Overview
At King’s we offer you a lively and intellectually stimulating home in the heart of London where you will be taught by leading experts. Our Department of English prides itself not only on the range and diversity of the modules we offer - from medieval literature to modern poetry and women’s writing - but also on the diversity of our approaches, from contemporary literary theory to close textual examination and historical scholarship.
In Modern Languages, you will attain a high level of proficiency in speaking, writing and reading the language of your degree, whilst developing your knowledge and critical understanding of its culture and society. Students can take this course either with an A-level (or equivalent) in the degree language, or as a beginner, following a specially-designed language course (known as ‘ab initio’ – ‘from the start’), and our cultural curriculum is innovative and diverse, covering a range of modules in literature, from the medieval period to the contemporary, cultural studies, film studies, politics and history.
You will spend the third year of your four-year degree studying, teaching or working in a French-, German-, Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking country, putting your language learning into practice. For more about the department of English and the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, follow the departmental contact links.
Key benefits
- One of the oldest English departments in the country, with an enduring international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research.
- Our language departments are consistently ranked among the best in the UK and offer our graduates excellent career prospects.
- Central location offers access to Shakespeare’s Globe, the British Library, a variety of cinemas, galleries, theatres, specialist libraries and resources, including the Goethe-Institut and Austrian Cultural Forum, the Institut français,Canning House, Camões Centre for Portuguese Language and Culture, and the Instituto Cervantes, as well as events organised by embassies and other related cultural institutions.
- Graduates develop transferable analytical and communications skills making them highly desirable to employers across a range of sectors.
- Broad range of specialist modules in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, from medieval to contemporary literature as well as politics, history, cultural studies, and film.
- The Year abroad in a French-, German-, Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking country offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and society and attain language fluency. We have exchanges with a wide variety of partner universities across Europe, in Martinique and Quebec, and in Middle and South American countries such as Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
- You can study French, German, Spanish or Portuguese language either post A-level (or equivalent) or with no previous knowledge of the language (ab initio).
Studying at King’s has allowed me to explore my subjects in so much more depth. Not only does the course provide a wide array of topics, such as history, philosophy and cinema, but there are countless opportunities available outside of the course, such as writing for the French and German magazines, or participating in the German play.
Course essentials
Please note: Assessed internship placements are not included as part of this course. However, King’s Careers & Employability can help you to find a range of different work experience options, including internships, placements and shadowing opportunities: kcl.ac.uk/campuslife/services/careers/index.aspx
Course aims
- Studying modern languages at King's means you can draw on unparalleled print, audio-visual and online resources, including the King’s Maughan Library and Senate House Library, the Institute of Languages, Cultures & Societies, the British Film Institute and the British Library. All are within easy walking distance of the Strand Building. The Goethe-Institut, Austrian Cultural Forum, Institut français, Camoes Centre , Instituto Cervantes and Canning House also have extensive media and library holdings, and run lively courses including films, readings, seminars and exhibitions which complement our Departments’ internal film screenings, open seminars, exhibitions, and departmental play.
- London is also a city of music and arts. You will have easy access to London’s endless live music performances at the South Bank arts complex, at the Barbican Centre, at London opera houses. West End Theatres, Cinemas, Art Galleries are all a short walk away.
Special features
Study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAB
Duration:
Four years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
16 September 2025
Administrative bodies
Awarding body
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Base campus
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.