One language plus linguistics
Cambridge says the course offers the chance to master a major modern language alongside the scientific study of linguistics, combining the core elements of its Linguistics and Modern and Medieval Languages courses.
Undergraduate · Cambridge Linguistics and Modern Languages
Cambridge Linguistics and Modern Languages: one language, studied scientifically
Cambridge's Linguistics and Modern Languages course combines the core of two other Cambridge degrees: you study one modern language and the scientific study of language, with a year abroad in the third year and a compulsory dissertation in the fourth. Most languages can be started from scratch; French cannot. Because Cambridge also offers a standalone Linguistics course and a Modern and Medieval Languages course in which every student studies two languages, the useful question is which of three Cambridge routes fits: the language, the linguistics, or both in one.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Cambridge asks for in Linguistics and Modern Languages
Taken from Cambridge's Linguistics and Modern Languages and Linguistics course pages and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Cambridge's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A*AA, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level
The minimum offer level is A*AA at A level, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. Colleges may ask for more.
No specific subjects, except French
Cambridge does not ask for any specific subject if you want to study a language from scratch, and all options can be started from scratch except French, which requires an A level or Higher Level. An advanced route needs an A level or equivalent in the language.
An assessment at some Colleges
There is an admissions assessment at some Colleges, with no advance registration.
Written work depends on the College
Some Colleges ask you to submit written work, one or two pieces depending on the College.
Official sources
- University of Cambridge: Linguistics and Modern Languages, BA (Hons) (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
- University of Cambridge: Linguistics, BA (Hons) (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on Cambridge's Linguistics and Modern Languages and Linguistics course pages, which describes 2027 entry. The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics pages, individual College requirements, which Colleges set an assessment, the interview arrangements, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The course
Two core linguistics papers, three language papers, a year abroad
In the first year students take two core linguistics papers, Sounds and Words and Structures and Meanings, and three papers related to their chosen language, learnt either from scratch or at post A level standard. The second year takes four or five papers, five if the language is learnt from scratch, continuing linguistics alongside the language. In the third year students spend at least eight months abroad and prepare a dissertation or translation project; in the fourth year they continue advanced language work, take three specialised papers in Modern Languages and Linguistics and write a dissertation. Cambridge says students apply mathematical and digital techniques to explore language acquisition, pathology and evolution, with facilities including psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics laboratories with eye-tracking and EEG equipment.
Choosing between three courses
Linguistics and Modern Languages, Linguistics, or Modern and Medieval Languages?
Cambridge says to think carefully about the course before applying, because changing course is rare and may not be approved.
Choose Linguistics and Modern Languages if
you want one language to a high level and the scientific study of language in the same degree, including a year abroad.
Choose Linguistics if
the systematic study of human language is the point, using methods from philosophy, physics, engineering and psychology. Avandy has a separate guide to Cambridge Linguistics.
Choose Modern and Medieval Languages if
you want two languages and their literatures and cultures. Cambridge directs applicants who want to combine a modern European language with linguistics to this course, and others to MML.
Entry rules
Grades, one language rule and an optional College assessment
The minimum A-level offer is A*AA and the minimum IB offer is 41 to 42 points with 776 at Higher Level; Cambridge lists the requirements for entry in the cycle described or deferred entry a year later. Unlike MML, no specific subject is asked for if you will learn the language from scratch; French requires an A level or Higher Level. Languages, English, History and Mathematics are recommended. Some Colleges set an assessment and some ask for written work, so the College you choose affects the evidence you submit. Check each College's page.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Cambridge's.
Which language, and from scratch or advanced?
French needs an A level or Higher Level. Other languages can start from the beginning, or continue at a more advanced level with an A level.
How much of your degree should be linguistics?
Linguistics here is not an add-on: two core papers in the first year and specialised papers later.
Which College fits your evidence?
Written work and assessments vary by College, so compare them before you choose.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Cambridge has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Cambridge published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Cambridge has not yet published it.
Offer levels, the French rule, the College-dependent assessment and written work: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Cambridge has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, assessment arrangements and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Cambridge's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Choose the language, decide scratch or advanced and compare Colleges' written-work rules.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, language and linguistics mentoring and ethical interview practice; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write submitted work. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the entry requirements for Cambridge Linguistics and Modern Languages?
A*AA at A level, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. This is Cambridge's wording for 2027 entry.
Can I start the language from scratch?
Yes, for all language options except French, which requires an A level, IB Higher Level or equivalent.
How is it different from Cambridge Linguistics?
Cambridge's Linguistics course is the systematic study of human language; this course combines linguistics with one modern language, studied in depth and with a year abroad.
How is it different from MML?
MML requires two languages; this course has one language plus linguistics.
Is there an admissions assessment?
At some Colleges. Cambridge says you do not need to register in advance and points to the College pages.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Cambridge's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course pages again when Cambridge publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Cambridge Linguistics and Modern Languages
Tell us about the student's curriculum, which language they would study, any existing level in it and how much linguistics interests them, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.