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BA Modern Languages and History of Art

Start date
September
Duration
4 Years
UCAS code
5QV1
Course Type
Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined
Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2025/26:
£9,535 (UK)
£23,660 (International)
More detail.

An undergraduate BA Modern Languages and History of Art degree blends language and culture with immersive learning, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.

The study of one or two Modern Languages alongside History of Art is a highly complementary and exciting opportunity to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. You'll pair you study of History of Art with a focus on one language from French, Italian, Russian or Spanish; or choose a combination of languages: French and Spanish; or French/Spanish with Russian or Italian. Your linguistic fluency is strengthened with a simultaneous understanding and appreciation of your target culture's literature, history, politics and society in a wide range of optional modules. You can even start two languages from scratch without taking an advanced language, as long as one of these is French or Spanish. Travel opportunities in your degree course such as the Year Abroad and the History of Art European study trip will enrich your skillset as both a linguist and art historian. 

You will have access to original works, a dedicated fine art library and collection of resources in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, our acclaimed public gallery at the Univeristy. Here you will find a great collection of European art and works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Degas, Gwen John, Vigée LeBrun and Rodin. 

There's an extensive range of language combinations available to you within our Modern Languages department. Some combinations we are unable to offer due to timetabling restrictions. You can see all our options below:

Find the perfect degree for you here

Barber Institute refurbishment

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is currently undergoing a two-phase £10 million improvement program which includes a temporary closure of the Lady Barber Gallery and select areas until June 2024 and, in Phase Two, a temporary closure of the Barber Institute's building from February 2025 until late autumn 2025, as we make essential repairs and upgrades to enhance your future experience.

Find out more

 

From the grounding in a broad variety of art practices and theories, and the community of students and supportive department; to the Barber Institute and growing contemporary arts scene in the city, the University of Birmingham is an amazing place to study.

Ros

Why study this course?

BA Modern Languages and History of Art is for you if you want to:

  • Innovative teaching methods - Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method. You'll study topics of cultural significance in your target language, designed and delivered by expert researchers.
  • Experience real-world experiences and trips – visit galleries and museums in the UK and abroad as part of your degree. The department organises regularly gallery study trips in the West Midlands and London. The weeklong University funded trip to a major European city is another highlight of the programme. 
  • Utilise the power of your voice – contribute to the official blog for the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies, the Golovine. Check it out to gain insight into what it’s like studying at Birmingham, former student successes, research conducted and commentaries on art news. 
  • Boost your employability – develop transferable skills and gain valuable real world experience with access to funded arts internships, exclusively for University of Birmingham students.  

Modules

Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

 

Joint Honours flexibility

Every degree programme at the University is divided into 120 credits of study for each year of the programme. In the first year of a Joint Honours programme, you will study 60 credits in each subject as you learn the core elements of the disciplines. We recognise that students on Joint Honours programmes might come to favour one subject slightly more than another. To account for this, we have added more flexibility into the second and final years of our programmes. In the second year, you can stick with the 60-60 split between the two subjects or shift to a 80-40 credit weighting, effectively a major/ minor combination. You can either go back to 60-60 in the final year, maintain the same 80-40 split or reverse the major and the minor and go to a 40-80 weighting.

If you take Modern Languages and History of Art, there is the option to take a major/minor weighting from Year 1. Please note that if you decide to take two Modern Languages alongside History of Art, your degree will be split as 40-40-40 for the full duration of your programme, one third in each subject area.

Modern Languages

During your years of study you will take compulsory modules depending on your language proficiency (Beginner or post A-Level). Depending upon the number of languages you are taking, you will choose amongst a wide range of optional modules to make up your remaining credits.

The range of modules available to you does depend on your chosen languages and the combinations you choose to study. 

History of Art

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

  • 40 credits: Historical Concepts in the History of Art (20 credits) and Debates and Methods in the History of Art (20 credits)
  • 60 credits: Above modules plus Writing Art's Histories I (10 credits) and Writing Art's Histories II (10 credits)
  • 80 credits: Historical Concepts in the History of Art (20 credits), Debates and Methods in the History of Art (20 credits), Object and Medium 1 (20 credits) and Object and Medium 2 (20 credits)

Detailed descriptions of first year History of Art compulsory modules

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

  • 40 credits - No compulsory modules, you will spend your History of Art credits in optional modules
  • 60 credits - Art History in the Field: Overseas Study Trip (10 credits); Research Techniques in History of Art (10 credits); 2 optional modules 
  • 80 credits - Art History in the Field: Overseas Study Trip (10 credits); Research Techniques in History of Art (10 credits); 3 optional modules 

Detailed descriptions of second year History of Art modules

Year 3

Your third year will be spent studying and/or working abroad in the countries of your target culture/s.

Final Year

Compulsory Modules

  • 40 credits - No compulsory modules, you will spend your History of Art credits in optional modules
  • 60 credits - Dissertation (40 credits or 20 credits if not taking the equivalent in Modern Languages) and optional module(s)
  • 80 credits - Dissertation (40 credits or 20 credits if not taking the equivalent in Modern Languages) and optional module(s)

List of final year History of Art modules

Fees

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Fees for 2025/26 are as follows:

  • UK: £9,535
  • International: £23,660

Eligibility for fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students.

