Study Modern Languages, why & how to study
Modern Languages combines the study of French, German, Spanish, Italian and more, where you learn how to interpret different languages and cultures.
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CONTENTS
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What鈥檚 Modern Languages?
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What Modern Languages degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Modern Languages degree?
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What topics does a Modern Languages degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Modern Languages?
- Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Modern Languages degree?
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What do Modern Languages graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Modern Languages graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Modern Languages
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Have any questions?
What鈥檚 Modern Languages?
Modern Languages is the study of two or more languages and their histories, societies, politics and cultures. You'll develop your speaking, reading, listening and writing skills and may even have the chance to learn something new like Arabic or Mandarin at beginner level.
Learning foreign languages opens the doors to many different careers including an international career in a translating or interpreting-related field.
What Modern Languages degrees can you study?
Modern Languages can be studied as a single degree or in combination with another subject. There are numerous language combinations to choose from depending on your interests so it鈥檚 worth doing some research. Examples of undergraduate courses on offer in the UK include:
Modern Languages BA
Have a passion for language learning, looking to study multiple languages within a flexible degree structure? A Modern Languages degree enables you to study two or more languages and cultures. You would usually spend a year studying or working abroad, boosting your skills and employability.
Search for Modern Languages Courses.
Modern Languages and English BA
Engage in literary study while developing your language skills in a cultural context and explore innovations in literature in their historical and national circumstances. Learn important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Explore Modern Languages and English courses.
Modern Languages and Culture BA
This course offers you the opportunity to combine the development of high-level language skills with in-depth critical engagement with other cultures through studying literature, art, film, history and politics.
Find Modern Languages and Culture courses with additional option here.
Modern and Medieval Languages BA
This Cambridge course is hugely flexible and offers a broad and multifaceted approach to the study of language and culture. You can pursue your interests in many areas 鈥� from Italian Renaissance art to contemporary Brazilian cinema and medieval German folk tales to socialist realism in Stalin鈥檚 Russia.
See more details of this Cambridge course.
Other options
Most courses include a year abroad as part of the programme of study. There are also integrated foundation and master鈥檚 opportunities to consider.
What do you need to get onto a Modern Languages degree?
Must have
Most undergraduate Modern Languages courses ask for around 104鈥�152 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below:
- A Levels: ABB鈥揃CC
- BTECs: DDM鈥揇MM
- Scottish Highers: AABB鈥揃BBB
- International Baccalaureate: 33鈥�28
- Universities will usually ask that you have studied French, German or Spanish
Good to have
- Studied any foreign language, English, history, politics or sociology at A Level or equivalent
- Volunteering, work experience or time spent in a country that speaks the language you鈥檙e learning
- Shadowing or work experience at a translation company
- Membership of a language club or society
What topics does a Modern Languages degree cover?
Typical modules for courses in this subject include:
- French studies
- German studies
- Russian studies
- Spanish studies
- Written and oral skills
- History, politics, culture and society
- Intercultural communication
How will you be assessed?
Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:
- Written exams
- Oral exams
- Essays
- Coursework
- Commentaries
- Dissertations
- Portfolios
Why study Modern Languages?
Career-specific skills:
- Communication in a foreign language
- Cultural sensitivity
- Gathering and interpreting information
Transferable skills:
- Written and oral communication
- Time management
- Independent working
- Flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Memory
- Critical thinking
- Presentation
- Attention to detail
Professional accreditations:
- Chartered Institute of Linguists
Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants. It鈥檚 worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.
What do Modern Languages graduates earn?
When starting as a graduate translator, you can expect an entry-level salary of around £18,000.
The average salary for a translator in the UK is around £25,000. Salaries can be higher than £40,000 for those with lots of experience in high-level positions.
What jobs can you get as a Modern Languages graduate?
Modern Languages graduates go into professional jobs in fields like media, finance, government, commerce and education in companies all over the world, such as PwC, Sony and ASOS. Examples of roles that graduates go into:
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Teacher
- Researcher
- Journalist
- Human resources manager
- Travel agent
- Editor
- Hotel manager
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:
- Modern Languages MPhil
- Modern Languages MRes
- Modern Languages and Cultures MA
- Modern Languages and Translation Studies PhD
Similar subjects to Modern Languages
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
- Communication & Media Studies
- English
- French
- German
- Iberian Languages
- Italian
- Russian & Eastern European Languages
Search undergraduate Modern Languages courses now!
Have any questions?
Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We鈥檒l be happy to hear from you!
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