Humanities Shoot; 17th June 2019

Language Studies BA (Hons)

Learn one or two languages and immerse yourself in intercultural communication and awareness, to prepare for a career working in the international community.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

R905

Typical offer:

96-104 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
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Overview

On this BA (Hons) Language Studies degree course, you'll develop the skills to communicate professionally in one or two languages. Immerse yourself in intercultural communication and awareness, and graduate with the confidence to pursue a career in the international community.

Begin your studies as a complete novice, or with some knowledge of the language, and successfully complete your studies to a professional level – C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – without being required to spend a whole year abroad.

You'll have the choice to study either:

  • One language in-depth: French, German or Spanish at an advanced or beginner level, or Mandarin Chinese at a beginner level
  • Two languages at advanced level: chosen from French, German, Spanish and/or English as a foreign language
  • Two languages at different levels: one language at advanced level (chosen from French, German, Spanish or English as a foreign language) and one language at beginner level (chosen from French, German, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish)

When you complete this course, you'll be well prepared to begin work that showcases your intercultural awareness and language skills – such as an international English language teacher, a translator for a multinational corporation in any sector, a tour guide for an international travel agent, or a bilingual language editor or publisher.

Course highlights

  • 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
  • Develop multilingual IT skills including the use of desktop publishing and podcast recording software
  • Immerse yourself in learning a language (or two) to fluency without needing to spend a year abroad - although you'll have the option to study abroad if you want to
  • Have the opportunity to do a work placement year after your second or third year on this Connected Degree - we're the only UK university to offer flexible sandwich placements for undergraduates
  • Take advantage of our Institution-Wide Language Programme and learn an additional foreign language for free as part of your degree, choosing from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish
  • 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

Choose your language course

Studying languages at university can open up the world to you, but how do you decide which course is best for you? Meet some of our students and academics, and learn more about our three undergraduate language degrees.

Illijana: Languages, I believe are an essential skill in today's world. We live in an increasingly globalised society, and the more you travel, the more you realise that just one language isn't enough.

Maxine: The three different language courses at the University of Portsmouth are Modern Languages, Applied Languages and Language Studies.

For modern languages, if I was doing Spain, I could learn about South American countries and Franco's dictatorship, so I got a lot more background knowledge.

Illijana: It introduces you to all the skills that are involved with languages such as translation, interpreting, teaching and general cultural knowledge.

DeAvyon: It's called Applied Languages, everything that languages would be applied to, you learn how to function in that world.

We get to learn how we would apply in the workplace, how to function as a foreigner in another country, as well as focusing on the languages and the cultures themselves.

Jack: The course that I'm studying is Language Studies, and in that I'm looking at multiple different modules, looking at written discourse, spoken discourse, different types of English and different aspects of language.

Marjorie Huet-Martin: Students on the course can choose to specialise in different areas.

They can choose to specialise in teaching and education, in translation and interpreting, linguistics and culture, but also in business and industry.

DeAvyon: The thing I love most would most likely be the lecturers themselves.

They're so accommodating and so welcoming.

They provide so much extra information that you wouldn't think that you would need until you hear it.

Sasha Barron:

We're not only teaching students from the book, but we're also immersed in culture, history, business, social affairs, and also music.

Jack: We have things such as the language café.

There's language exchanges within the uni, but also, I think the plethora of literature that the university has available to you to learn about these subjects.

Illijana: As a mature student, I was initially worried about my experience, but it was really inclusive and a friendly environment.

Everyone is definitely very welcoming.

Marjorie: Students on the course have the opportunity to spend a period of time abroad.

DeAvyon: Going on a year abroad is so important. You get to be fully immersed in the culture and the chance to be able to do that as part of my degree is just amazing.

If you put on your CV that you've studied or worked abroad, it just boosts you up above everybody else in the country so much.

If anyone gets the opportunity, you have to take it.

Jack: There are so many career options that have become available to me through doing a language degree.