For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages on undergraduate fees and funding.

Tuition fees when studying abroad

For those spending a whole academic year abroad (where available):

  • Students who are classed as UK for fees purposes are required to pay 15% of their normal annual tuition fee
  • Students who are classed as International for fee purposes are required to pay 50% of their normal annual tuition fee

For those studying abroad for just one semester (where available), normal annual tuition fees apply.

Note - Study abroad opportunities vary between courses; please see the course description for details of study abroad options offered.

Additional Course Costs

For the optional second year Art History in the Field: Overseas Study Trip, students will be expected to cover the cost of passport acquisition and visas (where required), subsistence costs (e.g. lunch, dinner, drinks etc.), travelling around the destination city, and individual entry to museums/galleries where the University was unable to pay in advance as a group.

How To Apply

When completing your UCAS form, please indicate the languages you wish to study as part of BA Modern Languages and History of Art under further details within the choices section of the application form.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
ABB
Required subjects and grades:
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.
General Studies:
Not accepted

IB Diploma:

6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. You also require a Higher Level or equivalent in each modern language that you plan to study.

BTEC qualifications:

  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.

BA Modern Languages and History of Art Students can study up to two foreign languages alongside History of Art. At least one of these languages needs to be an advanced language (post A-Level). A full breakdown of combinations and weightings can be found here.

Independent language diplomas:

If you would like to study advanced French, Spanish, Italian or Russian as part of your programme but are not currently studying the required language at A level, we are happy to consider applications from those offering an independent language diploma at B2 level as demonstration of advanced language skills.

The independent language diplomas we would consider are as follows; DELF-B2 (French), DELE-B2 (Spanish), DILI-B2 (Italian) and TRKI 2nd Certificate (Russian). These diplomas are assessed against the criteria set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and can be studied for in your own time or through a language centre.  These diplomas will be considered when taken in addition to three A levels or equivalent qualifications as outlined above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham. 

Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers –You will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or to talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) provides guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, including trips.

Teaching staff

Students at the University of Birmingham are taught by a mixture of professors, senior lecturers, lecturers and doctoral researchers, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives of their subjects.

You can find out more about the members of staff (including their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest) in their academic profiles linked below.

Study trips play an important part in the teaching on the programme. These include visits to galleries and museums in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as well as overseas group trips that are funded by the University. Recent destinations have included Rome, Berlin and Paris, and provide you with the opportunity to examine works of art and architecture in situ.

One-to-one tutorials become increasingly important as you progress through your course. This is particularly the case in your final year, when a major part of your programme will be a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Tutorials enable you to discuss your research with your project supervisor in depth.

Language laboratory sessions allow you to practise your listening and spoken skills and are an essential part of all our language programmes.

Contact Hours

All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 40 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.

For this programme, those 40 hours are estimated to be broken down and split into lectures, seminars and other guided teaching opportunities and independent study. This is a general rule across the entire academic year and may change week by week. 

Year 1: 20% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 80% Independent study
Year 2: 15% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 85% Independent study
Year 3: 100% Time on placement
Year 4: 15% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 85% Independent study

Assessment Methods

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

  • coursework, such as essays
  • group and individual presentations
  • and exams

Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.


80% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022).

You will acquire skills and knowledge that are highly prized by employers in many sectors, including:

  • Strong communication skills in English and one or more other languages;
  • Visual and textual analysis and interpretation.
  • A deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures;
  • Critical thinking skills, alongside the ability to research, analyse and interpret information;
  • Independence and experience of living abroad;
  • Leadership and teamwork;
  • Handling complex information;
  • The ability to form concise and articulate arguments;
  • Managing your time and prioritising your workload;

Example employers:

  • Kettle’s Yard
  • the Bodleian Library
  • Cath Kidston
  • Historic Royal Palaces
  • The National Portrait Gallery
  • Christie’s
  • National Museum of Wales
  • the Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Amazon.fr
  • Harper Collins
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Town Hall Symphony Hall Birmingham
  • Deloitte
  • HSBC
  • The British Horseracing Authority
  • The British Council
  • French Connection

Example roles:

  • Archivist
  • Curator
  • Gallery Coordinator
  • Events Officer
  • Exhibitions Assistant
  • Learning and Access Officer
  • Programme Coordinator
  • Editorial Project Leader
  • Teacher
  • International Sales Coordinator
  • Consultant
  • Marketing Officer
  • Account Executive
  • Account Planner
  • Researcher

Graduates from both departments return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the wide variety of roles available. Recent speakers hold positions at the Wallace Collection, the BBC, BMAG, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sotheby’s Institute, Manchester’s Craft and Design Centre and the White Cube Gallery.

In addition, throughout your degree you will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and contacts in museums and galleries, both on and off campus. You can also benefit from our biennial Art History Careers Fair.  The Modern Languages curriculum also has an increased focus on professional development in areas such as presenting, CV-building, debating, and developing digital projects in the target language. 

 

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres.  You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences.  As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.  

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birmingham’s employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.’

There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.