Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

Study Modern Languages and Culture, Education and Translation

Student in Language Lab

Course Overview

With the BA Modern Languages, you can tailor your linguistic journey with a variety of languages on offer. You can study up to two principal languages, to varying levels of competence, which include French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. In addition to your principal language modules, our unique pathways enable you to choose from modules in cultural studies, education, and translation.

You may also expand your range of languages by taking introductory modules in Catalan, Italian, Mandarin Chinese or Portuguese (Catalan and Portuguese offered on a rolling basis). Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to pick modules from any of these pathways, enabling you to mould your learning experience to suit your own interests and aspirations.

French, German and Spanish can be studied at the following levels, and in the following combinations:

  • If you have an A-level or equivalent qualification/experience in two of these languages, you can continue to study both languages with us at an advanced level.
  • If you have an A-level or equivalent qualification/experience in one of these languages, you can either concentrate exclusively on that language or learn another language, simultaneously, via our dedicated beginner language pathways.

If you do not have a language A-level, and may or may not have a language GCSE, you can concentrate on one beginner’s language (French, German or Spanish) for the duration of your degree. You may also take a second beginner language (French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish) during the second year of your degree. This will enable you to graduate with advanced proficiency (C1) in your first language, and intermediate-advanced proficiency (B2-C1) in your second language.

Why Modern Languages at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula:

  • You will be taught by research experts whose specialisms include film, gender studies, medieval and early modern literature, theatre studies and translation.
  • You will have a personal tutor who will provide you with any support you may need.
  • You can meet exchange students at weekly language cafés to chat in the languages you are studying.
  • You will be able to join our FrenchGerman and Spanish Student Societies for weekly social events including film screenings, pub quizzes and more!

Modern Languages at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2026), and has
  • 100% Overall Satisfaction* (NSS 2025)

    *Assessed under ‘Linguistics’, (Q28, NSS 2025)

Your Modern Languages Experience

In total, there are four levels of languages taught on this programme for the main languages listed above; beginners, intermediate, upper intermediate, and advanced. You can choose the appropriate level based on your existing background in these languages, as well as your choice of programme, and whether you choose to undertake an additional Year Abroad or Year in Industry. These language modules also have different assessments to fairly reflect your level of study.

You can shape your course to match your goals and interests by choosing from:

  • A 4-year programme with a year spent in the country or countries of the language or languages studied (expected proficiency C1 on the Common European Framework for Languages Scale).
  • A 4-year programme with a dedicated Year in Industry, in the UK or further afield. (expected proficiency B2-C1).
  • A 3-year programme without a Year Abroad or Year in Industry, offering a more direct route into employment or postgraduate study (expected proficiency B2-C1).

Stuyding a year abroad allows you to hone your language and intercultural awareness, skills which are essential to become an effective linguist.

The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, giving you valuable experience. The University advocates for paid placements, with an average salary of £20,000+. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with several organisations who provide a range of opportunities. If you choose to pursue a Year in Industry, you will be supported throughout the application journey with advice, guidance, and resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of study, you will be able to transfer onto the equivalent 3-year degree programme.

Modern Languages Employment Opportunities

The programme focuses on building your language competency, cultural awareness, and graduate skills, which will help you build the profile needed to become part of a global community, opening doors to a wide range of careers in the UK and internationally.

Our graduates have entered careers in:

  • Education
  • Translation and interpreting
  • Journalism, media and public relations
  • Government, politics and humanitarian organisations
  • Business and commerce
  • Public services

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBC

Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

Modern Languages with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Modern Languages with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)