The Student Room Group

Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)

Hi everyone!

I am setting up this thread to act as a space for students who are applying, or considering applying, to study languages at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.

I am an Oxford graduate I studied Russian and Spanish at Christ Church College. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an Oxford student and I would like to support others in their applications to study languages at Oxford.

Feel free to post any questions or concerns that you may have surrounding the application process I will do my best to answer them 😊

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Is there any point in talking about the UKLO (Linguistics Olympiad) on my personal statement if I didn’t get a medal?

I was just a few points below the threshold for a bronze🥲
Reply 2
Original post by james__27
Is there any point in talking about the UKLO (Linguistics Olympiad) on my personal statement if I didn’t get a medal?
I was just a few points below the threshold for a bronze🥲

Hi James,

Thanks for your message! In answer to your question - yes, I would absolutely recommend putting this down on your personal statement. Even if you didn't get a medal, universities - especially Oxbridge universities - love to see that you have gone out of your way to explore languages beyond the curriculum and to take advantage of language-related opportunities. Taking part in competitions like the UKLO can be a great way to demonstrate how enthusiastic and motivated you are to study languages.

May I ask - which language(s) are you considering applying for?

There are lots of other competitions you can get involved in as well if you're interested! I have listed some below :smile:

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, hosted by the Queen's Translation Exchange - this one is about to close (ends 28th March) but is a great thing to get involved with if you can. You will need to ask your teacher(s) if your school is registered, as entries are sent in by teachers not individual applicants.

The Stephen Spender Prize - this is another competition for language students/enthusiasts. It is a poetry in translation competition which is really worth getting involved in and mentioning on your personal statement, even if you don't get an award as mentioned above - it's the effort you're putting in that counts. (This competition opens on 1st May). I highly recommend visiting the Stephen Spender website as there are also lots of resources and guides for budding linguists. Below is an overview of the translation competition:
Submit an English translation of a published poem from any language, together with a commentary of no more than 300 words. The translation should be max. 60 lines. (It is worth noting that a 'commentary' refers to a translation commentary, which is essentially an explanation of why you chose certain words over other alternatives during the translation process)

Oxford's French and Spanish flash fiction competitions (deadline 27th of March) if you are applying for either French or Spanish. This competition is great because you can enter it yourself (i.e. not through your school) and it only requires you to write a story of under 100 words! (in the target language - i.e. either French or Spanish).

Trinity College Linguistics Essay Prize - this competition opens a bit later in the year (last year's submission deadline was 1st August), so just something to keep an eye on if you're interested!

Trinity College Languages and Cultures Essay Prize - this one might be more relevant for MML applicants. They are currently accepting submissions but the deadline is also 1st August so plenty of time to prepare! Here are the essay questions that you can answer for this competition (you can only respond to one):

‘Cultural objects are never objective. It is crucial to ask whose perspective is dominant.’ Discuss.

‘Language is often the least effective mode of communication.’ Discuss.

‘What truth is depends on what language you use.’ Discuss.

‘Artists change the world by re-defining the meaning of words and/or images’. Discuss.

There are also plenty of English competitions that you could get involved in, which are particularly relevant if you are applying to Oxford, as the Modern Languages degrees at Oxford are essentially literature degrees (specifically, there is the Trinity College Gould Prize for Essays in English Literature or there are a range of competitions on The Poetry Society's website which you can browse through).


Additionally, if you enjoyed the UKLO then I would highly recommend reading the Language Lovers' Puzzle Book by Alex Bellos, which contains lots of puzzles similar to those found in the Linguistics Olympiad!

Finally, we will soon be uploading some exciting articles on the LinguaTute website, which explore some of the unconventional and lesser-known ways that you can prepare an application to study languages at Oxbridge - I will let you know when those are up!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

All the best,
Ffion :smile:
Reply 3
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi James,
Thanks for your message! In answer to your question - yes, I would absolutely recommend putting this down on your personal statement. Even if you didn't get a medal, universities - especially Oxbridge universities - love to see that you have gone out of your way to explore languages beyond the curriculum and to take advantage of language-related opportunities. Taking part in competitions like the UKLO can be a great way to demonstrate how enthusiastic and motivated you are to study languages.
May I ask - which language(s) are you considering applying for?
There are lots of other competitions you can get involved in as well if you're interested! I have listed some below :smile:

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, hosted by the Queen's Translation Exchange - this one is about to close (ends 28th March) but is a great thing to get involved with if you can. You will need to ask your teacher(s) if your school is registered, as entries are sent in by teachers not individual applicants.