Marjorie: We have students who have gone into obviously the teaching and the translation and interpreting, but we also have students who go into banking, into fraud investigation.

Some of them become recruitment consultants, education consultants.

They might work in marketing, in digital media, or social media.

Jack: The melting pot that is this degree in terms of module choice really does help you with those careers.

DeAvyon: One of the biggest reasons to come and study at Portsmouth is the amount of socialisation.

I've not really ever felt alone in Portsmouth, which is really nice.

Just as a uni as well, they offer so much to do and so many opportunities as well, which I really love. Portsmouth really gets you involved.

Customise your degree

If you're interested in a career in teaching, you can choose to enhance your degree with additional, widely recognised qualifications.

Qualification options

Take steps to become a teacher while developing your passion for languages.

You can combine your language studies with teacher training and school teaching placements by taking the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) pathway.

If successful, you'll save an extra year of study, get a £9,000 bursary in your final year of study and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which will enable you to teach languages in secondary schools in England and Wales after you graduate.

If you’re interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) you can upgrade your qualifications with the Trinity College London Certificate – an internationally recognised TESOL qualification.

You’ll need to pass an additional entry test and interview to add the Trinity Certificate to your studies.

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Language Studies degree entry requirements

Typical offers

  • A levels - BCC-CCC
  • UCAS points - 96-104 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DMM-MMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

What skills and qualities do I need for this BA (Hons) Language Studies degree course?

As well as meeting the entry requirements, you'll need an interest in language learning and a desire to learn about other languages and cultures.

Alternative language courses

Explore all our language undergraduate courses, so you can compare your options and apply for the best course for you.

  BA (Hons) Applied Languages BA (Hons) Modern Languages BA (Hons) Language Studies
Languages you'll study 2 (both at advanced level, or 1 at advanced and 1 as a beginner) 1 (at either advanced or beginner level) 1 or 2 (both at advanced level, or 1 at advanced and 1 as a beginner)
Duration 4 years 4 years 3 or 4 years
Study abroad Optional
Language A Level required    
Find out more Go to course page Go to course page  
Interpreting Training Suite

Take our quiz

Which language degree is your best fit?

Unsure which language degree to choose? Take our quick and easy quiz to find out which of our language courses is best suited to you.

 

Take the quiz 

Facilities and specialist equipment

Digital language laboratories

Perfect your listening and comprehension skills in a rich, multi-media language learning environment. Find out how to integrate and manipulate video, sound, text and internet sources in different languages.

digital language lab
Explore the laboratories

Interpreter training suite

Develop the skills needed as an interpreter or translator in our Conference Interpreter Suite – equipped with the same technology used in the European Parliament. Get experience of diverse simulated environments – from meetings and conferences to courtrooms.

Interpreter training
Learn more
This course will allow you to develop high language proficiency in your chosen language(s), alongside expert intercultural awareness and competence. It's ideally suited to those who do not wish to spend a period abroad, but do want to develop the practical and professional skills to progress into a rewarding career.

Marjorie Huet-Martin, Course Leader - BA (Hons) Language Studies

Careers and opportunities

Having the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures in different contexts can lead to a rewarding career in areas such as tourism, teaching, journalism and marketing, in the UK and internationally.

The additional skills that knowing a language brings can also make you more employable in an increasingly global workforce. The growing use of tools such as video conferencing means you're more likely to work with colleagues in other countries, regardless of whether your own role is mobile or not. In fact, 16% of companies worldwide are completely remote, and 85% of managers believe their future teams will include remote workers (Findstack).

The language skills, intercultural awareness and proficiency in communication you gain from studying this course are especially sought after by businesses and organisations that operate across national borders and cultures.

What jobs can you do with a language studies degree?

You'll graduate with the skills and understanding to take up roles in many fields including:

  • teacher – modern foreign languages or English as a foreign language
  • international journalist or editor
  • translator/interpreter
  • tourist guide
  • bilingual consultant
  • publishing assistant
  • market analyst

What areas can you work in with a language studies degree?

