Languages - Subject Guide

Single Honours 

• Modern Languages 

• French 

• German 

• Arabic 

• Japanese 

Joint Honours 

• Languages and International Relations 

• French with Business Management 

• Spanish and History 

• Languages and Psychology 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years: Foundation years provide a solid foundation in vocabulary, skills, and cultural understanding. These programs are suitable for individuals who wish to study a language which perhaps they have not already studied at school and helps get them up to the required level for undergraduate study. 

• Sandwich degrees: Sandwich degrees are common in languages, typically including a year abroad or a placement in a foreign-language environment. This immersive experience allows students to develop language fluency, cultural competence, and practical skills in real-world settings. 

• Integrated Master’s: Integrated Master’s programs offer an extended course duration, allowing students to pursue advanced research or professional opportunities, as well as graduating with a Master’s level qualification for relatively little extra cost to an undergraduate. 

• Degree apprenticeships: Degree apprenticeships typically last between three to six years, and combine academic study with practical work experience, allowing students to earn a wage while developing language skills. Apprenticeships may include roles in translation, interpretation, or language teaching. 

FIND OUT MORE: Different types of undergraduate degree

SOURCE: WHATUNI

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Naturally, most language courses will also ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in the language you intend to study. Sometimes it’s possible to study a language at beginner level at uni, in which case you’ll need either an AS-level or GCSE (or equivalent) in another foreign language, to demonstrate your ability to reach the level of proficiency required for undergraduate study. 

FIND OUT MORE: How to choose your A-level subjects

With a languages degree, you can choose to specialise in various areas. There are many different paths for focused study and careers, whether it be in a specific language, literature, or the study of the structure and evolution of languages itself. Each specialisation deepens understanding of cognition and cultural communication. 

Some specialisations include: 

• Translation and interpretation: This involves the accurate conversion of one written or spoken language to another. Translators focus on written texts, while interpreters work with spoken language in real-time settings like conferences or meetings, facilitating communication between people who speak different languages.

• Comparative literature: This specialisation explores literary works from different languages and periods. It examines key motifs and styles, providing insights into the similarities and differences between cultures and helps to build an appreciation for global literary diversity. 

• Language teaching: Language teaching is a widespread and fulfilling carer pathway, and one which is consistently in demand the world over. It involves planning lessons, designing curriculums, and developing language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

• Psycholinguistics: Investigates the psychological and cognitive processes involved in language comprehension. It explores topics such as language development, language disorders, bilingualism, and the neurobiological basis of language, shedding light on how humans use language to communicate with each other. 

• Ancient languages: This refers to historical languages that are no longer spoken in daily use, such as Latin, Ancient Greek, Sanskrit, or Classical Chinese, which are yet still relevant to academic study and modern language understanding. 

FIND OUT MORE: View all courses

• Language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) 

• Grammar and syntax 

• Phonetics and phonology 

• Cultural studies 

• Translation theory and practice 

• Sociolinguistics 

• Second language acquisition 

• Literary analysis 

• Language teaching methodologies 

Through studying languages at university, you’ll gain many things. A window into another culture, a usable degree that can lead to many types of profession and many opportunities for travel, and even an entirely new way of understanding the world.

You can expect to develop advanced language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, alongside cultural competence and intercultural communication skills which enable you to connect with people from around the globe. 

You’ll also pick up plenty of transferable skills, such as: 

• Advanced written and verbal communication 

• Critical analysis 

• Listening skills 

• Working independently 

• Public speaking 

In the UK, language degrees are accredited by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). Accreditation ensures that courses meet the high standard of these professional bodies, and members of these language-related institutes are well equipped to enter professions such as translation, interpreting, or language teaching. 

If you're interested in languages but not sure if you want to study one at university, then you might also consider alternative degree pathways in related disciplines such as linguistics, literature, or cultural studies. These fields offer insights into language structure, literary analysis, and cultural interpretation, providing valuable perspectives for individuals interested in language and cultural professions.

These can include: 

• Cultural studies 

• Comparative literature 

• History 

• International relations 

A languages degree is a passport to a world of career pathways, many of which give you the chance to travel as part of your career. Whether you use your language skills to speak, read, listen, write, or all the above, you can be sure that it will come in handy when finding work.

Additionally, if you end up working in a different field, then knowing a second language can really give you an advantage, especially if you plan to work in a multinational organisation. Some career options include: 

• Teacher 

• Translator  

• Interpreter   

• Diplomat  

• Private tutor  

• Journalist 

• Publisher  

• Tour guide 

• Travel specialist 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in languages or a related subject. 

FIND OUT MORE: Career guides