Language, Culture and Communication

Summary:

Language and culture shape how we understand the world and connect with others. This course explores how communication works across different societies and contexts.

This interdisciplinary degree in Languages, Culture and Communication offers you a combination of modules in ethnography, cultural studies, sociolinguistics, and digital and non-digital communication. Together, these approaches will help you explore how language influences identity, relationships and global challenges.

You can choose to study 1 or 2 languages from scratch – including Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Italian, Japanese and Russian. This allows you to combine cultural insight with practical communication skills.

As you progress, you will develop analytical, research and communication skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers in an increasingly connected world. Your career opportunities include working in education, language teaching, information technology, management, the mass media, creative arts, social work, counselling, and more!

Key features of the course:

- Join a department that is 7th for Linguistics (Times UK University Rankings 2026), and 10th for Languages & Linguistics (The Guardian League Table 2026)

- Our department was ranked 1st for graduate prospects in Linguistics, Times UK University Rankings 2026.

- Undertake a professional project as an alternative to the traditional dissertation in your final year - opportunity to work with businesses and charities on a project around language, culture and communication and gain valuable employability skills and networks

- Options to take related modules in other disciplines such as Philosophy and Film, allowing you to tailor your module choices to your own interests and career choices.

- Access to our Digital Humanities Hub and support from our team of expert academics and technicians.

Student support:

You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your communication skills.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information:

BA Language, Culture and Communication is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

Course Modules

Over the three years of this Language Culture and Communication course, you will combine the study of a new language from scratch with modules in disciplines in communication, cultural studies, linguistics, and anthropology.

Year 1: Begin accelerated study in one of 10 different languages alongside introductory linguistics and culture modules.
Year 2: Optionally continue your new language while acquiring research and critical skills in language, culture and communication
Year 3: Alongside advanced modules, pursue either a traditional dissertation or professional project in collaboration with industry.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through modules from outside your discipline, including from sociology, education and philosophy.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/language-culture-communication-degree-ba#modules

The different types of assessment will involve essays, oral presentations, data analysis tasks, group projects, seminar discussions, and writing blogs. These aim to assess your knowledge and understanding of the content of the module but also provide variety to suit all different types of learners.