BA (Hons) Modern Languages

In this BA (Hons) Modern Languages degree course, you'll study one language in-depth, immersing yourself in the culture, history and identity of the communities that speak it. In an increasingly global world, equip yourself with the ability to connect with millions of people in their native language.

You'll have the choice to work towards fluency in one of the following languages:

• French – spoken by 267 million people worldwide
• German – spoken by 135 million people worldwide
• Spanish – spoken by 543 million people worldwide
• Mandarin Chinese – spoken by 1,120 million people worldwide

Boost your language and cultural studies with a year abroad on a study or work placement in a country or region that speaks your chosen language. Previous students have experienced life in Germany, Spain, China, Taiwan, Latin America and Senegal.

Wherever you choose, this course and the year abroad will transform your passion for language into practical multilingual skills you can use to build your career in any field – from teaching to international management and finance or media and marketing.

Course highlights

• Take a work or study abroad placement in year 3 to fully absorb the history and culture of another country and develop the skills and experience you need to build a career across borders
• Put your language skills into practice in simulations, scenario exercises, television broadcasts and debates, so you’re ready to thrive in the wide world of work
• Choose to focus on the aspects of other countries that fascinate you – from their history and politics through to economics and business
• Choose to mix and match optional modules, or tailor your course by selecting modules specifically within one of four specialisms:
  • Teaching and Education
  • Translation and interpreting
  • Culture and linguistics
  • Business and industry

Options to customise your degree

Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

You can combine your language studies with teacher training and school teaching placements by taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathway.

If successful, you'll save an extra year of study, get a £9,000 bursary in your final year of study and get Qualified Teacher Status for teaching jobs in England and Wales.

We’re proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world – a place where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best. We’re always discovering. We don’t fit the mould, we break it. Just as the world keeps moving, so do we.

We’re closely involved with our local community, and we take our ideas into the global marketplace. We partner with businesses, industry, and government to set the course for a better future. And we educate and transform the lives of our students to help them achieve their potential. We stand out, not just in the UK but in the world. We excel in research areas from cosmology and astrophysics to cybersecurity, forensics, and sport science. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've looked towards the future. And we're here to help you shape it.