History and Modern Languages

The History and Modern Languages degree at Oxford offers an exciting opportunity to study languages, culture, and history across the globe, while developing versatile skills that support a wide range of career paths.

This programme combines in-depth literary and linguistic analysis of a modern language with the broader perspective of historical study. Students learn to examine historical sources with the precision of a linguist, while drawing on insights from politics, society, and economics to deepen their understanding of literature, film, and cultural developments.

Breadth and Choice

History: Students explore a broad chronological and geographical range, from the late Roman Empire to contemporary times. Study covers Britain, Europe, North and Latin America, Africa, and Asia, providing a global perspective on historical developments.

Modern Languages: Alongside building fluency and confidence, students examine literature, ideas, and cultural expression from the medieval period to the modern era. The course also includes analysis of twentieth- and twenty-first-century cinema, offering insights into evolving language, culture, and thought.

Global Contexts and Year Abroad: Language study often extends to post-colonial regions—from Algeria to Argentina—giving students the opportunity to engage directly with these cultures during their year abroad.

Interdisciplinary

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to connect historical study with modern language learning in ways that reflect their personal interests. This exploration reaches its peak in the final-year dissertation, where students undertake an original research project that integrates both disciplines, demonstrating critical analysis, independent thought, and creativity.

Course Overview

UCAS code: Refer to available course combinations
Entrance requirements: AAA
Course duration: 4 years including a year abroad (BA)

Subject Requirements

Required subjects: A modern language relevant to your chosen course
Recommended subjects: History
Helpful subjects: Not specifically required

Other Course Requirements

Admissions test: MLAT (depending on your chosen pathway)
Written work: One submitted piece

Admissions Statistics

Interviewed: 83%
Successful offers: 25%
Annual intake: 19 students
Offers made for another course: 9%
Applicants redirected to another course: 9%

A Typical Week

As a student of History and Modern Languages, your schedule will be split between the History Faculty, the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, and your college.

A typical week usually includes:

Tutorials covering historical topics as well as literature and cultural studies in your chosen language
3–4 lectures or classes in each subject, providing deeper insights and context
Language sessions focusing on grammar, translation, and spoken proficiency
Independent study, including research and essay preparation for weekly tutorials

Teaching is primarily delivered by expert subject tutors, many of whom are internationally recognised researchers and experienced educators. Some sessions may also be led by doctoral-level postgraduate researchers, offering fresh perspectives and specialist guidance.

How to get Oxford University in 2026 Get more info here

Course Structure

Year 1

History

Study European or World history, choosing from key periods such as 370–900, 1000–1300, 1400–1650, or 1815–1914.
Explore either a period of British Isles history, a historical methods paper, a foreign text, or an optional subject.

Modern Languages

Complete practical language work across two papers to develop fluency and communication skills.
Study two literature papers covering texts from different historical periods to enhance cultural and linguistic understanding.

Assessment:

First University Examinations consist of six written papers, evaluating your knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to integrate historical and linguistic insights.

Years 2 and 4

(Year 3 is spent abroad)

Courses:

A period or thematic paper in European or World history.
Either:
- A special subject in History (two papers) plus one additional history or literature option, or
- Three papers selected from History (British history, further subject, thesis) or Modern Languages (special subjects, prescribed authors, extended essay).
An optional additional thesis in History for students wishing to pursue independent research.
Practical language work across two papers to refine fluency and analytical skills.
A literature paper covering your chosen period or author.
A paper from a wide range of optional topics to allow further specialization.
A bridge essay designed to connect insights from both History and Modern Languages in an original study.

Assessment:

Final University Examinations include 6–9 written papers.
1–4 submitted essays, including the mandatory bridge essay.
Oral examination in your chosen modern language to demonstrate linguistic competence.

Note: The exact course content and assessment format may vary depending on specific circumstances or updates from the University.

Academic Requirements

A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA or AAB
International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 points (including core), with 666 at Higher Level
Other qualifications: Equivalent UK and international qualifications are accepted; see Oxford University guidance for details.

Contextual Consideration: All grades are assessed in the context in which they were achieved, taking into account individual circumstances and educational background.

Subject Requirements

Essential (for specific languages):
Applicants taking History with Czech, French, German, Italian*, Modern Greek*, Portuguese*, Russian, or Spanish** are generally expected to have studied that language at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or an equivalent qualification.

Candidates who have not formally studied the language may still be considered if they demonstrate at least B1 proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR measures language ability on a six-level scale from A1 to C2. If you are unsure of your level, consult your school, exam board, or language testing centre.

Note: Some courses allow study of a Beginners’ language (e.g., History and Beginners’ German), in which case no prior knowledge is required.

Recommended:
History at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent qualification.

Additional Requirements:

For science A-levels with a practical component, passing the practical element is required.
Applicants whose first language is not English may need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements.

Applying

All candidates must complete the standard Oxford University application process as detailed on the Applying to Oxford pages.

Course-Specific Guidance:
The following information highlights requirements unique to the History and Modern Languages course, ensuring that applicants understand both academic expectations and procedural steps for a successful application.

Admissions Test

Test: Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)

Test Date: 24 October 2025
Registration Deadline: To be confirmed

Most applicants to History and Modern Languages are required to take the MLAT as part of their application.