The Stephen Spender Prize - this is another competition for language students/enthusiasts. It is a poetry in translation competition which is really worth getting involved in and mentioning on your personal statement, even if you don't get an award as mentioned above - it's the effort you're putting in that counts. (This competition opens on 1st May). I highly recommend visiting the Stephen Spender website as there are also lots of resources and guides for budding linguists. Below is an overview of the translation competition:
Submit an English translation of a published poem from any language, together with a commentary of no more than 300 words. The translation should be max. 60 lines. (It is worth noting that a 'commentary' refers to a translation commentary, which is essentially an explanation of why you chose certain words over other alternatives during the translation process)

Oxford's French and Spanish flash fiction competitions (deadline 27th of March) if you are applying for either French or Spanish. This competition is great because you can enter it yourself (i.e. not through your school) and it only requires you to write a story of under 100 words! (in the target language - i.e. either French or Spanish).

Trinity College Linguistics Essay Prize - this competition opens a bit later in the year (last year's submission deadline was 1st August), so just something to keep an eye on if you're interested!

Trinity College Languages and Cultures Essay Prize - this one might be more relevant for MML applicants. They are currently accepting submissions but the deadline is also 1st August so plenty of time to prepare! Here are the essay questions that you can answer for this competition (you can only respond to one):

‘Cultural objects are never objective. It is crucial to ask whose perspective is dominant.’ Discuss.

‘Language is often the least effective mode of communication.’ Discuss.

‘What truth is depends on what language you use.’ Discuss.

‘Artists change the world by re-defining the meaning of words and/or images’. Discuss.

There are also plenty of English competitions that you could get involved in, which are particularly relevant if you are applying to Oxford, as the Modern Languages degrees at Oxford are essentially literature degrees (specifically, there is the Trinity College Gould Prize for Essays in English Literature or there are a range of competitions on The Poetry Society's website which you can browse through).


Additionally, if you enjoyed the UKLO then I would highly recommend reading the Language Lovers' Puzzle Book by Alex Bellos, which contains lots of puzzles similar to those found in the Linguistics Olympiad!
Finally, we will soon be uploading some exciting articles on the LinguaTute website, which explore some of the unconventional and lesser-known ways that you can prepare an application to study languages at Oxbridge - I will let you know when those are up!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Ffion :smile:


Thank you so much, these are really helpful tips. I’m planning to apply for French and Spanish and potentially starting a language ab initio!
Reply 4
Original post by Ffion_Kellegher
Oh awesome! The UKLO website and the language lovers' puzzle book would be particularly useful if you are applying to study a language ab initio, as candidates for ab initio languages are required to take the Language Aptitude Test (quite similar to the puzzles found on the UKLO website and in the book). Which ab initio language are you considering applying for?
Anyway, let me know if you have any other questions about either applying to Oxford or studying there!


It happens that I did the UKLO this year and I have the book you reference haha - I got it as a Christmas present! I’m not too sure yet, I like the idea of doing Russian or something as it’s quite different to my other languages!
Reply 5
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi everyone!
I am setting up this thread to act as a space for students who are applying, or considering applying, to study languages at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
I am an Oxford graduate I studied Russian and Spanish at Christ Church College. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an Oxford student and I would like to support others in their applications to study languages at Oxford.
Feel free to post any questions or concerns that you may have surrounding the application process I will do my best to answer them 😊

A noble aim, well done
Reply 6
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi James,
Thanks for your message! In answer to your question - yes, I would absolutely recommend putting this down on your personal statement. Even if you didn't get a medal, universities - especially Oxbridge universities - love to see that you have gone out of your way to explore languages beyond the curriculum and to take advantage of language-related opportunities. Taking part in competitions like the UKLO can be a great way to demonstrate how enthusiastic and motivated you are to study languages.
May I ask - which language(s) are you considering applying for?
There are lots of other competitions you can get involved in as well if you're interested! I have listed some below :smile:

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, hosted by the Queen's Translation Exchange - this one is about to close (ends 28th March) but is a great thing to get involved with if you can. You will need to ask your teacher(s) if your school is registered, as entries are sent in by teachers not individual applicants.

The Stephen Spender Prize - this is another competition for language students/enthusiasts. It is a poetry in translation competition which is really worth getting involved in and mentioning on your personal statement, even if you don't get an award as mentioned above - it's the effort you're putting in that counts. (This competition opens on 1st May). I highly recommend visiting the Stephen Spender website as there are also lots of resources and guides for budding linguists. Below is an overview of the translation competition:
Submit an English translation of a published poem from any language, together with a commentary of no more than 300 words. The translation should be max. 60 lines. (It is worth noting that a 'commentary' refers to a translation commentary, which is essentially an explanation of why you chose certain words over other alternatives during the translation process)

Oxford's French and Spanish flash fiction competitions (deadline 27th of March) if you are applying for either French or Spanish. This competition is great because you can enter it yourself (i.e. not through your school) and it only requires you to write a story of under 100 words! (in the target language - i.e. either French or Spanish).

