Undergraduate study in Languages and Comparative Literature
The University of St Andrews was ranked number one in the UK for languages and linguistics by the Guardian University Guide in 2024 and 2025.
The ranking reflects the excellence of language and cultural studies at the School of Modern Languages. The School of Modern Languages offers a truly global approach with academic staff working in eight languages – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, and Spanish – as well as Comparative Literature.
St Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Learn more about the undergraduate degree options available through the School of Modern Languages.
Joint Honours degrees
Comparative Literature and most languages can be taken as a single Honours degree or with another subject as part of a joint Honours degree. Arabic, Chinese, and Persian can only be studied as part of a joint Honours degree.
The School also offers “triple” modern languages degrees - allowing you to combine three languages, such as French, Spanish and Italian - or a languages joint Honours degree which involves equal study of two languages and one additional subject.
Integrated year abroad and study abroad
The School of Modern Languages offers a number of opportunities for you to broaden your academic experience by spending a semester or year abroad for credit as part of your degree.
On most languages degrees you can choose to add an integrated year abroad making your degree a five-year programme - you will gain valuable work experience and develop your linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence.
Alternatively, languages and Comparative Literature students can explore the University and School undergraduate study abroad options.
