Modern Languages

A Bristol Modern Languages degree will enable you to master of one or more foreign languages and immerse yourself in the culture of the countries where these languages are spoken and used. With the exception of French, languages can be studied from beginners' level (ab initio) in most degree combinations. You will benefit from intensive language tuition and a new Multimedia Centre which houses a screening room and recording studio. Your year abroad during the third year will provide you with an attractive skills set for employers.

Modern Languages subject areas

Why study Modern Languages at Bristol?

A wide range of optional units allows you to study the culture, politics and society of the countries in which your chosen languages are spoken. Language classes focus on improving your spoken and written language level through translation exercises, grammar classes and oral conversation classes with a native speaker. Ab initio students take a specially designed intensive programme in the first year for accelerated language learning.

Single Honours courses allow you to focus on one modern language whereas Joint Honours courses allow you to study two subjects side by side (two languages or one language and another subject). If you are taking two subjects, your time is normally divided equally between the two departments, but you may choose to major in one language after the first year. You will take the same number of language classes as Single Honours students, but fewer cultural units.

All courses extend over four years. The first two years are spent in Bristol, the third year is spent abroad and the fourth year is completed in Bristol.

The School of Modern Languages at Bristol teaches the following languages:

Your year abroad

Your year abroad is an invaluable part of your degree. It allows you not only to enhance your linguistic knowledge and familiarity with the countries you study, but also to develop on a personal, as well as academic, level. If you are studying two languages, you will usually divide your time equally between two countries where the languages you are studying are spoken.

You may attend a university or other place of higher education in Europe through the Erasmus programme. We also have links in Russia, Kazakhstan and Latin America.

Alternatively, you may prefer to work during your year abroad. This allows you to gain valuable professional experience. Teaching English allows you to earn money while working with and alongside staff and students in schools and is a very popular option for students spending their year abroad. The EU-sponsored Erasmus programme offers a structured approach to working or teaching in Europe on the year abroad.

For further details on year abroad opportunities please visit the Study and Work Abroad website

The maturity gained from spending your third year overseas will make you attractive to a variety of employers including international organisations, where fluency in a modern language and a good knowledge of foreign institutions and customs is a useful extra qualification.