How to applyDepartment of Life Sciences

Dates for your diary

Term dates 2025-26

Autumn: Thursday 9th October- Thursday 11th December 2025

Spring: Thursday 8th January - Thursday 12th March 2026

NB: Translation class days will be confirmed directly with the teacher at the start of term

Language for Science 2025-26 Information Event

Information session for incoming Language for Science students with the chance to meet students currently on the programme: Wednesday 1st October

With French, German or Spanish

These degree programmes are offered by the Department of Life Sciences. If you register on one of these combined degrees, the Biology, Biochemistry or Biotechnology elements of your undergraduate programme will be supplemented by language teaching in the appropriate language. 

Aim of Language for Science programmes

To produce first degree graduates well-equipped to pursue careers in their chosen subject and, more broadly, in industry and the public sector (particularly in multinational companies and international institutions). This is designed to meet the changing needs of industry in an increasingly global workplace, where knowledge of another culture and its language is essential.

Entry Requirements

For the language component of a Language for Science degree, students should hold a qualification in French/German/Spanish as appropriate:

  • AS level (at minimum)
  • A level (preferable)
  • a qualification equivalent to AS or (preferably) A level

Contact hours

You will receive four hours per week of face-to-face tuition in the target language and related topics in Years 1 and 2. Regular one-to-one tutorials will also be arranged with the language coordinator. You will then spend a year abroad, where you will be able to apply skills acquired in your language and culture modules to complete a report on a subject of your choice related to your host country. 

French: Dr Marine Orain
German: Ms Christa Saller
Spanish: Ms Almudena Sanchez-Villen

Languages Field Leader: Dr Iria González Becerra