Modern Languages

Why Pembroke?

Studying Modern Languages offers both practical training in written and spoken language, and an extensive introduction to European literature, culture, linguistics and thought. This ranges from the medieval to the contemporary, and embraces both metropolitan and diasporic, colonial and post-colonial European languages and literatures worldwide.

Pembroke is one of the larger language colleges in terms of tutors and students, offering an unusually wide variety of languages. We have Fellows in French and Italian and lecturers in German, Spanish, Portuguese, Modern Greek and Linguistics Our key tutors in Modern Languages are Tim Farrant, Tutorial Fellow in French with research interests in 19th century French literature and culture, and Guido Bonsaver, Tutorial Fellow in Italian who, as a cultural historian,  specialises on the relationship between Modern Italian politics, literature and film.

A language degree from Pembroke teaches far more than ‘just’ communication.  It brings with it the skills taught by other humanities degrees, along with the extra value-added of in-depth knowledge of two or more languages and their literatures, peoples and cultures. Languages graduates are amongst the most employable, along with those in other sought-after subjects like Medicine and Law.

The year abroad

Students of Modern Languages will spend their third year abroad to gain more experience of their chosen language(s), and the culture of a native-speaking environment. The Pembroke tutors can give advice on planning this year away, and there are some particular exchange programmes available here. Our students spend this time in a wide variety of settings and clearly benefit great from these experiences, returning to their final year in College more confident in their area of study.

What extra activities do we offer?

Modern Languages has a number of dedicated subject reps who organise events throughout the year, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet and socialise with students across multiple linguistic disciplines. These subject reps also act as an academic and pastoral interface for students.

Could you become a Modern Languages student at Pembroke?

Students must have a keen interest in and motivation for discovering other languages, literatures, cultures and mindsets, coupled with a solid grounding in the grammar, vocabulary and expression of languages already studied. Beginners’ language applications are welcome in German, Italian, Modern Greek and Portuguese.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Have you considered our joint honours courses?

Modern Languages is also available to choose as part of a joint honours degree, with options such as History and Modern Languages, English and Modern Languages, Arabic and Middle Eastern Languages, Philosophy and Modern Languages and Modern Languages and Linguistics. Find out more about each of these on their respective course pages.

Modern Languages Course Video

Meet Our Academics

Modern Languages

Why Pembroke?

Studying Modern Languages offers both practical training in written and spoken language, and an extensive introduction to European literature, culture, linguistics and thought. This ranges from the medieval to the contemporary, and embraces both metropolitan and diasporic, colonial and post-colonial European languages and literatures worldwide.

Pembroke is one of the larger language colleges in terms of tutors and students, offering an unusually wide variety of languages. We have Fellows in French and Italian and lecturers in German, Spanish, Portuguese, Modern Greek and Linguistics Our key tutors in Modern Languages are Tim Farrant, Tutorial Fellow in French with research interests in 19th century French literature and culture, and Guido Bonsaver, Tutorial Fellow in Italian who, as a cultural historian,  specialises on the relationship between Modern Italian politics, literature and film.

A language degree from Pembroke teaches far more than ‘just’ communication.  It brings with it the skills taught by other humanities degrees, along with the extra value-added of in-depth knowledge of two or more languages and their literatures, peoples and cultures. Languages graduates are amongst the most employable, along with those in other sought-after subjects like Medicine and Law.

The year abroad

Students of Modern Languages will spend their third year abroad to gain more experience of their chosen language(s), and the culture of a native-speaking environment. The Pembroke tutors can give advice on planning this year away, and there are some particular exchange programmes available here. Our students spend this time in a wide variety of settings and clearly benefit great from these experiences, returning to their final year in College more confident in their area of study.

What extra activities do we offer?

Modern Languages has a number of dedicated subject reps who organise events throughout the year, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet and socialise with students across multiple linguistic disciplines. These subject reps also act as an academic and pastoral interface for students.

Could you become a Modern Languages student at Pembroke?

Students must have a keen interest in and motivation for discovering other languages, literatures, cultures and mindsets, coupled with a solid grounding in the grammar, vocabulary and expression of languages already studied. Beginners’ language applications are welcome in German, Italian, Modern Greek and Portuguese.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Have you considered our joint honours courses?

Modern Languages is also available to choose as part of a joint honours degree, with options such as History and Modern Languages, English and Modern Languages, Arabic and Middle Eastern Languages, Philosophy and Modern Languages and Modern Languages and Linguistics. Find out more about each of these on their respective course pages.

Modern Languages Course Video

Meet Our Academics