Language Studies 

Overview

You can tailor the course to your needs, ambitions and current level of proficiency. You'll study 1 language in depth, from a choice including Spanish, French or German, and have the option to study a second language through our Institution-wide Language Programme (IWLP). And you'll immerse yourself in the culture surrounding these languages, from literature and TV to broader cultural ideas.

Your linguistic competence will grow alongside your intercultural awareness. When you complete this course, you'll be well prepared for work in teaching, media, tourism, business and finance. 

What you’ll experience

On this BA (Hons) Language Studies degree course you'll:

• Study French, German or Spanish to a proficient level – C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – either as a beginner or from prior knowledge
• Use the language laboratories to manipulate sound, video and text for subtitling and publishing
• Develop the IT skills you can use in related careers, including using desktop publishing, subtitling and podcast recording software
• Customise the content of the course to better suit your ambitions – you can focus on English language, literature and film or communication and discourse
• Improve your transferable skills, such as interpersonal communication skills, presentation skills, organisational skills, and independent and critical thinking skills

You'll also have the opportunity to:

• Study a second language through the Institution Wide Language Programme – choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese and Spanish
• Enhance your degree with an internationally recognised qualification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• Study or work abroad during 1 semester, improving your linguistic knowledge while boosting your confidence and experiencing another culture
• Do Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in Modern Foreign Languages, which entitles you to a bursary of £9,000 in the final year of your degree

Work experience and career planning

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.

We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your CV.

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.

Programme Assessment

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• one-to-one tutorials
• group tutorials

You'll also have skill development sessions and workshops with learning development tutors.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

You’ll be assessed through:

• oral presentations
• essays
• written work, including reports, articles, case studies, book or film reviews
• group and individual projects
• translations and commentaries
• interviews
• examinations
• use of software (desktop publishing, podcasts, vlogs)

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Student Destinations

What can you do with a Language Studies degree?

Having the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures in different contexts can lead to a rewarding career in areas such as tourism, teaching, journalism and marketing.

The language skills, intercultural awareness and proficiency in communication you gain from studying this course are especially sought after by businesses and organisations that operate across national borders and cultures.

What jobs can you do with a Language Studies degree?

You'll graduate with the skills and understanding to take up roles in many fields, related and unrelated to linguistics, including:

• Teacher – modern foreign languages or English as a foreign language
• Journalist
• Editor
• Publishing assistant
• Tourist guide
• Bilingual consultant
• Market analyst

You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level with a Master's in a subject such as Translation Studies or Applied Linguistics and TESOL.

Whatever comes next after your studies, our Careers and Employability service will give you support and advice for up to 5 years after you graduate.