Modern Languages and Music

An undergraduate Modern Languages and Music degree at the University of Birmingham blends language and culture, placing employability at its heart and preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.

Studying an undergraduate modern language from beginner or advanced level (French, German, Spanish or beginner Portuguese) alongside Music is highly complementary and an exciting opportunity to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. At the Univeristy of Birmingham, language is studied through the lens of the target culture's literature, history, politics and society, and through total immersion on the Year Abroad. You can choose from a range of exciting optional modules.

Some combinations we are unable to offer due to timetabling restrictions.

Your Music degree will encompass musicology, performance and composition, with opportunities to specialise in one of these disciplines.

All undergraduate students receive a scholarship for lessons for up to two instruments (including voice) working with tutors at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire or tutors employed directly by the Department of Music, some through the Centre for Early Music Performance and Research.

Why study this course?

You’re seeking a variety of performance opportunities – You will have access to a wide variety of choirs, orchestras, ensembles, music groups and musical theatre organised by the Department of Music, University Music Society and the Guild of Students.

You want world-class teaching facilities – Our newly built, £16 million, Bramall Concert Hall hosts audiences of up to 450 people. Enjoy access to practice rooms and electro-acoustic music studios, as well as a library full of resources from listening booths to manuscript scores and early editions.

You want a degree with real world relevance – Participate in our vocational modules such as Arts Management in Practice, enhancing your professional experience and joining our 100% of undergraduate Music graduates who enter work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).

Join the Modern Languages community – Enhance your skills with a wide range of exciting extracurricular activities, including cultural trips organised by the Modern Languages Society, our multilingual Linguist Magazine, specialist talks, research seminars and additional free languages classes at Languages for All

12th for undergraduate Music in the Complete University Guide 2024

Top 100 for Modern Languages in the QS World Subject Rankings (2024)