Modern Languages (Triple Subject) BA (Hons)

Due to the impact of COVID-19 we're changing how the course is delivered.

If you are a good linguist and want to achieve a high level of proficiency in several languages, our flagship multi-language programme will be ideal for you.

This is a 100% Single Honours programme and cannot be studied on a 75%, 50%, or 25% basis; if you would like to focus on one or two of our languages, please see the individual entries for those languages.

Programme in detail

Students following Modern Languages (Triple Subject) study at least two languages from advanced level, plus a third language from beginners’ or advanced level, or they study one language from advanced level and two languages from beginners’ level. You also have the option to start a new beginners’ language in Year Two.

In this programme, you may study French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Italian from beginners’ or A level; and Catalan, Basque and Portuguese can be taken from beginners’ level.* You will learn to speak, listen, read, write and translate to a high level in your chosen languages. There is an emphasis on languages in the context of contemporary culture and society and on their social and professional relevance. In each year of your studies, you will take six language modules (two per language), and choose two optional modules from different language areas.

The programme includes a compulsory Year Abroad split between at least two of your languages. You may spend the time abroad at a university, as an assistant in a school, or on a work placement.

* Please check with central admissions for specific language combinations. Please note if you would like to study ONE of following: Catalan, Basque or Portuguese, then Spanish is also required within your triple language combination. If you are interested in studying Spanish with TWO other Hispanic Studies languages (Catalan, Basque, Portuguese) please apply for Hispanic Studies BA (UCAS code RR45) as this combination is available within Hispanic Studies but not the Modern Languages (Triple Subject) BA degree. If you are interested in studying Chinese from beginners’ level, this must be studied with two other languages at advanced level within the Modern Languages (Triple Subject) BA degree.

Department Key Facts

Number of first year students

124 Year One undergraduates in 2018

UK league tables

Ranked 19th for Modern Languages in the Guardian University Guide 2018

Department resources

The Department has recently moved to a fully-refurbished Grade I listed building in the beautiful Georgian Abercromby Square. We have our own Language Lounge which is stocked with language-learning resources and provides a beautiful and contemplative environment for group work or private study. It has five PCs specialising in language learning programmes. We have our own Modern Language film collection which is available to students for loan.

Research performance

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) graded 72% of our staff publications as world-leading or internationally excellent with the remaining 28% considered to be of recognised international quality. This ranks us above Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Exeter.

Why this subject?

Learn a language the Liverpool way

At Liverpool, you can choose which level to learn at with confidence, knowing we are specialists in teaching languages to all levels. Beginners will benefit from our years of experience in accompanying students in their first steps in their chosen language; advanced students will see their knowledge broadened and deepened.

Access new facilities

Our fully-refurbished Language Lounge is the centre of departmental life. It is a lively place where you can work on your language skills with the aid of online resources, watch foreign-language films, meet someone for a chat in your chosen language or simply settle down with “un espresso”.

Experience our ‘connected’ Liverpool curriculum

Our teaching is informed by partnerships with organisations across and outside the university. As part of your modules, you may visit an exhibition, deliver a language taster in a school, do an internship in one of our partner organisations, or interview a film maker. Our department routinely organises visits by award-winning writers, directors and translators who will share valuable insights into their work and we recently received a University Learning and Teaching award for enriching the experience of students in and beyond the classroom.

Broaden your understanding of language and culture with a year abroad

You’ll spend your third year teaching English, attending university, completing a work placement or working for a non-government organisation (NGO) in one or more countries relevant to the language or languages you are studying. A reduced fee is payable for the year which you spend abroad. If you are studying two languages you will normally split the year between two countries.

Higher than average salaries

Did you know that the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) say that students who study abroad as part of their studies are more likely to be in further education or employment six months after graduating and to earn higher than average salaries, and that they are more likely to graduate with a 2.1 or First Class degree?