Modern Languages & Cultures Degrees

Study Modern Languages and Cultures at Sheffield

At the University of Sheffield, our Modern Languages and Cultures degrees give you the opportunity to study up to three languages alongside the rich cultural, historical and political contexts in which they’re spoken. You can tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions – whether that’s through our flagship BA Modern Languages and Cultures (BAMLC) degree or one of our popular Dual Degrees, which combine language study with Business Management, English, History, Linguistics, Music or Politics.

BA Modern Languages and Cultures (BAMLC)

A flexible path to language fluency and cultural insight

If you want to focus entirely on language and culture, our BA Modern Languages and Cultures degree allows you to study two or three languages from:

French, German, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Catalan, and Czech.

You can combine any two or three of the above languages, or add any of the following as a third language: Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Polish, British Sign Language. 

You can contact us at slc-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk to check that your preferred combination of languages is available.

You can study all languages from beginner level, and French, German, Spanish and Russian are also available post-A-level. We give you the flexibility to explore cultural studies alongside intensive language learning.

Your degree, your choice

• Three languages: In your first year, you’ll study each language equally. You can continue with three, or drop to two in later years.
• Two languages: Combine any two, and choose from a wide selection of transnational cultural modules or university-wide electives. You can choose to add a third language in your second year if you wish. 

Throughout your degree, you'll build a programme that develops advanced linguistic skills and cultural understanding. In your second and final years, you'll shape your studies through thematic cultural modules, such as literature, film, politics, history or linguistics.

Third Year Abroad

Whatever your language pathway, you’ll spend your third year abroad, developing your language skills and gaining intercultural experience. This could involve:

• Studying at a partner university
• Working in an international company or NGO
• Teaching through the British Council assistantship programme

Why Choose Sheffield?

• Tailored degrees: Choose two or three languages – or combine one or two languages with another subject through a dual degree.
• Beginner-friendly: All languages are available from beginner level.
• Cultural depth: Study language in its real-world context – from literature to politics, film to history.
• Year abroad: A life-changing experience to practise and live your languages.
• Career-ready: Languages graduates are highly valued across sectors including education, government, translation, business and beyond.

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Dual Degrees with Modern Languages and Cultures

Combine language study with another subject you love

Our Dual Degrees allow you to study one or two modern languages alongside another discipline from across the arts and humanities or social sciences. With this route, you’ll not only graduate with language fluency and cultural knowledge, but also a strong grounding in another subject, opening up a wide range of academic and career paths.

You can combine French, German, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Catalan and Czech with:

• Business Management
• English
• History
• Linguistics
• Music
• Politics

If you opt for a Dual degree with two languages you can combine any two of the above languages or add any of the following: Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Polish, or British Sign Language. You can contact us at slc-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk to check that your preferred combination of languages is available.

All our languages are offered from beginners level and French, German, Spanish and Russian from post A-level. We will assess your level when you get to Sheffield to make sure you join the appropriate language class. 

You'll spend your third year abroad, often dividing their time between two countries and gaining experience through university study, work placements, or teaching via the British Council.

What will your degree look like?

Your time will be split between the School of Languages and Cultures and your chosen partner department. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor in each department and supported throughout your degree, including during your year abroad.

• You can opt to study one or two languages, depending on the structure of your combined subject.
• Some combinations allow for a three-way split, e.g. History (1/3), French (1/3), German (1/3).
• Others offer a major/minor model, e.g. Politics (1/2), Spanish (1/3), Dutch (1/6).
• Most students have 15–18 contact hours per week in their first year.

Whichever combination you choose, your degree will be managed jointly across departments to ensure flexibility, support, and academic depth.

Dual Degree Options – 2026 Entry

2025 entry

• Music and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
• Politics and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
• Business Management and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
• Linguistics and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
• English and Modern Languages & Cultures BA
• History and Modern Languages & Cultures BA

UCAS entry requirements: ABB
Length of course: 4 years (with year abroad)

Explore our clearing opportunities for high-achieving students.

▶︎ Apply via UCAS
▶︎ Explore modules by language
▶︎ Learn more about our Year Abroad
▶︎ Languages Careers and Employability

If you’d like help choosing the right combination for you, we’re happy to advise. Get in touch or come to an Open Day and start your journey with languages at Sheffield.