Languages
The study of languages has always played an integral role in the Department. We offer two programmes:
The University-wide Language Programme – credit bearing modules open to Undergraduate students from all departments (regulations permitting)
The Extra-curricular Languages Programme – open access classes available to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, University staff and members of the local community (fees applicable)
Valuing languages
Languages play a central role in many aspects of university. They add to the skills profile of many graduates, widening their career horizons in a demanding and competitive global market, they provide students with the required language skills to undertake periods of study and/or work abroad, they improve students’ understanding of the social, political and economic cultures of both their near neighbours in Europe and in the wider world, thereby encouraging a better grasp of the issues affecting our own multicultural society, they help students understand the nuances of business etiquette in foreign markets. British companies have vital international connections and, where less than a third of the world’s population understand English, there is a growing demand for UK graduates to be able to communicate in another language and to understand foreign business cultures. There are also enormous opportunities for graduates with foreign language skills in the fields of political administration, the media and cultural organisations, NGOs and in education. To compete in a global marketplace, UK graduates need to be able to communicate in continental European languages and increasingly in Asian languages like Mandarin Chinese. A good grounding in at least one modern foreign language will provide students with invaluable transferable skills for the job market – not just fluency in a foreign language but also confidence, independence, flexibility and adaptability. Graduates who have international experience and an expertise in languages are highly employable because they can demonstrate that they have drive, resilience and intercultural sensitivities, as well as language skills.
Acquiring another language can also help us to understand the subtleties of language-use in general and the need for accuracy in conveying meaning in our own language and in that of others. Language is, after all, the distinguishing feature of human societies. We prosper through communication. We understand better if we can communicate with members of other societies.