Develop your linguistic competence in both French and Spanish as well as intercultural awareness, together with in-depth knowledge and understanding of aspects of the cultures, communities and societies.

The study of French and Spanish speaking countries and societies is combined with politics to allow students to evaluate political concepts in intercultural settings related to the countries where the languages studied are spoken.

The Major/Minor combination is well integrated and designed for students who wish to work in a range of careers or pursue further studies within an international business and management context or related to international institutions.

It is designed to develop key competencies in speaking, listening, writing and reading the language studied, and to enhance communication skills in a variety of situations through interactively using the language in classes, language laboratory and in other forms including IT, internet and media. Languages are taught at Intermediate Level (stages 3-6) and Advanced Level (stages 5–8).

Students can enter the programme with knowledge of just one of the two languages (French or Spanish) as long as they are in possession of a good A-level or equivalent in the language. These students will have to join the programme for a 9-term September start and will follow a fast-track foundation module in the language for which they have no previous knowledge.

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook 

Only non-native speakers of French and Spanish will be accepted onto this programme. Students must meet the university entry requirements for the degree programme and be in possession of a good A Level, or equivalent (CEFR B1/B2) in one of the two languages, i.e. French or Spanish.

Entry requirements:

A Level: BBB-BCC

IB: 30-32

Non-native speakers of English: IELTS overall band score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in both reading and writing.

Students will follow a fast-track foundation module in the language for which they have no previous knowledge during their first term of study.

Flexible entry

We operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admission Team.

Entry requirements

The A-level (or equivalent) requirements for this course are shown in the silver box (above). If you do not meet our minimum requirements at A-level you may be considered for our Foundation Pathway, depending on grades. Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent).

Language minors

Applicants with no previous knowledge of the chosen language must begin in September for a fast-track induction programme. To commence studies in January, applicants must have at least grade ‘C’ GCSE in their chosen language.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.

Mature students

Because of our two-year degree, we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Skype, email or phone.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or email: admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at the University of Buckingham.

• Fee illustration: International students
• Fee illustration: Home students

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.