Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics is a four-year degree course which integrates the scientific study of language as a central element of human cognition, with the study of a specific language, its social context, history and culture.

The Tripos will enable students to develop a deep understanding of the multifaceted and central status of language in literature and culture, human cognition and communication, language education and policy, health and well-being, and information technology. This understanding will be indispensable for graduates looking for a career in language learning, teaching, assessment and training, educators in the multicultural and multilingual parts of UK, data-mining in social media in other languages, communications teams, health professionals and looking after neurodiverse individuals. Graduates will have developed skills across arts and humanities, technology, and science. Bridging strengths among current Cambridge Tripos offerings, the Linguistics and Modern Languages Tripos looks to the future to address creativity-driven learning and collaboration opportunities for students, staff, and the wider community.

Subject requirements

Applicants already studying the modern language in question: A level/IB Higher Level (or equivalent) in that language.

Applicants proposing to study the modern language in question ab initio: no subject requirements.

Helpful subjects

We recommend the following subjects for a strong application: Languages, English (literature or language), History, Mathematics.

Available languages

French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish may all be studied post-A-level or equivalent. All of these apart from French may also be studied ab initio.

Directors of Studies

All LML students have two Directors of Studies, one for Linguistics and one for MML. For Linguistics, see below; for MML, see the MML page.

Dr Theresa Biberauer (Linguistics)

Admission assessment

Cambridge College registered assessments: the assessment format depends on whether the language is to be studied from scratch or post-A Level.

•    If the language is to be studied from scratch, the applicant will sit the Linguistics Assessment only. 
•    If the language is to be studied post-A Level, the applicant will sit both a Language Assessment and a Linguistics Assessment.
 

Written work

Two essays written as part of your A Level (or equivalent) coursework. If you are currently studying a modern language, one of the essays submitted must be from your languages coursework. If you are planning to apply and take a language ab initio, both essays can be submitted from coursework in any essay-based subject you are currently studying.
 

Updated June 2026