This joint honours course observes the study of language, literature, and linguistics through the lens of challenging philosophical and theoretical issues, which make Philosophy and Modern Languages one of the many stimulating degree combinations involving Modern Languages.

Pembroke is one of the larger language colleges both in terms of tutors and students, with a wide range of language options including French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Modern Greek.Our key tutors in Modern Languages are Dr Tim Farrant, Tutorial Fellow in French with research interests in 19th century French literature and culture, and Professor Guido Bonsaver, Tutorial Fellow in Italian who specialises in 20th century Italian culture and the relationship between political history and narrative. We also have two tutorial fellows in Philosophy; Professor Guy Kahane, whose primary research focus is on theoretical and applied ethics and human morality, and Professor James Read, whose research interests lie primarily in the philosophy of physics, and the foundations of space-time theories.

Due to the wide variety of philosophy joint schools offered at Pembroke, the philosophy community within College is particularly extensive, offering students the opportunity to benefit from a broad range of perspectives. Our strong focus on joint schools also means that our tutors from different disciplines will work closely together throughout the course of your degree, to deliver a collaborative and enriching academic experience.

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 benefit greatly 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.

In addition, the philosophy team organises a talk from a prominent philosopher once per term and there is a reading group which meets regularly.

Could you become a Philosophy and Modern Languages student at Pembroke?

A keen interest in and motivation for discovering other languages, literatures and cultures, coupled with a solid grounding in the grammar, vocabulary and expression of languages already studied. For Philosophy, reasoning skills are crucial, along with the ability to engage in structured arguments.

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!

Looking for single honours courses?

Find more information on our Modern Languages course here.

Have you considered our other joint courses?

Modern Languages can be chosen as a singular subject. In addition, both Modern Languages and Philosophy can be studied as part of other joint disciplines, such as English & Modern Languages,  European & Middle Eastern Languages, History & Modern Languages Maths & Philosophy, Modern Languages & Linguistics, Philosophy & Theology, PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) Physics & Philosophy, and PPL (Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics).