Languages and Communication Studies at UEA
Find out more about studying Languages and Communication Studies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Modern Languages
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- T90D
- Typical Offer
- ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including French, Spanish or Japanese
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
5th
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 202096%
Of final year Languages students at UEA were satisfied with the course
National Student Survey 2022Course Overview
Would you like to use your language skills to help people, organisations, and countries communicate more effectively? On this course, you’ll work with exciting and contemporary materials and state-of-the-art technology, while learning from experts in language, translation and global communication.
You’ll study two languages (French, Japanese, or Spanish) to degree level, and hone your ability to communicate confidently at an advanced level in your chosen languages. You’ll explore modules in language, culture, translation, communication and digital media, equipping you with a diverse skill set to thrive in today’s globalised world.
You’ll have access to our language lab with its cutting-edge audiovisual translation and interpreting technologies, and we offer a huge range of activities for you to get involved in, both on our beautiful UEA campus and in the vibrant city of Norwich. Recent examples include our Love Languages Day, Discover Japan and Bunkasai cultural events and Creative Translation for Schools project. Follow us on Instagram to find out more!
In your third year, you'll enhance your experience of your chosen languages and culture by living in countries where your degree languages are spoken. You can study at a university (all languages) or work on a teaching assistantship or placement (French and Spanish only). We’ve exciting partnerships all over the world, including in France, Spain, and Japan, as well as in Canada and Latin America.
Our BA in Modern Languages graduates move on to a wide variety of rewarding careers, including roles in language services, media industries, teaching, business, and marketing.
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Year Abroad
The year abroad is a compulsory element of our four-year language degrees.
In your third year, you'll enhance your studies by living in one or more countries where your degree languages are spoken. During this year, you’ll deepen your experience of the languages and cultures by either studying at a local university (all languages), or taking up a teaching assistantship or suitable work placement (French and Spanish only). Through this opportunity you'll enhance your language skills, while also developing your intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers.
We’ve exchange links with many universities in France and Spain, as well as links with universities in Japan, Canada, and Latin America. If you’re studying Japanese, you'll attend one of our partner universities in Japan.
If you’re studying two languages from A-Level (or equivalent), you'll normally split your year abroad equally between two countries where your two languages are spoken. If you’re taking one of your languages from below A-Level (or equivalent), you'll normally spend your entire year abroad in a country where your weaker language is spoken, although you’re strongly recommended to follow some modules in your university placement in the stronger language and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of your stronger language. We can provide support and advice on this.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll focus on developing your core skills in your two languages. You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules on language, culture, translation and intercultural communication, depending on your interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught by leading language and communication specialists and scholars through a combination of interactive seminars, oral classes and workshops. You'll undertake independent self-study and groupwork as you build key academic skills that you'll need later in your degree.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed via a range of language tests, group projects and individual written and spoken coursework. In this year, assessment focuses on ensuring you’ve the key linguistic skills and intercultural knowledge to progress to your second year.
Structure
At this stage of your degree, you’ll continue to hone your language skills in your two languages. You’ll also have the chance to develop your interests via optional modules, choosing from topics in culture, global communication, subtitling and dubbing, translation, and media.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you start to specialise in your degree through optional modules, you'll take classes in smaller group sizes. You’ll learn through a balance of both theory and practice. Through a variety of activities, you’ll further develop your research, writing, groupwork and presentation skills.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll encounter a diverse range of assessments, depending on your modules. In addition to written and oral language assessments, these may take the form of essays, reports, presentations, group projects, or subtitling a video clip according to professional guidelines.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad on study or work placements in countries where your chosen languages are spoken. This will greatly develop and enhance both your linguistic and cultural confidence, allowing you to think more as a native speaker.
So how does this work?
You spend your third year abroad and return for the final year.
If you’re taking French, you can study in one of our partner universities in France, Canada, Switzerland, or Reunion Island (subject to availability).
If you’re taking Spanish, you can study in one of our partner universities in Spain, Mexico, Uruguay, or Chile (subject to availability).
If you’re studying French and/or Spanish, you’ve the option to spend your semester/year working abroad instead of studying at a university.
If you choose to work abroad, you’re responsible for organising and securing your own work placement(s), which need academic approval. We can provide advice on employment opportunities based on the experiences of previous students and our close relationships with organisations in France, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and Peru.
Japanese language students normally study in one of our partner universities in Japan.
If you’re taking two of French, Spanish, or Japanese from A Level, you'll normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken.
If you’re taking one of your degree languages from below A Level, you'll normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It's strongly recommended that you follow at least some modules in the stronger language in your university placement and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of the other language. We can provide support and advice on this.
You must remain abroad in approved activities for at least seven months in total. The approved period of residence abroad will normally coincide with UEA’s academic year and must begin no later than October.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
On your year abroad you'll adapt to, and learn from, the values, attitudes and behaviours of different cultures while further developing your language skills in authentic contexts. You’ll learn through a mixture of experiences, including through managing your own work and studies with leisure and social activities away from home and with different classmates, friends or colleagues, developing the knowledge and skills to live, study or work independently in another country with more confidence.
Assessment
While you’re on your year abroad, you’ll take the compulsory Year Abroad module that will help support you while you’re away.
Structure
Alongside high-level language study, in your final year you'll have the opportunity to pursue specialised topics, choosing from translation modules that will enable you to extend your control over sophisticated language, or other modules in interpreting, intercultural communication, and digital media. You may also choose to investigate a subject of your own choice in more depth in a dissertation. In previous years students have written dissertations on topics such as how bilingualism affects identity, the current situation of Spanish at GCSE, and on the character’s journey in ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll engage in a range of learning activities, including case study work, practical projects, and advanced essays. You may have the opportunity to work with local and international organisations. If you take the optional dissertation module, you'll create a piece of independent work produced over an extended period, spending most of your time researching your chosen subject.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll engage with a wide variety of assessment activities, depending on your module choices. Alongside written and oral language assessments, essays and presentations, you may create translations based on authentic briefs, interpret in the booth, or even develop your own digital media content. In the final year, you can also have the opportunity to work closely with an expert supervisor in completing a dissertation on a topic of your own choice. Assessments are designed to help you hone your skills in your areas of specialisation and prepare for your future.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate prepared for a whole host of career sectors, both in the UK and abroad. These include tourism, hospitality and leisure, human resources, marketing, sales, business, international banking, media, the Civil Service, local government and administration, teaching and education, translation and interpretation, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration and customer services.
Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as our MA in Global Intercultural Communication, MA in Applied Translation Studies, or perhaps our MA in Digital Media and Global Communication. Our Careers Service runs an annual Arts and Humanities events programme. This includes alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including charities, politics and government, writing and communications, and museums and heritage. You’ll also benefit from our annual Careers Fair, where we showcase the range of opportunities available to you. This is a great chance to meet employers and to hear alumni speak about their career paths since graduating.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Business and finance
- Translation and interpreting
- Information technology and telecommunications
- Media
- Teaching and education
- Sales and marketing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
Contextual offer: BBC including French, Spanish or Japanese
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual offer: DMM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3. Grade B in French, Spanish or Japanese A-level, or equivalent qualification is also required.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Modern Language with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including French, Spanish or Japanese
Scottish Highers
AAABB or above including grade A in French, Spanish or Japanese.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC or above including French, Spanish or Japanese.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including grade B in French, Spanish or Japanese.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees website.
There will be extra costs related to your year abroad, such as travel and accommodation, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: