Undergraduate study in Modern Languages
The School of Modern Languages prides itself on being a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and engaging academic community that welcomes all students wishing to pursue the study of foreign languages and cultures and comparative literature.
In the School of Modern Languages you can continue your language studies that began at school or you can learn a new language or subject:
The School does not offer single Honours degrees in Arabic, Chinese, or Persian. You can take Arabic, Chinese, or Persian in combination with a wide variety of other subjects as part of a joint Honours degree.
A joint Honours degree allows you to study multiple subjects and graduate in two or three subjects. It is possible to combine a degree in up to three modern languages, such as French, Spanish, and Italian. You can also take a Modern Languages joint Honours degree which involves equal study of two modern languages and one additional subject.
All of the language subjects aim to help you achieve a high level of fluency that you can use in all communicative contexts. Alongside acquiring the language, you will study the culture, literature, film, history, and politics of the countries in which that language is spoken.
For French you must have studied French at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, or equivalent. For other languages you do not need previous knowledge of the language to apply.
How to apply for undergraduate study
Year abroad and study abroad
Your degree gives you the opportunity to spend time working or studying in a foreign country to improve your linguistic skills as well as your cultural understanding.
All of the School’s various degree programmes offer considerable flexibility with regards to study and work abroad placements: you can go abroad for anywhere between one and three semesters, depending upon your combination of subjects.
Year abroad opportunities for languages students
Meet us
The School of Modern Languages is delighted to welcome prospective students at the University's visiting days and online events. If you live outside the UK you can meet members of the Admissions team, or a University representative, at in country events:
Outreach and access
The School of Modern Languages has a diverse and vibrant student community, and students come from a range of backgrounds having achieved a variety of qualifications. There are a number of pathways and projects to help ensure that St Andrews is open to those with the potential to succeed.
Why study modern languages
Language skills can be used in almost any career, particularly careers with organisations and companies that operate internationally.
Graduates from the School of Modern Languages are highly sought after and have gone on to jobs in the civil service, education, NGOs, journalism, and business.