Music and a Modern Language (BA)

The BA Music and a Modern Language programme is a 4-year degree that combines language, creative, and practical skills, opening doors to various career paths.

Subject Areas

• Modern languages and translation
• Music

UCAS Code

R753

Next Intake

September 2026

Duration

4 years

Mode

Full-time with a year abroad

Why Study This Course

This programme allows students to develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, fostering resilience and independence through immersive foreign language contexts. Students can choose from three languages: French, Spanish, or Chinese. The programme includes a dynamic experience with blended learning and digital technologies, extra-curricular activities supporting language learning and cultural immersion, and the opportunity to spend the third year studying or working in a country where the chosen language is spoken.

Entry Requirements

The university accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements. Typical offers include:

• ABB-BBC at A-level, including grade B in Music
• 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects at International Baccalaureate, including grade 5 in HL Music
• BTEC qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis
• GCSE English or Welsh at grade C/4 or equivalent
• Grade 8 Music Practical in an instrument or voice

English Language Requirements

For international students, English language requirements include:

• GCSE English Language at grade C/4
• IELTS (academic) with at least 6.5 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill
• TOEFL iBT with at least 90 overall and a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking
• PTE Academic with at least 69 overall and a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills
• Trinity ISE II/III with at least two Distinctions and two Merits (II) or a Pass in all components (III)

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Tuition fees depend on the student's fee status. For home students, the fee is Ł9,535 per year, with a reduced fee of Ł1,430 for the year abroad. For overseas students, the fee is Ł24,700 per year, with a reduced fee of Ł3,705 for the year abroad.

Course Structure

This 4-year degree programme is structured to enable students to develop language and musical competencies and skills. The programme includes:

• Year 1: 60 credits of music modules and 60 credits of language and cultural modules
• Year 2: 30 credits of modern languages and 90 credits of music modules
• Year 3: A year abroad, spent studying or working in a country where the chosen language is spoken
• Year 4: 30 credits of Advanced language modules, 30 credits of optional modules from the language side, and 60 credits from the School of Music

Year One Modules

• Spanish Upper Elementary (30 credits)
• Spanish Elementary (30 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese Upper Elementary (30 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese Elementary (30 credits)
• French Upper Elementary (30 credits)
• French Elementary (30 credits)
• Introduction to Hispanic Studies (30 credits)
• Introduction to Chinese Studies (30 credits)
• Introduction to French and Francophone Studies (30 credits)
• Composition 1A (20 credits)
• Techniques in Jazz and Popular Music (20 credits)
• Composition 1B (20 credits)
• Elements of Tonal Theory (20 credits)
• Writing About Music (20 credits)
• Music as Culture (20 credits)
• Case Studies in Music History (20 credits)
• Practical Portfolio I (20 credits)
• Practical Musicianship 1 (20 credits)

Year Two Modules

• Spanish Intermediate (30 credits)
• Spanish Upper Intermediate (30 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese Upper Intermediate (30 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese Intermediate (30 credits)
• French Intermediate (30 credits)
• French Upper Intermediate (30 credits)
• Hispanidad in the World (30 credits)
• The World and Language of Business (Spanish Intermediate) (30 credits)
• The World and Language of Business (Spanish Upper Intermediate) (30 credits)
• The World and Language of Business (Chinese) (30 credits)
• China in the World (30 credits)
• Introduction to Specialised Translation (30 credits)
• Global France: French and Francophone Cultures (30 credits)
• The World and Language of Business (French Intermediate) (30 credits)
• The World and Language of Business (French Upper Intermediate) (30 credits)
• From Palaces to Proms: A History of Performance Practices (20 credits)
• The Business of Music 1 (20 credits)
• Composition 2A (20 credits)
• Formal Functions in the Classical Tradition (20 credits)
• Orchestration (20 credits)
• Reading Film Sound (20 credits)
• Music in France Since 1900 (20 credits)
• Composition 2B (20 credits)
• Studio Techniques 1 (20 credits)
• The Business of Music 2 (20 credits)
• Practical Portfolio 2 (20 credits)
• Practical Musicianship 2 (20 credits)

Year Three: Sandwich Year

The third year is spent in a foreign language-speaking country, enabling students to develop their language skills, deepen their understanding of the culture, and develop independence, resourcefulness, and resilience. There are three options for the year abroad:

1. Studying in institutions in cities in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
2. A teaching placement on a scheme run by the British Council.
3. A work placement with an organisation or company in the modern language-speaking world.

Year Four Modules

• Spanish Advanced (30 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese Advanced (30 credits)
• French Advanced (30 credits)
• Final Year Dissertation - Spanish (in Spanish) (30 credits)
• Final Year Dissertation - Spanish (in English/Welsh) (30 credits)
• Revolutionaries & Nationalists in Spain (30 credits)
• Specialised Chinese (30 credits)
• Sinophone Cultures: Hong Kong, Taiwan & Chinese Diasporas (30 credits)
• Final Year Dissertation Chinese (in English/Welsh) (30 credits)
• Culture, Political Protest & Dissent in the 1960s (30 credits)
• European Cinema: Thinking the Real of Fiction (30 credits)
• Student Teaching Module (30 credits)
• Global Narratives of Colonialism, Slavery & Their Legacies (30 credits)
• Final Year Dissertation - French (in French) (30 credits)
• The French Avant-Garde: From Art to Revolution (30 credits)
• Final Year Dissertation French (in English/Welsh) (30 credits)
• Ensemble (20 credits)
• Jazz, Culture and Politics (20 credits)
• Studio Techniques 2 (20 credits)
• Beethoven: Style, Form and Culture (20 credits)
• Practical Portfolio 3 (20 credits)
• Practical Musicianship 3 (20 credits)
• Composition 3 (40 credits)

Learning and Assessment

The programme employs a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, language classes, and workshops. Assessments are designed to support students in developing their ideas, skills, and competencies, using traditional formats like essays, exams, and presentations, as well as more innovative forms like vlogs, podcasts, and poster presentations.

Careers

Graduates of the BA Music and a Modern Language programme go on to secure excellent careers in various fields, including international diplomacy, the Civil Service, teaching, business, professional orchestras, heritage organisations, museums, arts organisations, charities, and publishing. The programme includes placement learning as an integral element, and students can also undertake On-Campus Internships or the Student Language Ambassador scheme to enhance their employability and career prospects.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Study:

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Other:

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