Philosophy and Modern Languages (French, German, Portuguese or Spanish) with a year abroad King's College London

Overview

In Philosophy at King's College London we have particular strengths in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and ancient philosophy. We are also able to teach subjects like Indian philosophy and medieval philosophy, which are offered by very few other universities in the UK.

In Modern Languages, you will attain a high level of proficiency in speaking, writing and reading the language of your degree, whilst developing your knowledge and critical understanding of its culture and society. Students in Philosophy and Modern Languages (French, German, Portuguese or Spanish) with a year abroad can take this course either with an A-level (or equivalent) in the degree language, or as a beginner, following a specially-designed language course (known as ‘ab initio’ – ‘from the start’), and our cultural curriculum is innovative and diverse, covering a range of modules in literature, from the medieval period to the contemporary, cultural studies, film studies, politics and history. You will spend the third year of your four-year degree studying, teaching or working in a French-, German-, Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking country, putting your language learning into practice.

Key benefits

• One of the largest and most distinguished Philosophy departments in the country, ranked 6th in the UK for Philosophy (QS University Subject Rankings 2025).
• King’s offers an exceptionally wide range of optional modules, covering all areas of the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy. From Modern Languages, there is a broad range of specialist modules in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, from medieval to contemporary literature as well as politics, history, cultural studies, and film.
• Emphasis on small-group teaching ensures students acquire and hone the skills of critical thinking. Personal attention is given to each student, creating an intellectually stimulating and warm environment that is reflected in consistently excellent student satisfaction ratings.
• The Year abroad in a French-, German-, Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking country offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and society and attain language fluency. We have exchanges with a wide variety of partner universities across Europe, in Martinique and Quebec, and in Middle and South American countries such as Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
• Our language departments are consistently ranked among the best in the UK and offer our graduates excellent career prospects.
• Based in the heart of London, King’s location offers access to a variety of cinemas, galleries, theatres, specialist libraries and resources, including the Goethe-Institut and Austrian Cultural Forum, the Institut français, Canning House, Camões Centre for Portuguese Language and Culture, and the Instituto Cervantes, as well as events organised by embassies and other related cultural institutions. It also means means students can take advantage of leading societies such as the Aristotelian Society and the Royal Institute of Philosophy.
• You can study French, German, Spanish or Portuguese language either post A-level (or equivalent) or with no previous knowledge of the language (ab initio).