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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 Italian Studies
3rd for Italian Studies Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027​
3rd for Russian Studies
3rd for Russian Studies The Complete University Guide 2027
3rd for Asian Studies
3rd for Asian Studies The Complete University Guide 2027
5th for Iberian Languages
5th for Iberian Languages Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027

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?

Languages Meet AI: Durham Announces New MSc in Language Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures announces a new postgraduate degree combining language expertise with practical AI skills. Open to graduates from diverse backgrounds, with no previous programming experience required, the MSc is scheduled to launch in October 2027.
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From Rejection to Recognition: Goliarda Sapienza's The Art of Joy

On 23 October 2026, MLAC's Professor Katrin Wehling-Giorgi joined Dr Alberica Bazzoni for Once Upon a Time in Italy, exploring the remarkable journey of Goliarda Sapienza's The Art of Joy from decades of rejection to international literary acclaim.
Once upon a time in Italy

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 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.

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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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