Undergraduate study in Languages and Comparative Literature
The University of St Andrews was ranked 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
The ranking reflects the excellence of language and cultural studies at the School of Modern Languages. The School of Modern Languages offers a truly global approach with academic staff working in eight languages – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, and Spanish – as well as Comparative Literature.
St Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Learn more about the undergraduate degree options available through the School of Modern Languages.
Study one, two, or three languages at St Andrews
With the School of Modern Languages, you can study for a joint honours degree and combine:
- two or three languages together
- one or two languages with a subject from another school
- one or two languages with Comparative Literature
- Comparative Literature with a subject from another school
Comparative Literature and most languages can also be studied as single-subject honours degrees. Arabic, Chinese, and Persian can only be studied as part of a joint honours degree.
Whether you study one, two, or three languages, the acquisition of high-level language skills goes hand-in-hand with studying culture.
Joint honours degrees in languages and Comparative Literature
Integrated year abroad degrees and study abroad placements
The School of Modern Languages offers opportunities to broaden your academic experience by spending a semester or year abroad as part of your degree.
On most languages degrees you can choose to add an integrated year abroad working abroad for a year and making your degree a five-year programme. Alternatively, you can explore semester- or year-long study abroad options.
