Modern Languages BA (Hons)

Newcastle University

Master up to three languages on our highly flexible Modern Languages degree course and prepare yourself for a career as an engaged, global citizen.

Course overview

This four-year Modern Languages BA Honours degree immerses you in the study of foreign culture and society. Focusing on the development of your language skills in your chosen languages, you'll graduate with an appreciation for other cultures and multilingual skills sought by employers.

You can choose to study up to three languages from a choice of:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Through our multidisciplinary approach to teaching, you'll gain an in-depth insight into how culture, cinema, history, politics and society shape the countries where your chosen languages are spoken. You will have the knowledge and understanding you need to engage with people in their native language.

You'll become a confident multilinguist, ready to embark on your career journey as a global citizen.

Teaching methods

The majority of language modules are taught by native speakers. You also work in language laboratories and undertake self-study in our award-winning Language Resource Centre.

Year abroad

This Modern Languages degree includes a compulsory year abroad.

Students studying a European language can:

• study at one of our partner universities
• undertake a work or voluntary placement
• undertake a combination of both (ensuring they do not overlap)

You usually divide the year between the countries relating to your chosen languages, although it may be possible to spend the entire year in one country.

If you are studying three languages we encourage you to spend some time during the summer vacation in the country of your third language.

If you're studying Chinese or Japanese, you'll spend the year studying at one of our partner universities in China or Japan.

Your future

Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. Employers value the linguistic skills and cultural awareness of graduates.

With ever more European and international connections, language skills are important and give you a real advantage in applying for a wide range of graduate jobs.

For some graduates teaching is a popular career choice, undertaking primary and secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad. Others go into jobs where their language skills are desirable, such as the media, sales, e-commerce, and areas of finance.