applications for the following academic year typically open in September and close in January, though late applications may be considered.
Entry requirements
Year 1Suitable for all students.
Year 2Some university study in a relevant discipline (e.g., literature, cinema, history, linguistics).
Year 3Strong background of study in a relevant discipline and some familiarity with the region (e.g., France, Russia, Latin America).
Some units, particularly in Years 2 and 3, may require prior knowledge of a specific language or a certain level of proficiency (e.g., B2 level for Liaison Interpreting, C1/C2 for Theoretical Approaches to Language Teaching).
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of Bristol's official fee pages for the most up-to-date international tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of Bristol's official fee pages for the most up-to-date home tuition fees.
LivingPlease refer to the University of Bristol's estimated living costs for the most up-to-date figures.
Tuition fees and living costs are subject to change. International students should consult the university's fees and funding section for detailed information.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for the Modern Languages program. Note the progression in requirements from Year 1 to Year 3.
2. Choose Your Intake and ApplyApplications for the 2026/27 academic year are typically made through the university's admissions portal or relevant application system for international students. The primary intake is usually in September.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the application form accurately, providing all requested information.
4. Provide Supporting DocumentsYou will likely need to submit academic transcripts, certificates, a personal statement, and potentially letters of recommendation. English language test results (if applicable) must also be provided.
5. Receive OfferIf successful, you will receive an offer from the university. This may be conditional or unconditional.
6. Accept Offer and Prepare for VisaOnce you accept the offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if required for your visa application. Begin the process of applying for your student visa.
7. Arrange Accommodation and TravelSecure your accommodation and make travel arrangements to arrive in Bristol in time for the start of the academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects can I study within the Modern Languages program?
+
Beyond language acquisition, you can explore literature, poetry, cinema, visual culture, history, politics, linguistics, and cultural studies, with a focus on Continental Europe and Latin America, also engaging with other global regions.
Do I need prior language knowledge to join the program?
+
No, many units are taught in English, making the program accessible even without prior fluency in another language. However, some units may require previous language knowledge.
What are the career prospects after graduating with a Modern Languages degree?
+
Graduates are equipped for roles such as Translator, Interpreter, International Relations specialist, Journalist, Teacher, or positions in Marketing, Diplomacy, and Cultural Affairs.
How do international students apply to the Modern Languages program?
+
International students must check entry requirements, apply through the university's admissions portal, submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, and English language test results, then accept their offer and apply for a visa.
When is the application period for the Modern Languages program?
+
Applications for the following academic year typically open in September and close in January, though late applications may be considered.