Bring countries and cultures together as you perfect two languages (choosing from French, Spanish and Japanese) while developing professional expertise in translation and interpreting. 

You’ll study your chosen languages to degree level, at the same time as choosing from a range of specialist modules in culture, society, translation, intercultural communication and media. You’ll spend your third year in two countries where your chosen languages are spoken.  

When you graduate you’ll be able to construct sophisticated arguments in English as well as in both your second languages. You’ll also develop tremendous flexibility, adaptability and resilience during your year abroad – all skills that are highly sought after by employers. 

The year abroad is a compulsory element of our four-year language degrees. 

You’ll enhance your studies and boost your employability by studying or working abroad. This will be an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility along with your language skills. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers 

If you’re studying French or Spanish, you’ll have the option of taking up a teaching assistantship in Europe or a work placement, or of studying at one of our many partner universities. If you’re studying Japanese you’ll spend your time abroad studying at one of our Japanese partner universities. 

If you are a double honours student taking two of French, Spanish or Japanese from A level, you will normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken. 

If you are a double honours student taking one of your degree languages from below A level, you will normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It is strongly recommended that you follow at least some modules in the stronger language in your university placement and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of the other language. We can provide support and advice on this. 

ABOUT

On this course you’ll devote around two thirds of your time to your language studies, aiming at equal competence in both by the end of your degree. You’ll also be introduced to a range of specialist translation skills, as well as learning about translation issues across the media to help you understand how translation is practiced in a range of contexts. You’ll benefit from practical experience in interpreting in both public service and conference modes, which will give you more insights into the professional world. You’ll also choose from a range of subjects in language, culture, communication and translation. In all of these activities, you’ll use contemporary rather than literary or historical materials. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to take a third language as a non-credit module with certification. Depending on availability you can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Russian and Advanced English. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

The year abroad is a compulsory element of this four year language degree. 

You’ll enhance your studies and boost your employability by studying or working abroad. This will be an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility along with your language skills. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting that will be of benefit to future employers. 

If you’re studying French or Spanish, you’ll have the option of taking up a teaching assistantship in Europe or a work placement, of doing voluntary work in an NGO, or of studying at one of our many partner universities. If you’re studying French you’ll also have the opportunity to apply to attend the prestigious Faculté de Traduction et d’Interprétation in Geneva or the Institut de Management et de Communication Interculturels (ISIT) in Paris. 

If you’re studying Japanese you’ll spend your time abroad studying at one of our Japanese partner universities. 

If you are taking two of French, Spanish or Japanese from A level, you will normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken. 

If you are taking one of your degree languages from below A level, you will normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It is strongly recommended that you follow at least some modules in the stronger language in your university placement and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of the other language. We can provide support and advice on this. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You’ll graduate prepared for a whole host of career sectors, both in the UK and abroad. These include tourism, hospitality and leisure, human resources, marketing, sales, business, international banking, media, the civil service, local government and administration, teaching and education, translation and interpretation, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration, and customer services. 

Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as our MA in Global Intercultural Communication, MA in Applied Translation Studies, or perhaps an MBA. Our Careers Service run an annual Arts and Humanities events programme. This includes alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including charities, politics and government, writing and communications, and museums and heritage. You’ll also benefit from our annual Careers Using Languages Fair, where we showcase the range of opportunities available to you. This is a great chance to meet employers and to hear alumni speak about their career paths since graduating. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers you could enter include: 

• Translation and Interpreting 

• Sales and marketing 

• Business and finance 

• Information technology and telecommunications 

• Teaching and education 

• Media