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

  • international management
  • translation and interpreting
  • marketing
  • journalism and the media
  • 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.

Female student at computer

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.

It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.

You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Study abroad (optional)

You can successfully complete this degree course without studying abroad.

If you do choose to take a short-term study abroad experience, you'll build on your language skills in a country where your chosen language(s) is spoken. You can take advantage of our links with universities and employers worldwide, including Germany, Spain, China, Taiwan, Latin America and Senegal.

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

We'll guide you through using university resources like the library and Moodle while familiarising you with processes like ethics approval and referencing. You’ll get hands-on with collecting, examining, and presenting language data.

You’ll develop professional skills like teamwork, time management and resilience as you take the first steps towards becoming an independent researcher.

You’ll analyse the syntactic, lexical, functional and phonological elements of English, building your understanding of pedagogic grammar.

You’ll also have a go at learning a previously unknown language and reflect on this experience, as well as making contrasts between this language and known languages.

Optional modules

You’ll focus on speaking and writing for tourism, travel and business, and learn through films, songs, conversations and cultural tips.

You’ll build language accuracy and confidence by presenting information and ideas, helping you become an independent and collaborative language learner.

You’ll focus on speaking and writing for tourism, travel and business, and learn through films, songs, conversations and cultural tips.

You’ll build language accuracy and confidence by presenting information and ideas, helping you become an independent and collaborative language learner.

You’ll focus on speaking and writing for tourism, travel and business, and learn through films, songs, conversations and cultural tips.

You’ll build language accuracy and confidence by presenting information and ideas, helping you become an independent and collaborative language learner.

You’ll focus on speaking and writing for tourism, travel and business, and learn through films, songs, conversations and cultural tips.

You’ll build language accuracy and confidence by presenting information and ideas, helping you become an independent and collaborative language learner.

You’ll focus on grammar, writing, reading and listening. Through listening, you'll obtain information on familiar and unfamiliar topics from audio sources. You'll learn to use formal and informal French with accuracy and cultural competence in conversations.

You’ll also produce writing that describes and comments upon present, past and future events.

You’ll focus on grammar, writing, reading and listening. Through listening, you'll obtain information on familiar and unfamiliar topics from audio sources. You'll learn to use formal and informal German with accuracy and cultural competence in conversations.

You’ll also produce writing that describes and comments upon present, past and future events.

You’ll focus on grammar, writing, reading and listening. Through listening, you'll obtain information on familiar and unfamiliar topics from audio sources. You'll learn to use formal and informal Mandarin with accuracy and cultural competence in conversations.

You’ll also produce writing that describes and comments upon present, past and future events.

You’ll focus on grammar, writing, reading and listening. Through listening, you'll obtain information on familiar and unfamiliar topics from audio sources. You'll learn to use formal and informal Spanish with accuracy and cultural competence in conversations.

You’ll also produce writing that describes and comments upon present, past and future events.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in French.

You’ll use diverse French source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on French cultural, social or current affairs.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in German.

You’ll use diverse German source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on German cultural, social or current affairs.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in Spanish. You’ll use diverse Spanish source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on Spanish cultural, social or current affairs.

Through seminars on authentic texts, you'll develop skills for comprehending written and spoken French on diverse topics. Building grammar, vocabulary, and fluency, you'll discuss current events, share opinions, and present ideas - all in French.

Engaging with specialist academic texts boosts your academic literacy, and by reading complex materials, writing accurately, and expressing yourself orally with nuance, you'll gain practical French abilities.

Through seminars on authentic texts, you'll develop skills for comprehending written and spoken German on diverse topics. Building grammar, vocabulary, and fluency, you'll discuss current events, share opinions, and present ideas - all in German.

Engaging with specialist academic texts boosts your academic literacy, and by reading complex materials, writing accurately, and expressing yourself orally with nuance, you'll gain practical German abilities.
 

