Modern Languages and Music BA (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 3.9) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
academic-cap
Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

location-pin
Location

Main Site

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECTED

Subjects

Select a subject


Music
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


A level
SELECTED

Scottish Higher
SELECT

Scottish Advanced Higher
SELECT

Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
SELECT

Location

Select student location


England
SELECTED

Scotland
SELECT

Wales
SELECT

Northern Ireland
SELECT

Channel Islands
SELECT

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

This Joint Honours course will provide you with a solid grounding in the practical and theoretical study of Music, and give you the opportunity to gain fluency in the language of your choice - French, German, Italian or Spanish.Whether you start at beginners’, advanced or native-speaker level, you will study the core language components for the language you have chosen, gaining skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening. All our teaching is led by native speakers.The remainder of your ...Read more

This Joint Honours course will provide you with a solid grounding in the practical and theoretical study of Music, and give you the opportunity to gain fluency in the language of your choice - French, German, Italian or Spanish.Whether you start at beginners’, advanced or native-speaker level, you will study the core language components for the language you have chosen, gaining skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening. All our teaching is led by native speakers.The remainder of your modern languages study will give you an opportunity to explore the literature, art, culture and history of the language area you are studying, from seventeenth-century French theatre to representations of childhood and youth in German culture, and from Italian fashion and design to visual arts from all the corners of the Spanish-speaking world. As a modern linguist, you will develop excellent communication and research skills, and combine lingusitic proficiency with cross-cultural perspectives.In your third year you will have the opportunity to spend a year working, teaching or studying abroad, where you will immerse yourself in another language and culture, truly broadening your horizons in the process.- On graduation you will have language and analytical skills in a modern language together with additional knowledge of culture, society and history, culture and society that will give you a valuable competitive edge in an increasingly globalised world.- Our research staff are engaged in research at the highest level internationally; we are in the top 10 of UK Modern Language departments for research quality and the top in London (Research Assessment Exercise 2014).Studying Music at Royal Holloway allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests and passions. Our Department of Music is among the very best in the country, ranked third in the UK for research quality (REF 2014) and the only one to hold a prestigious Regius Professorship.You will explore themes spanning traditional, modern and world music. Through studying musical texts, practices, cultures and institutions, you will examine issues in history, sociology, ethnology, and philosophy, covering an exceptional geographical and chronological range. You will also gain practical skills in composition, music technology and performance.- You will have access to well-equipped studios and recording facilities as well as incredible performance spaces including the Windsor Auditorium, Boilerhouse Theatre, Victorian Picture Gallery and College Chapel.- Our well connected department means you have the opportunity to make valuable music industry contacts. Our staff are connected with musical networks such Wigmore Hall, the BBC Proms, Royal Opera House.In the event of a no-deal Brexit, we will commit to providing 2019 and 2020 entry students with a subsidy equivalent to current Erasmus+ funding (where this would have previously been funded by the Erasmus+ scheme). To find out more visit the Erasmus+ page.- Choose beginners’, advanced or native-speaker level French, German, Spanish or Italian.- The opportunity to take music modules that reflect your language study.- Spend your year abroad improving your fluency.- Research a special study thesis combining your music and language skills.- Choral, organ, orchestral and music scholarships.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
100/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
10th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
38th
Music
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 86 = 14% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
14%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
95%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Music graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Music graduate salary
£19,000
Others in Language and Area Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Others in Language and Area Studies graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Others in Language and Area Studies graduate salary
£21,000
What students say
H
Hannah
28 Oct 22

The campus is super small and cozy which makes it feel so comfortable! Everything is super close together and you will probably bump into people you know on campus most days . The..Read more

M
Martyna
28 Oct 22

I really enjoy the diversity of subjects and consistent support from lecturers. I would appreciate more places for..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBB - ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AABBB Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

BBB - ABB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:27,M:18 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF):

DDD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required.Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant’s education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.Required: Music A-Level or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory.Applicants without A-level in Music or pass in Grade 7 Music Theory may be eligible for the Intensive Theory entry. This requires Music GCSE grade A/7 or equivalent, plus performance at Grade 7 level. In term 1 you will be required to take Fundamentals of Music Theory, an intensive music literacy course.Students wishing to take Solo Performance options will need to be of Grade 8 level in performance at point of entry.French is not compulsory at A level but if it is taken grade B is required.

Including Music or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory at Pass plus Grade 7 practical.

including Music or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory plus Grade 7 practical.

Pass with at least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction, and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit, plus evidence of A-Level standard Music proficiency grade A equivalent or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory at Pass plus Grade 7 practical. The Access to Higher Education Diploma is only acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

6,5,5 at Higher Level including Music at Higher Level or Grade 7 Music Theory with a minimum of 32 points overall plus Grade 7 practical.

H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 at Higher Level, including Music at Higher Level, or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory plus Grade 7 practical.

BTEC must be in a relevant subject and A-Level Grade B in Music plus Grade 7 practical.

BTEC must be in a relevant subject and pass Grade 7 in Music Theory plus Grade 7 practical.

BTEC must be in a relevant subject, plus A-Level Grade B in Music and Grade 7 practical.

Plus A-Level grade BB including Music plus Grade 7 practical.

BTEC must be in a relevant subject and pass Grade 7 in Music Theory plus Grade 7 practical.

Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

Popular A-level subjects

Others in Language and Area Studies

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

English Literature
62%
History
37%
Art & Design
16%
Spanish
15%
Religious Studies & Theology
14%
HESA
Music

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Music
92%
Mathematics
29%
English Literature
27%
History
19%
Drama
17%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,500 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27,500 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£27500 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Modern Languages reviews

Modern Languages
Modern Languages
Music Studies
H
Hannah
28 Oct 22
Modern Languages and History BA (Hons)
The campus is super small and cozy which makes it feel so comfortable! Everything is super close together and you will probably bump into people you know on campus most days . The...
Read more
M
Martyna
28 Oct 22
Modern Languages BA (Hons)
I really enjoy the diversity of subjects and consistent support from lecturers. I would appreciate more places for...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Modern Languages students rated:

Student rating
( 3.6) 5 reviews
5 star
20%
4 stars
20%
3 stars
60%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 3.9) 655 reviews
5 star
21%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
22%
2 stars
2%
1 star
1%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London , Egham

Part of the University of London, Royal Holloway was founded over 170 years ago and today offers world-class teaching and research....

Student rating
( 3.9) View reviews
CUG ranking
38th
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University Of London Egham Hill Egham Surrey TW20 0EX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Egham  0.6 miles away

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate