Why Pembroke?

English and Modern Languages is a highly rewarding degree that is both intellectually stimulating and demanding. You can study English and one of the following modern foreign languages (and its literature): French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or Modern Greek. There is usually a year abroad, offering you the opportunity to practice your language skills, as well as experiencing another culture first-hand.

We have a number of tutors and lecturers in both English and Modern Languages.  Our Tutorial Fellows in English are Professor Lynda Mugglestone, whose expertise centres on the social and cultural history of English (and its representation), and Dr Ushashi Dasgupta, whose research interests include nineteenth-century fiction and the relationship between literature and place. 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 modern Italian culture and, in particular, on the relationship between politics, film and literature.

At Pembroke, we have a strong focus on joint degrees, with tutors from multiple disciplines working closely together to ensure that you get the most out of your university experience. We are one of the largest colleges for languages, and are proud to offer an unusually wide range of languages and expertise. This degree will equip you with analytical and writing skills that are readily transferable into many professions.

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?

Our English society meets twice a term, and includes activities ranging from film screenings to talks from external speakers or graduate students. Pembroke also has dedicated Modern Languages subject reps who organise social events each term and act as an academic and pastoral interface.

The strong cohort of students on both courses, as well as those studying courses on a number of other joint schools associated with English and Modern Languages, provide plentiful opportunities to meet many students with a range of interests and specialities.

Could you become an English and Modern Languages student at Pembroke?

Students studying this course need to have a keen interest in and motivation for discovering other languages, literatures and cultures, and 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!

Looking for single honours courses?

You can find our English course here and Modern Languages course here.

Have you considered our other joint courses?

Both English and Modern Languages can be taken in a variety of course combinations, including History and English, Modern Languages and Linguistics, European and Middle Eastern Languages, Philosophy and Modern Languages and History and Modern Languages.