Studying for a language degree at Oxford is a challenging and enjoyable experience. As well as acquiring fluency in the spoken and written forms, you will be introduced to European thought and literature. You can choose from an unusually wide range of language combinations or you can opt to study a language with another subject such as English, Classics, History, Linguistics, Middle Eastern languages or Philosophy.
A language degree can open doors to exciting careers, as Bridget Kendall, Diplomatic Correspondent for the BBC, found out:
I feel very strongly that language learning at school and university level should get as much support as possible. Whenever I speak to sixth-formers they always ask: ‘How can I get in to journalism?’ I always reply with complete truthfulness that I would not be where I am now if I had not studied Modern Languages, and especially an unusual language like Russian. My years at Oxford learning Russian led to an unprecedented worldwide Webcast the BBC took part in with President Putin in the Kremlin. In part because of my Russian, I was asked to be the BBC’s representative. Never all that time ago in Oxford, would I ever have thought my language studies would lead to the chance to sit next to the Russian President in the Kremlin, questioning him in Russian, live, in front of a worldwide audience. A very good reason to master those irregular verbs!
Find out more about studying languages at Oxford through these links:
Prospectus
The Modern Languages prospectus for undergraduates is available by clicking here.
A general prospectus for undergraduates is available from the University Admissions website.
For detailed course information, please see the undergraduate handbooks. Please note that the handbooks are designed for use by current students, and that courses may be subject to change in subsequent years.