Trinity College Linguistics Essay Prize - this competition opens a bit later in the year (last year's submission deadline was 1st August), so just something to keep an eye on if you're interested!

Trinity College Languages and Cultures Essay Prize - this one might be more relevant for MML applicants. They are currently accepting submissions but the deadline is also 1st August so plenty of time to prepare! Here are the essay questions that you can answer for this competition (you can only respond to one):

‘Cultural objects are never objective. It is crucial to ask whose perspective is dominant.’ Discuss.

‘Language is often the least effective mode of communication.’ Discuss.

‘What truth is depends on what language you use.’ Discuss.

‘Artists change the world by re-defining the meaning of words and/or images’. Discuss.

There are also plenty of English competitions that you could get involved in, which are particularly relevant if you are applying to Oxford, as the Modern Languages degrees at Oxford are essentially literature degrees (specifically, there is the Trinity College Gould Prize for Essays in English Literature or there are a range of competitions on The Poetry Society's website which you can browse through).


Additionally, if you enjoyed the UKLO then I would highly recommend reading the Language Lovers' Puzzle Book by Alex Bellos, which contains lots of puzzles similar to those found in the Linguistics Olympiad!
Finally, we will soon be uploading some exciting articles on the LinguaTute website, which explore some of the unconventional and lesser-known ways that you can prepare an application to study languages at Oxbridge - I will let you know when those are up!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Ffion :smile:

Loving all these resources!
Reply 7
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi everyone!
I am setting up this thread to act as a space for students who are applying, or considering applying, to study languages at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
I am an Oxford graduate I studied Russian and Spanish at Christ Church College. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an Oxford student and I would like to support others in their applications to study languages at Oxford.
Feel free to post any questions or concerns that you may have surrounding the application process I will do my best to answer them 😊

Now, here's a thought - I wrote a free online book via TSR called Oxford Demystified. Both my sons, and many kind TSRians donated their own chapters about how to get in for their own subject.

I have chapters on just about every subject, apart from Russian! In order to help the maximum people possible, and take your place in the Pantheon of the Greats (as I call it), would you consider writing a Russian chapter for Oxford Demystified? Then, in the future, if anyone comes on the applicant thread and wants to apply for Russian, I can forward them your chapter. Here is the whole book, if you would like to take a look, and find out what I am about.

Oxford Demystified - The Student Room

Thank you for reading this message.

PS. I studied Russian to GCSE level, so I know how tough (but fascinating) it is!
Reply 8
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi everyone!
I am setting up this thread to act as a space for students who are applying, or considering applying, to study languages at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
I am an Oxford graduate I studied Russian and Spanish at Christ Church College. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an Oxford student and I would like to support others in their applications to study languages at Oxford.
Feel free to post any questions or concerns that you may have surrounding the application process I will do my best to answer them 😊


I’ve just had a go at a practice MLAT paper for Spanish, how much would you charge to have a look over it and give some feedback? Thanks in advance🙂
Reply 9
Original post by LinguaTute
Hi everyone!
I am setting up this thread to act as a space for students who are applying, or considering applying, to study languages at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
I am an Oxford graduate I studied Russian and Spanish at Christ Church College. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an Oxford student and I would like to support others in their applications to study languages at Oxford.
Feel free to post any questions or concerns that you may have surrounding the application process I will do my best to answer them 😊

Hi There!
Thanks so much for setting up this thread. I’m considering applying to Oxford to do French as a mature student. Would love to hear more about your experience and how you chose your college. I’m thinking of doing an open application.

Best,

Edda
Reply 10
Original post by james__27
I’ve just had a go at a practice MLAT paper for Spanish, how much would you charge to have a look over it and give some feedback? Thanks in advance🙂

You can get the solutions on the MLAT section of the Oxford website for free!
(edited 10 months ago)
Original post by Ffion_Kellegher
Hi! Thank you so much for responding on this thread, and please accept my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
This resource looks absolutely fantastic, well done! I would love to get involved - however, at the moment I don't think I'd have enough time to write a chapter for this (I work three jobs, one of which is running a business by myself, so I'm quite busy!). I will have more time in August/September once our literature courses have finished, is that too long to wait? I'm sorry I can't be of more help!!
All the best,
Ffion

Don’t worry, please contact me when you have time
Reply 12
Original post by Ffion_Kellegher
I just wanted to remind anyone who's considering applying to Oxford that there will be a Modern Languages open day on Saturday the 11th of May from 10:30-16:00. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Modern Languages degrees at Oxford, hear from current students and professors, and to take a look around Oxford!


