History and Modern Languages

Typical Offer: A*AA in A Levels (or equivalent)

Required subjects: History, a language (unless proposing to study a language from scratch) 

Submitted written work requirements: see our Written Work webpage 

Admissions assessment: College-registered assessment (the format is different depending on whether you will be studying a language from scratch)

History and Modern Languages (HML) combines the best of both subjects. It offers the opportunity to develop near native-speaker skills in a foreign language while studying a range of papers relating to the culture and history of the relevant language area; options in some languages also include film and contemporary politics. Students will develop analytical skills in History through a wide range of topics in British, European, American and World history, as well as the history of political thought. There will be opportunities to work with historical sources in foreign languages. As for other language students, those who take this course will spend their third year studying or working abroad, thereby immersing themselves in the language, culture, history and politics of a foreign country. Currently, the languages available for study are as follows: German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish can be learnt from scratch, or French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish can be studied  post-A-Level (or equivalent). 

Both faculties are regarded worldwide as leaders in their respective fields. The History Faculty  is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and is consistently ranked as the best in research and teaching assessments, with internationally recognised experts in all relevant fields of study. The Modern Languages Faculty is the largest in the United Kingdom and also consistently rated as one of the best, offering an unrivaled range of courses taught by leading scholars. The library resources in Cambridge, which support teaching and research in both Faculties, are world-class; the University also has extensive collections of films in all relevant languages.

For more information about the HML course at Cambridge, visit the University website.

We have excellent teaching provision in modern languages. The college's Directors of Studies are Dr John David Rhodes, who works on European Film in the Italian Department; and Prof Emma Wilson, professor in contemporary French literature and film. Dr Rhodes’ and Prof Wilson’s presence at Corpus make the college especially strong in the study of modern European literature and culture, with an emphasis on film and the visual arts. The college makes arrangements for tuition in all languages, and students are actively guided to pursue study in all periods of European literature, according to their interests.

Like all other colleges, only a limited number of languages and specialities are represented within our own Fellowship, but one of the attractions of modern language studies is the contact-time with a range of teachers at different colleges. Furthermore, the College employs a French lectrice, and native speakers are engaged for conversation practice. Generous travel grants are available for studies undertaken during the vacation periods. These factors make Corpus an intimate and supportive but also dynamic and expansive college in which to study Modern Languages.

There are also active subject socities in History and Modern and Medieval Languages, and HML students are invited to participate in both. 

Through the application process we try to assess linguistic aptitude as well as historical, literary and cultural interests and general motivation. We are looking for students with a sincere interest in the languages they are applying to study, and independent reading and exploration around languages and culture can therefore be hugely beneficial for strengthening an application. Whilst it is not necessary, we encourage students to think about how it is important for them to jointly study History and Modern Languages.

We welcome applications from students who want to study a language from scratch, but we would want to see evidence of linguistic aptitude as well as exploration of the society and culture that you want to study further.  

Candidates who are invited to interview should normally expect two interviews - one in each subject - and should be prepared to discuss their relevant interests and potential directions they may wish to follow.

• First and foremost we encourage students to read widely in their areas of historical interest before making an application.
• Essay competitions are a good way to develop your historical interests and structure your super-curricular reading.
• HE+ Resources - For 6th Form students who want to further their interest in Modern Languages
• The MML Faculty has a list of suggested resources for each language
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian