UCAS R991, four years
UCL describes a four-year BA built around two chosen languages, cultural study and a year abroad.
Undergraduate · UCL Language and Culture
UCL Language and Culture: two languages, cultural study and a year abroad
UCL's Language and Culture BA asks for ABB at A level or 34 IB points and says previous study of a foreign language is preferred but not required. The degree runs four years, with two languages studied throughout and the third year spent abroad. The decision is about languages, not just grades.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What UCL asks for in Language and Culture
Taken from UCL's Language and Culture BA course page and read on 1 November 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
ABB with the stated subject conditions
The A-level requirement is ABB; previous study of a foreign language is preferred but not required, and applicants may study two languages at beginner level.
IB 34
16 points in three higher level subjects with no higher level score below 5, with a foreign language preferred.
Two languages over four years
UCL says students deepen their knowledge of two chosen languages over the four years.
A year abroad
UCL says the third year is spent in a country where the main language is spoken.
Official sources
Read on 1 November 2026 on UCL's Language and Culture BA course page, which describes 2027 entry. UCL's department pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The course
Two languages and the cultures behind them
UCL says that over the four years students deepen their knowledge of two chosen languages while developing skills in cultural literacy and critical thinking. In the first, second and final years, students take language modules in their major and minor languages alongside cultural modules. The third year is spent abroad in a country where the main language is spoken. This guide did not read the language list or module lists.
Is it the right degree?
Beside a single-language degree
A single-language degree concentrates on one language; this degree pairs two.
Choose it if
you want two languages and cultural study in one degree.
Look at UCL Linguistics if
your interest is how language works. Avandy's UCL Linguistics guide covers it.
Look at UCL Mathematics with Modern Languages if
you want mathematics with a language. Avandy's guide covers it.
Entry rules
ABB, or 34 IB points, with languages preferred
A-level applicants need ABB; previous study of a foreign language is preferred but not required, and applicants may study two languages at beginner level, and at least two A-levels from UCL's list of preferred subjects. IB applicants need 34 points: 16 points in three higher level subjects with no higher level score below 5, with a foreign language preferred. UCL's page lists no admissions test or interview. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.
Which two languages would you choose?
The degree pairs a major and a minor language.
Are you ready for a year abroad?
The third year is spent abroad.
Are your grades near ABB or 34 points?
Those are the stated 2027 standards.
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 UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
Grades, the subject requirements and the preferred-subject guidance: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the required subjects, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London 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, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does UCL Language and Culture BA require?
ABB at A level, with previous study of a foreign language is preferred but not required, and applicants may study two languages at beginner level, in UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
What is the IB requirement?
34 IB points: 16 points in three higher level subjects with no higher level score below 5, with a foreign language preferred.
Do I need to have studied a language?
UCL says previous study of a foreign language is preferred but not required.
Is there a year abroad?
Yes. UCL says the third year is spent in a country where the main language is spoken.
Does Avandy state offer scores?
No. This page records UCL's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores or probabilities.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about UCL Language and Culture
Tell us about the student's curriculum, which two languages they would choose, whether they have studied one before and whether a year abroad suits 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.