









Birmingham’s fusion of language and culture places employability at its heart, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.
The undergraduate study of either French, German, Spanish or Russian from beginner or advanced level alongside History is highly complementary and an exciting way to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. Researching primary sources is a key feature of any undergraduate History degree course, and studying a language dramatically increases the range of primary sources that you will be able to access. At the University of ...
Birmingham’s fusion of language and culture places employability at its heart, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.<br/><br/>The undergraduate study of either French, German, Spanish or Russian from beginner or advanced level alongside History is highly complementary and an exciting way to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. Researching primary sources is a key feature of any undergraduate History degree course, and studying a language dramatically increases the range of primary sources that you will be able to access. At the University of Birmingham, language is taught through the lens of the target cultures literature, history, politics and society, and through total immersion on the Year Abroad. <br/><br/>**Why study this course?**<br/><br/>**More than fluent** – Choose vocational modules in areas such as Translation, Language Teaching, Legal Culture, Business and more! Talk the talk into a long list of career prospects with the help of our Careers and Employability team.<br/><br/>**Practice as a professional** – Develop your skills with our state-of-the-art translation suite, Televic interpreting suite and sound proof booths to the same professional standard at the United Nations.<br/><br/>**Multicultural city** – Learn and Live in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join a number of language and culture-based societies at the University of Birmingham to further enhance your skills.<br/><br/>**Present day application** – We believe in history as a practical and engaged endeavour that speaks to questions of social inequality, community belonging and even climate change. As a Birmingham student you have opportunities to learn about the uses of history such as through a placement in the heritage sector on our Professional Skills module.<br/><br/>**Become a specialist** – Indulge in a wide range of specialist optional modules from medieval to modern periods, over a vast geographical area, taught by our renowned academic staff. Our unusually large number of teaching staff means that youll have a wide range of optional modules.<br/><br/>**Top 90 for Modern Languages in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2022**<br/><br/>**9th for History in the Complete University Guide 2023**<br/><br/>**8th the Department of History is ranked 8th in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average**
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
29/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
29 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
R9V1
Institution Code
B32
Points of Entry
Year 1
32
6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects. You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in each modern language that you plan to study at Advanced level. If you do not have the relevant language at Higher Level, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options.
DDM
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus AB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above. BTEC Diploma: DD, plus AB at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.
GCSE History grade 7 / A if not taking A Level History
Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)
A,A,B
A level humanities subjects. A level grade B is required for the advanced language you wish to study. It is also possible to study two beginner (including post-GCSE) languages without taking an advanced language, as long as one of your beginner languages is French or Spanish. A Level History, Medieval History or Ancient History is preferred but we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and an aptitude for the study of history and politics. Acceptable subjects include: Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Law, Medieval History, Modern or Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology. If you are not studying one or more of the above then please contact us to discuss your application. If you are not taking A level History then we will require GCSE History grade 7 and at least one humanities subject at A level or equivalent.
Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.
Find more courses from University of Birmingham with our undergraduate course search.
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |