English and Modern Languages

English and modern languages is a combination that develops two of the most powerful intellectual tools available in the humanities: the ability to read and think about literature with depth and precision, and the capacity to communicate fluently in more than one language. English literature brings you into contact with the full range of written expression in the language, from medieval poetry to contemporary fiction, developing your interpretive, analytical, and argumentative skills. Modern languages extends your reach across linguistic and cultural borders, opening access to literature, film, philosophy, and everyday life in another language and society.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, making it particularly well structured for students who want professional and international experience alongside their academic studies. The year abroad is a central feature of modern language degrees, giving you a sustained period of immersion in the culture and language you are studying. Exeter has strong languages provision and a research-active English faculty, and the programme benefits from engagement with both intellectual communities.

You will engage with literary texts in English and in your chosen modern language, develop your reading, speaking, and writing skills in the language, and study cultural and historical contexts alongside literary analysis.

You will develop skills in close reading, critical and comparative analysis, translation, and the construction of sustained written arguments. The combination of literary training and linguistic competence makes you effective both as a reader and as a communicator across languages and cultures.

Graduates from English and modern languages programmes pursue careers in publishing, education, journalism, translation and interpreting, diplomacy, international business, arts administration, the civil service, and a wide range of other fields. The combination of analytical writing skills and language competence is valued by many employers. Postgraduate study in literature, translation, linguistics, or education is a natural continuation, and teacher training in English or modern languages is a well-established route for those who want to work in secondary education.