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Welcome to the School of Modern Languages and Cultures

You can study Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Visual Arts and Film with us at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Our undergraduate courses allow you to study one or more languages, or take a language alongside history, English or many other subjects. Studying here is transformative for your employment prospects.

We rank in the top 70 language departments globally.

Our Centre for Foreign Language Study offers language teaching to Durham students on other degree programmes and to the public.

 

Find out more about us
2nd for Italian Studies Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
4th for Russian Studies
4th for Russian Studies Complete University Guide 2026
4th for Iberian Languages
4th for Iberian Languages Complete University Guide 2026
5th for French Studies Complete University Guide 2026

Ready for Your Year Abroad Adventure?

From Italy, Spain, all the way to Jordan, China, and Japan: Hear what our students have to say about their exciting time abroad.
Watch My Year Abroad videos
My year abroad heroes
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Scholarships in Modern Languages

Are you considering starting your undergraduate study with us in 2025? Thanks to generous gifts from our alumnae, we have scholarships to offer to talented students from low-income backgrounds.

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What's New?

  • Dr Dario Lolli on the Jury of the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival

    Durham MLAC’s Dr Dario Lolli, currently in Japan with a Leverhulme International Fellowship, is serving on the Film Critics’ jury for this year’s Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival — a leading event bringing Japanese animation and culture to audiences across Wales.
    Dr Dario Lolli on the Jury of the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival
  • Professor Tom Wynn Inspires Students at City of London School for Girls

    Durham University’s Professor Tom Wynn recently visited the City of London School for Girls to share his insights on studying Modern Languages. Drawing on his research in early modern French theatre and culture, he inspired students to think about how language learning opens up new perspectives, global experiences, and exciting career paths.
    Professor Tom Wynn Inspires Students at City of London School for Girls
  • Durham Hosts Week of Events Honouring Black History and Reparative Justice

    A vibrant week of events (20–23 October 2025) will take place across Durham, exploring Black history, reparative justice, and decolonial thought. Organised as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, the programme brings together scholars, students, and community members for walking tours, film screenings, and keynote lectures that highlight critical conversations around race, memory, and historical responsibility.
    Woman in front of whiteboard smiling

Professor Tom Wynn Inspires Students at City of London School for Girls

Durham University’s Professor Tom Wynn recently visited the City of London School for Girls to share his insights on studying Modern Languages. Drawing on his research in early modern French theatre and culture, he inspired students to think about how language learning opens up new perspectives, global experiences, and exciting career paths.
Professor Tom Wynn Inspires Students at City of London School for Girls

Durham Hosts Week of Events Honouring Black History and Reparative Justice

A vibrant week of events (20–23 October 2025) will take place across Durham, exploring Black history, reparative justice, and decolonial thought. Organised as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, the programme brings together scholars, students, and community members for walking tours, film screenings, and keynote lectures that highlight critical conversations around race, memory, and historical responsibility.
Woman in front of whiteboard smiling

Our research

The School's research community is organised through a number of interdisciplinary Research Groups and is home to some 60 postgraduate students pursuing research degrees.
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QS World University Rankings 2024

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2026

Durham University has been named in the QS World University Rankings world top 100, a position it has achieved every year since 2010. The rankings have confirmed the University’s strong global reputation for employability (64th) and it is also 22nd in the world for sustainability.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings

Get in touch

Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities at The School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Durham University
Elvet Riverside
New Elvet
Durham DH1 3JT

 

+44 (0) 191 334 2630

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

Your Durham prospectus

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