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Undergraduate
UCAS code:L3R9
Language Centre

BSc Language, Culture and Society

Combine the study of sociology with learning a modern language. Spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions.
BSc Language, Culture and Society at LSE

Overview

Introduction

Taught jointly by the Department of Sociology and the Language Centre, this BSc Language, Culture and Society allows you to study sociology and become fluent in either French, German, Mandarin, Russian or Spanish.

You’ll examine how societies work and examine the role of language in our culture and society. You’ll also choose language, linguistics and literature courses from the Language Centre. The programme includes a year abroad (in the third year) at one of five partner institutions. During the year abroad, you’ll study courses in your chosen language and also audit sociology classes at your host university. Opportunities for short internships may also be available.

This degree will equip you with the necessary skills for many different careers in government, the corporate sector, research and advisory organisations, and social care.

Previous language study is very useful but not essential – you can start as a complete beginner or pick up your learning post-GCSE or A-level.

Entry requirements

Here, you can check our entry requirements for GCSEs, A-levels (please read them alongside our information about subject combinations) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We also consider applications from students with a range of other UK qualifications and from overseas. Please select the overseas button below and choose your country from the dropdown list to find the equivalency to A-levels of your qualification.

Home

We welcome students from all walks of life at LSE. We want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation. So, whatever your background, please do apply. Get all the details on our general entry requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is high. We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you’re predicted or achieve our standard entry requirements.

Our standard offer requirements are intended only as a guide and, in some cases, you’ll be asked for different grades.

Programme content

For the first, second and fourth years, you’ll study 12 units (divided equally between sociology and your chosen language study). Additionally, you’ll take LSE100 in your first year.

You’ll spend the third year of your degree studying abroad at a partner university.

Year 1

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Language Centre has a close-knit, friendly community. Students often describe the Language Centre as like "one big family" and "a second home". We organise regular social and cultural events throughout the year – giving you the chance to get to know fellow students and staff better and deepen your understanding of your chosen language.

The Language Centre teaches two-degree programmes jointly with other departments – the BSc International Relations and Chinese and the BSc Language, Culture and Society. Our students take part in overseas study trips, drawing on our links with partner institutions in five different countries.

From undergraduate study through to learning a new language, the Language Centre offers a wide range of opportunities for all LSE students.

We welcome around 2,000 students each year and teach nine languages. Our students don’t just learn the language – they also learn about the broader social and cultural aspects of their chosen language.

LSE students can:

  • study language, linguistics, and literature as part of their degree programme.
  • study modern languages in addition to their degree studies.
  • learn English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to support their academic study.

Learn more about our undergraduate programmes, non-degree courses and English for Academic Purposes courses.

Your application

Overview

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

195
Applications
18
Intake
11:1
2022 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for each year of your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£9,250

Home student fee per each year of your programme

This is the 2025/26 tuition fee. The Home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.

Study abroad

The Home undergraduate fee for your study year abroad in Year 3 is set by the UK Office for Students at a maximum of approx. 15 per cent of the full-time fee in the year the student starts their programme. The fee for 2025 entry is £1,385. This fee applies regardless of the year within the programme that the year abroad is taken. During this year abroad, you’ll also be expected to pay for your flights, accommodation and subsistence.

Funding to help with costs during your study abroad year

The Fred Halliday Language Award is a fund available to students undertaking study abroad as part of their degree programme.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

The degree programme will prepare you for a career in government, corporate organisations, research and advisory organisations and social care, as well as further study.

Further information on graduate destinations

Discover Uni

Every undergraduate programme of more than one year duration will have Discover Uni data. The data allows you to compare information about individual programmes at different higher education institutions.

Programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you're interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.

Find out more

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