History and Modern Languages
A degree in History and Modern Languages is an exciting opportunity to explore language, culture, and history across the globe, while developing skills that open a wide range of career possibilities in Oxford University.
This course combines the close literary and linguistic analysis of a modern language with the broader perspectives of historical study. As a student, you will learn to interrogate historical sources with the precision of a linguist, while also using insights from politics, society, and economics to enrich your understanding of literature, film, and culture.
Breadth and Choice
- History: Options range from the late Roman Empire to the present day, covering Britain, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
- Modern Languages: Alongside developing fluency and confidence, you will study literature and thought from the medieval period to the present, as well as twentieth- and twenty-first-century cinema.
Your language study may also extend to post-colonial contexts—anywhere from Algeria to Argentina—with the chance to experience these cultures first-hand during your year abroad.
Interdisciplinary
Throughout the course, you are encouraged to make links between history and modern languages in ways that interest you most. This culminates in a final-year dissertation that brings both disciplines together in an original study of your choice.
A Typical Week
As a History and Modern Languages student, your time will be shared between the Faculties of History and Medieval & Modern Languages and your college.
A typical week will include:
- Tutorials in history and in the literature and culture of your chosen language
- Around 3–4 lectures or classes in each subject
- Language classes focusing on translation, oral skills, and grammar
- Independent study, including preparing essays for weekly tutorials
Most teaching is provided by subject tutors—many of whom are world-leading researchers and experienced teachers. In some cases, postgraduate researchers at doctoral level may also deliver classes.
[Find out more about how the teaching year is structured]
Course Structure
Year 1
Courses:
- History
- European/World history (choose from: 370–900; 1000–1300; 1400–1650; 1815–1914)
- Either a British Isles history period, a historical methods paper, a foreign text, or an optional subject
- Modern Language
- Practical language work (two papers)
- Two literature papers
Assessment:
- First University Examinations: six written papers
Years 2 and 4
(Year 3 is spent abroad)
Courses:
- A period or theme paper in European/World history
- Either:
- A special subject in History (two papers) plus one additional history or literature option, OR
- Three papers chosen from History (British history, further subject, thesis) or Modern Languages (special subjects, prescribed authors, extended essay)
- An optional additional thesis in History
- Practical language work (two papers)
- A period of literature
- A paper chosen from a wide range of options
- A bridge essay (linking History and Modern Languages)
Assessment:
- Final University Examinations:
- 6–9 written papers
- 1–4 submitted essays, including the compulsory bridge essay
- Oral examination in a modern language
Note: The content and format of this course may change in certain circumstances.
Academic Requirements
- A-levels: AAA
- Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 points (including core) with 666 at Higher Level
- Other qualifications: See details on other UK and international qualifications
Grades are always considered in the context in which they were achieved.
Subject Requirements
- Essential (for certain languages):
For History with Czech, French, German, Italian*, Modern Greek*, Portuguese*, Russian or Spanish**, candidates are usually required to have studied that language at:- A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent qualification.
Candidates without these qualifications may still be considered if they have reached at least B1 proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- CEFR is an international standard measuring language ability on a six-point scale (A1–C2).
- If you are unsure of your level, check with your school, exam board, or testing centre.
Note: Some courses allow you to study a Beginners’ language (e.g. History and Beginners’ German). For these, no prior knowledge is required.
- Recommended:
History at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent. - Additional requirements:
- For science A-levels that include a practical component, you will be expected to pass the practical.
- If English is not your first language, you may need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
Applying
All applicants must follow the standard Oxford application procedure (see Applying to Oxford pages). Below are the course-specific requirements.
Admissions Test
- Test: Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)
- Date: 24 October 2025
- Registration window: To be confirmed
Most applicants must take the MLAT.
- Exception: If applying for History and Modern Languages with a Beginners’ Language, you do not need to sit the MLAT.
Full details about registration and preparation are available on the [MLAT test page].
There is no admissions test for History in 2025.
