Language Studies

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

On this BA (Hons) Language Studies degree course, you'll develop the skills to communicate professionally in one or two languages. Immerse yourself in intercultural communication and awareness, and graduate with the confidence to pursue a career in the international community.

Begin your studies as a complete novice, or with some knowledge of the language, and successfully complete your studies to a professional level – C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – without being required to spend a whole year abroad.

You'll have the choice to study either:

• One language in-depth

• Two languages at advanced level

• Two languages at different levels: one language at advanced level and one language at beginner level

When you complete this course, you'll be well prepared to begin work that showcases your intercultural awareness and language skills – such as an international English language teacher, a translator for a multinational corporation in any sector, a tour guide for an international travel agent, or a bilingual language editor or publisher.

Course highlights

• 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

• Develop multilingual IT skills including the use of desktop publishing and podcast recording software

• Immerse yourself in learning a language (or two) to fluency without needing to spend a year abroad - although you'll have the option to study abroad if you want to

• 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

• Enhance your degree with additional, widely recognised qualifications in Initial Teacher Training or Teaching English as a foreign language

Careers and opportunities

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, in the UK and internationally.

The additional skills that knowing a language brings can also make you more employable in an increasingly global workforce. The growing use of tools such as video conferencing means you're more likely to work with colleagues in other countries, regardless of whether your own role is mobile or not.

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.

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

• teacher

• international journalist or editor

• translator/interpreter

• tourist guide

• bilingual consultant

• publishing assistant

• market analyst

What areas can you work in with a language studies degree?

Learning a second language is useful in all sectors, including:

• international management

• translation and interpreting

• marketing

• journalism and the media

• teaching

• tourism

• finance

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.