In recent years history has experienced a ‘linguistic turn’ while literary studies have undergone a ‘historical turn’, making this combination of subjects stronger than ever. Knowledge of the past contextualises literary artefacts, while the forensic literary skills of the linguist are vital for interrogating historical documents. Historians have to be aware of genre, plot and rhetorical techniques in the creation both of their sources and their own arguments, while linguists need to appreciate the social and political concerns that are woven into literary works. This degree brings these two skill sets together.

Oxford has a long and enduring commitment to the teaching of European history and European languages, leading to a particularly rich environment in terms of staff expertise, library resources, language training and overseas contacts. The fullness and variety of the curriculum means that students can combine papers from the two faculties in stimulating ways. The two parts come together most directly in a bridge essay, where students can make their own innovative contributions.

HML Careers

Employers value language skills combined with the many transferable skills of a History and Modern Languages degree.

Recent graduates from this course are employed in international institutions such as the UN and the EU, by NGOs as well as by national governments. They work in the media, publishing, law, banking, consultancy, teaching, research, commercial industry and many other sectors.

Matthew, now an investment manager, says: ‘I enjoyed the sheer variety and choice of a History and Modern Languages degree. I benefit hugely in my professional life from the skills I learned from historical argument and literary criticism, not to mention the ability to speak French. Every time I tell my clients how politics and financial markets might affect their investments, I draw on the analytical and presentational skills I acquired at Oxford.’

Related courses

Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other History courses, other Modern Languages courses or History of Art.

International opportunities

History and Modern Languages is a four-year course with a compulsory year abroad in your third year. Please see Modern Languages for further information. Students are encouraged to travel and speak their specialist language in the vacations, and travel grants and scholarships may be available to assist.

A typical weekly timetable

Your week’s work will include:

•  tutorials in history and in the literature and culture of the language you study
• language classes involving different skills, e.g. translation, oral and grammar
• about three or four lectures for each subject
• preparing essays for your weekly tutorials.

The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.