Applied Languages (Hons) University of Portsmouth

Overview

Study how language works, including specialist topics such as linguistics, communication theory and managing across cultures, in preparation for professional roles in areas such as a translation, interpreting, teaching and tourism. 

You can choose to study either:

• Two languages at advanced level: chosen from French, German, Spanish and/or English as a foreign language
• Two languages at different levels: one language at advanced level (chosen from French, German, Spanish or English as a foreign language) and one language at beginner level (chosen from French, German, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish)

More than 60% of adults from the European Union can speak a second language, compared to less than half of the UK population (according to Eurostat 2016). When you graduate, you'll stand out in a population where language skills are lagging behind the rest of the world.

Course highlights 

• In year three, study or work abroad in two different countries where your chosen languages are spoken, immersing yourself in their culture so you can build a career across borders
• Choose to specialise in one of four areas, or mix and match:

• teaching and education
• translation and interpreting
• culture and linguistics
• business and industry

• Produce your own translations and build up interpreting experience in real and simulated work environments, so you can prove your skills to employers

• Have the opportunity to study a third language from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish

Careers and opportunities

You’ll graduate as a skilled multi-linguist, ready to take on roles across a range of fields.

There’s a growing demand for high quality translators and interpreters – the Association of Translation Companies advised that interpreters be added to the UK government's Shortage Occupation List while Wolfestone has called the UK's foreign language skills shortage 'an unspeakable disaster'. 

There's also a growing need for intercultural awareness and communication skills in business. The British Council has stated that "an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels" (Languages for the Future, 2017).

What areas can you work in with an applied languages degree?

As the world becomes more closely connected through trade, entertainment, tourism and communications, organisations need employees who can communicate effectively in two or more languages.

You might specialise in a field such as law, finance or medicine, or in environments such as courtrooms, councils and police centres.

This Applied Languages (Hons) degree course from University of Portsmouth broadens your options so you can pursue almost any career. Being multilingual is useful in all sectors, including:

• journalism and the media

• international management

• translation and interpreting

• teaching

• tourism

• finance

• marketing

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.

Year abroad

After your second year, you'll do a work or study abroad placement based in two countries where your chosen language is spoken. The experience abroad will help you build linguistic and cultural fluency that will help you stand out to employers when you graduate.

We'll give you all the support you need before your year abroad to find a work or study abroad placement fits your aspirations. You can take advantage of our links with universities and employers worldwide, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Latin America and Senegal.

You could also become an English Language Assistant abroad, with the British Council.

You'll continue to get mentoring and support from us throughout your year abroad, to help you get the most out of your experience.