Modern Languages and History, BA (Hons)

Study Modern Languages and History

Student in Modern Languages Translation lab

Course Overview

Put your fascination with the past to good use by studying Modern Languages and History at Swansea University. You’ll build skills valued by employers across a range of sectors, while exploring the human condition from the Middle Ages to the present.

Modern Languages and History explores subjects including women’s history and gender, modern British social history and the history of religion, health and medicine, stretching from the Middle Ages to the Modern era. You will also study the rich diversity of your chosen language (French, German, or Spanish), as well as modules in cultural studies, film, history, translation and language teaching.

Studying this degree course opens up a range of exciting career opportunities by helping you to develop skills which are highly valued by employers.

The course can be studied as a three-year course, or you can extend your studies by one year by undertaking a Year Abroad or Year in Industry*. These additional options will allow you to further enhance your student experience by giving you access to unique cultural insights and skill-based opportunities.

Why Modern Languages and History at Swansea?

Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our Modern Language and History course at Swansea University is highly regarded by students and employers.

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)

History at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • Top 25 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)

You’ll be taught by staff with expertise in British, European, and American history, from the Middle Ages to the modern day, on topics including gender, sexuality, and inequalities; heritage and history in the workplace; medicine, health, and disability; and war, violence, and peace.

Your Modern Languages and History Experience

We offer an inclusive, student-focused learning environment and community. Modules are delivered and assessed in a variety of different ways, and you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning, to work independently as well as with others, to act professionally, and to master new skills.
Throughout your course you will have a personal tutor to support you in meeting your goals. The student-led History Society, which organises social events and cultural activities, is one of the many societies you’ll have access to as a Swansea student.

The Year Abroad offers you the opportunity of studying at one of our partner institutions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Germany or Austria. Alternatively, you may choose to work as an English Foreign Language teacher through the British Council. For students of Spanish, there are additional opportunities available in Latin-America. Spending a year abroad, either on a paid work placement or studying in one of our partner institutions is an exciting and valuable opportunity which will further boost your student experience and employment prospects.

The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas**, giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid placements, which on average have a 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. Students are 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 transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.

*Securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, but you will be supported throughout your application journey with advice and guidance. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of your second year of your studies, you will transfer onto the three-year programme.
**overseas locations are dependent on VISA restrictions per country.

Modern Languages and History Employment Opportunities

Studying Modern Languages and History develops skills in critical thought, written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and information gathering and analysis.

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Heritage and Museums
  • Business and Management
  • Law and 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 and History, BA (Hons)

Modern Languages and History with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

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