Modern language courses as part of an undergraduate degree

Most undergraduate degree programmes outside of the Language Centre allow students to take an option.

We have a range of modern language courses that you can take as part of your degree programme. Not all programmes allow this so check your degree regulations.

Modern language degree courses

As individuals and societies from across the world are becoming more socially, politically and economically interconnected, the likelihood of meeting and working with people whose first language is not English increases.

The learning of ‘other’ languages will lead to a more in-depth understanding of ‘other’ societies and cultures and of the diversity and multiplicity of today’s globalised societies.

To truly comprehend and appreciate other cultures and societies, it is necessary to understand what their people are talking and writing about.

Our courses are designed to give language learners knowledge of the language they are studying and of the societies and countries where these languages are spoken.


  • You will need approval from the Teacher Responsible to take a modern language degree course if you are not a Language Centre BSc student.
  • Please review the detailed course guides for our FrenchGermanSpanishRussian and Mandarin modern language degree courses.

  • Then you can start the approval process hereNB: access to this form is only possible when logged into your LSE account.

Did you know that you can receive a language specialism attached to your degree certificate and transcript?

      • You will need to check your degree regulations to see if this is possible on your programme.
      • You will need to take and pass at least one language course in each year of their degree.
      • You must take all courses in the same language (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin or Russian).
      • The three courses must also be consecutively harder in level.
      • Degree certificates which include a language specialism will state the language in the title, for example: BSc in International Relations with French.
      • Your home Department can give you more information on how you can take advantage of this opportunity.