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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 40 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
3rd for Russian Studies Complete University Guide 2027
4th for Iberian Languages
4th for Iberian Languages Complete University Guide 2026
Top 5 for Italian Studies
Top 5 for Italian Studies Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and Complete University Guide 2027​
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 Michael Barcomb shares recent research on AI, academic integrity and language education

    Dr Michael Barcomb has recently published new research on academic integrity and AI and presented work exploring the environmental implications of generative AI in language teacher education at the EUROCALL Spring Festival 2026.
    A Research Agenda for Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity
  • Zoë Roth explores fascism and aesthetics in CBC radio documentary

    Zoë Roth, Associate Professor of French in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, has been featured in a new documentary from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Ideas programme examining the relationship between the far right, fascism and aesthetics.
    cbc ideas
  • Rosi Song edits new issue of Gastronomica

    Prof Rosi Song, Professor of Hispanic Studies at Durham University, has edited the Fall 2026 issue of Gastronomica. Focusing on migration, food networks and culinary mobility, the issue brings together research and creative work from across the field. Prof Song also discusses the making of the issue in a new podcast.
    Gastronomica

Zoë Roth explores fascism and aesthetics in CBC radio documentary

Zoë Roth, Associate Professor of French in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, has been featured in a new documentary from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Ideas programme examining the relationship between the far right, fascism and aesthetics.
cbc ideas

Rosi Song edits new issue of Gastronomica

Prof Rosi Song, Professor of Hispanic Studies at Durham University, has edited the Fall 2026 issue of Gastronomica. Focusing on migration, food networks and culinary mobility, the issue brings together research and creative work from across the field. Prof Song also discusses the making of the issue in a new podcast.
Gastronomica

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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Cable car station, Innsbruck, Austria
QS World University Rankings 2027

QS World University Rankings 2027: Durham ranks 85th, up 9 places

Our global reputation for employability reflects the quality and real-world relevance of our education and research. Ranked 85th overall, we are also among the world’s top 50 for Employer Reputation and placed joint 24th for Sustainability.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings

Stay connected

Stay informed about life at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, from student experiences and research to events, partnerships and achievements.

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

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