Modern Languages

Overview

On 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 to go, 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

Careers and opportunities

As early as 2014, UK Trade and Investment reported that the UK's lack of language skills was leading to a 3.5% loss in national income through trade. This highlights the need UK companies have for bilingual and multilingual employees.

Fast forward to a post-pandemic 2021, the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in the world has dramatically increased and globalization of trade continues to grow (according to the DHL Global Connectedness Index). The professional language skills you develop on this course could set you apart in a global job market, whether you plan to work in the UK after graduation or pursue a career abroad.

What jobs can you do with a modern languages degree?

Roles you could go onto include:

• bilingual consultant

• multilingual project coordinator translator

• translator/interpreter

• diplomat

• journalist

• tourist guide

• market analyst

What areas can you work in with a modern languages degree?

This degree broadens your options so you can pursue almost any career. Learning a second language is useful in all sectors, including:

• marketing

• journalism and the media

• international management

• translation and interpreting

• 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.After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-modern-languages#modules

You’ll be assessed through:

• essays
• use of software including desktop publishing, podcasts, subtitling and web design
• case studies
• blogging
• examinations
• book reviews
• professional and business reports
• group and individual projects
• oral presentations
• portfolio of achievement

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:

Year 1 students: 23% by written exams, 16% by practical exams and 61% by coursework
Year 2 students: 38% by written exams, 7% by practical exams and 55% by coursework
Year 3 students: 100% by coursework
Year 4 students: 7% by written exams, 3% by practical exams and 90% by coursework