Philosophy and Modern Languages

About the course

Philosophy and Modern Languages brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding language, literature and ideas.

The study of philosophy develops analytical rigour and the ability to criticise and reason logically. It allows you to apply these skills to questions ranging from how we acquire knowledge and form moral judgements to the nature of language, art and literature. Since many works of literature are shaped by the dominant philosophical ideas of their epoch, study of philosophy can illuminate that intellectual background.

The study of a modern European language develops analytical and critical abilities as well as highly competent linguistic skills. Studying the literature written in that language contributes to an understanding of many aspects of European culture. This enables students to develop attention to:

• stylistic and terminological detail
• rhetorical strategies
• and sensitivity to cultural and historical context

These skills are all of great value to the study of philosophy. 

Studying these two disciplines in parallel has numerous advantages and affords students greater insights into each.

The Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy department in the UK, and one of the largest in the world. We admit around 450 undergraduates annually to read the various degrees involving Philosophy. Many faculty members have a worldwide reputation and our library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country.

Oxford’s Modern Languages Faculty is also the largest in the country, with a total intake of more than 250 students a year, including those reading joint degrees. The Taylor Institution is the biggest modern languages research library in the UK. The Modern Languages Faculty also has an undergraduate lending library, and students are able to take advantage of the well-equipped Language Centre. 

International opportunities

Modern Languages students spend a compulsory year abroad, usually in the third year. Opportunities for the year abroad include (but aren't restricted to):

• working as a paid language assistant in a school
• undertaking an internship
• and/or studying at a University

These opportunities all provide valuable experiences for improving language competence.

The University is working with European partners to maintain the opportunities available to its students post-Brexit. University exchanges, language assistantships and work placements continue to be available as opportunities for your year abroad. 

In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to a course’s requirements for international study. Students who consider that they may be affected are asked to contact their department for advice.

Funding during the year abroad

Some year abroad activities provide a salary, and other year-abroad funding is available from a variety of sources. Actual costs (such as course fees) and living costs will vary depending on the destination and the activity undertaken.

Some of the costs relating to year abroad activity may be subject to variation in the post-Brexit era. Visit the dedicated Study Abroad page for the latest information. You will need to pay for living costs during the year abroad, including accommodation and travel expenses, and there may be costs relating to visa requirements for travel.

UK students from lower-income households with means-tested assessments will remain eligible for Oxford’s generous bursary provision. Travel grants may be available through your college and/or the Modern Languages Faculty.

For students who experience particular difficulties related to their year abroad, some hardship funds are also available from the Faculty. For UK students with a shortfall in their finances, the University’s Student Support Fund can also provide additional assistance.

'My one-to-one tutorials gave me the tools and confidence to analyse and question accepted knowledge, perspectives and structures. These skills have transferred to a variety of roles since graduating, enabling me to challenge and improve my performance and that of others. The reflex of continuous learning that my degree instilled in me has helped me adapt to different sectors – from oil and gas to international development – and navigate across diverse cultures on the four continents where I’ve worked.' Samuel

Unistats information

Discover Uni course data provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Oxford for a particular undergraduate course.

Please select 'see course data' to view the full Unistats data for each of our language courses.

Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small. 

Visit the Studying at Oxford section of this page for a more general insight into what studying here is likely to be like.

Academic requirements 

Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.

View further information on how we use contextual data.

Subject requirements

For English and Modern Languages with a post-A-level (or equivalent) language

For Philosophy and Modern Languages with a beginners’ language:

Candidates may apply to study Philosophy with one of these languages from scratch:

• Czech
• German
• Italian
• Modern Greek
• Portuguese.

Please note there are different course codes for these languages, depending on whether you are applying with an A-level or equivalent in the relevant language, or if you are applying for a beginners’ course.

Candidates are not required to have any experience of studying Philosophy though some background reading is highly recommended. 

Applying

All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown on our Applying to Oxford pages.

The following information gives specific details for students applying for this course.

Admissions tests

All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT) as part of their application. All candidates will take the Philosophy section of the MLAT, and the section for their chosen language (if applying to study the language post-A-level or equivalent).

All the information you need to arrange to take your test as well as how best to prepare can be found on your test page.

Written work

You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course. Written work was previously required for Modern Languages, however this is no longer the case for 2026 entry.

What are tutors looking for?

At interview, tutors will be looking for interest in the proposed fields of study, relevant linguistic ability, a critical and analytical response to questions and/or texts and the ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument. 

Visit the Philosophy website and the Modern Languages website for further information about the selection criteria for this course.

Fees

Additional Fees and Charges Information for Philosophy and Modern Languages