BA/HML (VR18)
The History and Modern Languages course provides insight into the cultures of other countries, and understanding of the past and present in international contexts. This exciting four-year Honours degree, offered jointly by the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics and the Faculty of History, encompasses intensive study in language, culture, film, as well as a wide variety of British, European and world history. Like other language students, you spend the third year abroad – studying or working in a foreign country, and immersing yourself in the language, culture and history. History courses allow you to develop critical skills in analysis, research, presentation, and writing.
When you graduate, you’ll have near native-speaker skills in your language and a deep knowledge and understanding of the regions in which that language is used. You’ll also have a deep immersion in the discipline and craft of history and a deep understanding of the many forces that have shaped the past and present.
See the course entry in the prospectus
Careers
Graduates will possess skills that will appeal to a wide range of employers. You'll have gained written and verbal fluency in a second language and experience of living abroad; which are highly sought-after transferrable skills. You will possess a wide-ranging knowledge of history, European and beyond, as well as a range of skills in reading critically, dealing with information, working independently and with others, and speaking and writing with clarity.
Note on applications:
Students applying for joint honours courses may be offered places for single honours courses after interview.
Course structure
The course lasts four years and is split into three Parts: Part IA in the first year, Part IB in the second year, and Part II in years three and four.
| Year | Part | Content (For 2022 starters) |
|---|---|---|
| One | Part IA | During the first year you will enhance your written and spoken language skills and study a related course (normally an introduction to the literature, thought and history of the relevant country). You will also choose one ‘Outline’ course from History Part IA, which will introduce you to broad themes within a substantial historical period. You will also study the ‘Historical Thinking IA’ course, which investigates how historians work. |
| Two | Part IB | In your second year you continue your advanced language study and take three further courses. The latter comprise a further course related to your language, and a History ‘Topic’ course, plus either an additional MMLL paper or the History IB ‘Research Project’. The latter familiarises you with the research methods of a well-defined historical field, and allows you to carry out a small piece of independent research. |
| Three | Part II | The two-year Part II comprises a Year Abroad and a final year of study in Cambridge. The Year Abroad gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, culture and politics of your chosen language area. During this year, you will also prepare a Year Abroad Project which will cover the culture, thought, history or politics of the country in which you are spending your time. |
| Four | Part II | At the start of your final year you take an Advanced Oral examination. You will study advanced language courses in your chosen language and three other advanced courses from a wide range offered by both Faculties. You have the option of submitting a 10,000 word dissertation, drawing on your linguistic and historical skills, in place of one of these papers. |