Written Work
- Requirement: Please check the [written work requirements for History].
- Note: Written work is no longer required for Modern Languages (from 2026 entry).
- Deadline: 10 November 2025
- Guidance: General advice and the cover sheet can be found on the [Written Work page].
Careers
A degree in History and Modern Languages equips graduates with sought-after skills in:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
- Interpretation
- Analysis
- Persuasive argument
These skills make graduates highly employable across many fields. Language proficiency also enables international careers, whether working abroad or with multilingual clients.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- International organisations (e.g., the UN)
- Charities and NGOs
- National governments
- Media, publishing, and law
- Banking and consultancy
- Teaching and academic research
- Commercial and creative industries
Alumni perspective – Matthew, Investment Manager:
“I enjoyed the sheer variety and choice of a History and Modern Languages degree. I benefit hugely in my professional life from the skills I learned from historical argument and literary criticism, not to mention the ability to speak French. Every time I tell my clients how politics and financial markets might affect their investments, I draw on the analytical and presentational skills I acquired at Oxford.”
Fees
For full-time Home undergraduate students, Oxford charges tuition fees at the level of the government-set cap.
- For the academic year 2025/26, the cap is £9,535, and this has been used as the guide annual course fee for students starting in 2026.
- The government will confirm final fee levels for 2026 entry in due course.
- Tuition fees usually increase annually—see our guidance on [likely increases to fees and charges].
Annual Course Fees (2026 entry)
- Home (UK, Irish nationals, and eligible students): £9,535
- Overseas students: £43,600
For more details about eligibility, see the [Fee Status webpage].
For general guidance, visit the [Course Website ].
Living Costs
Living costs at Oxford are often lower than expected, thanks to the support of colleges and access to world-class resources.
- Estimated monthly living costs (2026 entry): £1,405 – £2,105
- The academic year consists of three eight-week terms, so most students spend just over six months in Oxford.
- However, you may want to budget for a nine-month period to cover essential expenses during holiday periods.
Financial Support
Home students
- A tuition fee loan is available from the UK government to cover fees in full for eligible students undertaking their first undergraduate degree. This means you do not need to pay course fees upfront.
- From 2026, Oxford will offer one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK for Home students with a family income of £50,000 or less, with additional support for those from households with incomes of £32,500 or less.
- Living costs support is also available from the UK government for eligible Home students and those with settled status who meet the residence requirements.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are eligible for student finance if they have UK citizens’ rights (e.g. pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area). The type of support available depends on residency status.
Islands students
Islands students receive different financial support compared with the rest of the UK. Please consult your funding agency for details:
- [States of Jersey]
- [States of Guernsey]
- [Isle of Man]
Overseas students
Please see the Other Scholarships section on the [Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page] for opportunities.
Year Abroad Fees
Students on a compulsory year abroad currently pay reduced tuition fees to the University.
Indicative example for 2026/27 (subject to confirmation):
- Home students: £1,430 (15% of the UK government fee cap for that year)
- Overseas students: £14,825
Other year abroad costs include:
- Work placement or study-related expenses
- Visa, accommodation, and travel costs (vary by destination)
Some placements may provide a salary. Funding may also be available through:
- The Turing Scheme (living cost grants, enhanced support for disadvantaged students)
- Oxford’s bursaries for lower-income households
- Travel grants and hardship funds via colleges, faculties, or the University
Students on approved exchanges under the Turing Scheme do not pay tuition fees to the host institution. For placements outside the scheme, you may need to pay local tuition fees or charges.
Find the latest updates on the [Oxford Turing Scheme webpage].
Course Data
Click on each course option below to view subject-specific details 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 |
Conclusion
Oxford’s History and Modern Languages degree is more than a course—it’s a chance to master languages, explore diverse cultures, and deepen your understanding of global history. If you’re ready to study History and Modern Languages at Oxford, apply now and start a transformative journey that opens doors to academic excellence and international careers.