Exception: Candidates applying for the course with a Beginners’ Language are exempt from the MLAT.

For detailed guidance on registration, preparation, and test requirements.

Note: There is no separate admissions test for the History component in 2025.

Written Work

Requirement: Applicants should refer to the [written work requirements for History] for guidance.

Note: From 2026 entry, no written work is required for the Modern Languages component.

Deadline: 10 November 2025

Guidance: General advice, including the required cover sheet.

Careers

A degree in History and Modern Languages develops a wide range of highly valued skills, including:

Effective communication
Critical thinking and reasoning
Empathy and cultural awareness
Analytical interpretation of texts and events
Persuasive argumentation

These abilities make graduates attractive to employers across diverse sectors. Strong language skills further open opportunities for international careers, whether working abroad or collaborating with global and multilingual clients.

Career Destinations for Recent Graduates Include:

International organisations such as the United Nations
Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
National and local government roles
Media, publishing, and legal professions
Banking, finance, and consultancy
Teaching, academia, and research
Creative and commercial industries

Alumni Perspective – Matthew, Investment Manager:

“I valued the range of options offered by a History and Modern Languages degree. The skills I gained in historical argument, literary analysis, and language use—particularly French—have been crucial in my professional life. Whether assessing political or financial developments for clients, I draw on the analytical and presentation skills I developed at Oxford.”

Fees

For full-time Home undergraduate students, Oxford sets tuition fees according to the government-established cap.

2025/26 academic year: £9,535, which serves as the guide for students beginning their studies in 2026.
Final confirmation: The government will announce the official fee levels for 2026 entry in due course.
Annual increases: Tuition fees typically rise each year. For guidance on expected changes, see [likely increases to fees and charges].

Annual Course Fees (2026 entry)

Home students (UK, Irish nationals, and other eligible students): £9,535
Overseas students: £43,600

For detailed guidance on eligibility, visit the [Fee Status webpage]. For general course information, refer to the [Course Website].

Living Costs

Living expenses at Oxford may be more manageable than expected, as colleges provide extensive support and access to high-quality resources.

Estimated monthly costs (2026 intake): £1,405 – £2,105
Term structure: The academic year is divided into three eight-week terms, so students typically spend slightly over six months in Oxford.
Budgeting advice: It is recommended to plan for a nine-month budget to ensure you can cover essential expenses during the vacation periods.

Financial Support

Home students

Eligible Home students undertaking their first undergraduate degree can access a UK government tuition fee loan, covering the full cost of their course. This means you do not need to pay fees upfront.

Starting in 2026, Oxford offers one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK, including:

Support for students from households with an annual income of around £50,000 or less.
Additional bursaries for students from households with incomes of £32,500 or less.

The UK government also provides living cost support for eligible Home students and those with settled status who meet residency requirements.

EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals: Students with UK citizens’ rights (e.g., pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area) may also qualify for UK student finance. The type and level of support will depend on individual residency status.

Islands students

Students from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are eligible for financial support that differs from what is available to Home students in the rest of the UK.

For detailed information about the funding you can access, please refer to your local student finance authority:

[States of Jersey]
[States of Guernsey]
[Isle of Man]

This ensures you understand the specific grants, loans, or bursaries available to you before starting your course.

Overseas students

International students looking to study at Oxford can explore a range of financial support options through the University. Detailed information about available scholarships, bursaries, and awards is provided in the Other Scholarships section on the [Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page].

These opportunities can help cover tuition fees, living costs, or specific study-related expenses, making an Oxford education more accessible for students from around the world.

Year Abroad Fees

Students undertaking a compulsory year abroad currently benefit from reduced tuition fees. For 2026/27, indicative fees are:

Home students: £1,430 (approximately 15% of the UK government fee cap)
Overseas students: £14,825

Additional costs may include travel, accommodation, visa requirements, or work placement expenses, which can vary depending on the destination. Some placements may offer a salary, helping offset living expenses.

Financial support is available through various channels:

The Turing Scheme: Grants for living costs and enhanced support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Oxford bursaries: For students from lower-income households
College, faculty, and University funds: Travel grants and hardship support

Students participating in approved Turing Scheme exchanges do not pay tuition fees to the host institution. For other placements, local tuition or fees may apply.

For up-to-date information, see the [Oxford Turing Scheme webpage].

Course Data

Click on each course below to access subject-specific details, entry requirements, and Discover Uni statistics:

Course Option	UCAS Code
History and Beginners’ Czech	VR1R
History and Czech	VR17
History and French	VR11
History and Beginners’ German	RV21
History and German	VR12
History and Beginners’ Modern Greek	VR1X
History and Modern Greek	VQ17
History and Beginners’ Italian	RV31
History and Italian	VR13
History and Beginners’ Portuguese	VR1N
History and Portuguese	VR15
History and Russian	VRC7
History and Spanish	VR14

Each course option combines historical study with language learning, giving students a rich, interdisciplinary experience. Beginners’ courses are designed for students starting a new language, while standard courses assume prior language knowledge.

Conclusion

Oxford’s History and Modern Languages degree offers more than just academic learning—it provides the opportunity to become fluent in modern languages, engage with diverse cultures, and gain a deep understanding of global history. If you are ready to embark on this unique interdisciplinary journey, apply to Oxford and take the first step toward a transformative education that prepares you for both academic success and international career opportunities.