Thank you. This is most helpful.Do I just go to the website to book it?
Original post by Ffion_Kellegher
I just wanted to remind anyone who's considering applying to Oxford that there will be a Modern Languages open day on Saturday the 11th of May from 10:30-16:00. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Modern Languages degrees at Oxford, hear from current students and professors, and to take a look around Oxford!

I attended this open day with my elder son 11 years ago, and would recommend it to anybody who is interested in applying.

Back then it took place in the exam schools. There were two massive halls filled with prospective students and their parents. It was very inspiring, with the students so enthusiastic it was although they had just got religion! The tutors were also great and gave us some very handy hints. Some of the parents and students seemed very fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you! Just as good were the small question and answer session afterwards. Son and I both sat right at the front, firing questions and wanting to know everything we could. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Original post by james__27
Thank you so much, these are really helpful tips. I’m planning to apply for French and Spanish and potentially starting a language ab initio!

Hi James! I'm a first year student studying Spanish and beginners' Portuguese at Oxford, so if you have any questions do ask!
I dont want to burst your bubble, but I'm not sure if the uni has triple language courses, except maybe the extension to Catalan/Basque (possibly?) through Spanish. Though not to worry, there is a language centre here which offers courses separate to your degree if you still wanted to go for it:smile:
Definitely double check that though! You can always email the faculty too, they seem very keen to chat to prospective students :smile: if you can make it to the open days id definitely recommend it!
Reply 15
Will the Cortázar session focus on a particular one of his short stories?
Hello! I would be really grateful for any advice from existing students. I am interested in applying for Linguistics and Italian and I am starting to think about colleges. I am confused about whether I should only look at colleges that have Linguistics and Italian tutors or whether it is OK to apply for a college that doesn't have tutors in these subjects listed on their college website, even though their website says they offer this subject combination. Essentially I am wondering whether if I was to get an interview at one of these colleges would I then end up being interviewed by a tutor from that college who teaches another modern language? or would I be interviewed by a tutor from the Italian / Linguistics faculty rather than a college tutor? I hope this makes sense! Thanks for any help.
Original post by BananaSlug17
Hello! I would be really grateful for any advice from existing students. I am interested in applying for Linguistics and Italian and I am starting to think about colleges. I am confused about whether I should only look at colleges that have Linguistics and Italian tutors or whether it is OK to apply for a college that doesn't have tutors in these subjects listed on their college website, even though their website says they offer this subject combination. Essentially I am wondering whether if I was to get an interview at one of these colleges would I then end up being interviewed by a tutor from that college who teaches another modern language? or would I be interviewed by a tutor from the Italian / Linguistics faculty rather than a college tutor? I hope this makes sense! Thanks for any help.

Hiii, you might have seen my previous post on this thread but I'm a first year studying Spanish and Portuguese in Ox :smile:

I'm not 100% sure on the facts with applying to colleges, and I understand how misty and confusing it can be to work out, but if you wanted to get in touch with the colleges or admissions teams I would say go for it! The staff in my experience are very happy to answer prospective students' questions.

Another personal anecdote which might be useful is that I was only interviewed by tutors from the Spanish and Portuguese departments, which I think is generally how it goes across all subjects as they are the ones who actually teach the students and so want to see how you work through problems and texts, like you would with assignments, essays etc. they'd set during the course.

It might be useful for you to look into the pooling system as well, as about a third of students are interviewed by and accepted to a college other than to the one they applied.

Generally though my understanding is that you apply to colleges that offer your course as tutors are usually associated with a college and teach there on-site, but that's not to say you won't have tutorials in other colleges or with tutors from other ones too (which I have) but definitely check as I didn't know it was a thing when I applied and am still not sure tbh!
Lmk if you have any other questions and I'll try my best to answer them :smile:
Hi Amy, thanks so much for you reply. That is really helpful as I thought it would make most sense for the tutors of the subjects you are applying for to interview you so it is really useful to know that is what happened to you! I am going to the open day next month so I will ask about this in some colleges and at the languages department too. Thanks, that is a really good idea! Thank you again! 🙂
Reply 19
Original post by BananaSlug17
Hi Amy, thanks so much for you reply. That is really helpful as I thought it would make most sense for the tutors of the subjects you are applying for to interview you so it is really useful to know that is what happened to you! I am going to the open day next month so I will ask about this in some colleges and at the languages department too. Thanks, that is a really good idea! Thank you again! 🙂

Yes the open day is the perfect place to ask these questions .

Quick Reply