Through seminars on authentic texts, you'll develop skills for comprehending written and spoken Spanish on diverse topics. Building grammar, vocabulary, and fluency, you'll discuss current events, share opinions, and present ideas - all in Spanish.

Engaging with specialist academic texts boosts your academic literacy, and by reading complex materials, writing accurately, and expressing yourself orally with nuance, you'll gain practical Spanish abilities.
 

In terms of spoken communication, you’ll be introduced to the sounds of the Standard Southern British (SSB) accent and develop a repertoire of suitable language for taking part in discussions with students and staff in seminars.

When it comes to written communication, you’ll not only further develop your knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structure, but also learn how to integrate academic sources into your own writing effectively, appropriately, and responsibly.

You’ll examine the processes through which nations are constructed, imagined and reinvented in countries and regions where French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are spoken.

You’ll think critically about how ethnicity, shared values and collective memory can be selectively used, and in some cases created, to generate a 'national identity'.

You’ll also examine how language affects identity, the invention and use of national icons, film as act of historical memory and commemoration, and migration and social integration.

Optional modules

Through films, news reports and texts from across the Francophone world, discuss engaging topics from travel adventures to current affairs.

You’ll learn to communicate naturally in academic, professional and social situations while appreciating linguistic nuances. You’ll also deepen your understanding of diverse French-speaking societies through lively classes and seminars.

Through films, news reports and texts from across the German-speaking world, discuss engaging topics from travel adventures to current affairs.

You’ll learn to communicate naturally in academic, professional and social situations while appreciating linguistic nuances. You’ll also deepen your understanding of diverse German-speaking societies through lively classes and seminars.

Through films, news reports and texts from across the Mandarin-speaking world, discuss engaging topics from travel adventures to current affairs.

You’ll learn to communicate naturally in academic, professional and social situations while appreciating linguistic nuances. You’ll also deepen your understanding of diverse Mandarin-speaking societies through lively classes and seminars.

Through films, news reports and texts from across the Spanish-speaking world, discuss engaging topics from travel adventures to current affairs.

You’ll learn to communicate naturally in academic, professional and social situations while appreciating linguistic nuances. You’ll also deepen your understanding of diverse Spanish-speaking societies through lively classes and seminars.

You’ll hone your French speaking through debates, presentations and interviews, and refine your formal and informal writing across diverse genres.

You’ll also deepen your cultural understanding through exposure to sociolinguistic nuances and conventions, ready to communicate effectively in French-speaking communities worldwide.

You’ll hone your German speaking through debates, presentations and interviews, and refine your formal and informal writing across diverse genres.

You’ll also deepen your cultural understanding through exposure to sociolinguistic nuances and conventions, ready to communicate effectively in German-speaking communities worldwide.

You’ll hone your Mandarin speaking through debates, presentations and interviews, and refine your formal and informal writing across diverse genres.

You’ll also deepen your cultural understanding through exposure to sociolinguistic nuances and conventions, ready to communicate effectively in Mandarin-speaking communities worldwide.

You’ll hone your Spanish speaking through debates, presentations and interviews, and refine your formal and informal writing across diverse genres.

You’ll also deepen your cultural understanding through exposure to sociolinguistic nuances and conventions, ready to communicate effectively in Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

You’ll deepen your understanding of workplace culture and practices in French-speaking countries, boosting your communication and intercultural competence through activities like job interviews, team reports, and presentations.

Gain insights into French job opportunities, company structures, products and services through research, and produce a multimedia report on a company using specialised vocabulary and software.

You’ll deepen your understanding of workplace culture and practices in German-speaking countries, boosting your communication and intercultural competence through activities like job interviews, team reports, and presentations.

Gain insights into German job opportunities, company structures, products and services through research, and produce a multimedia report on a company using specialised vocabulary and software.

You’ll deepen your understanding of workplace culture and practices in Spanish-speaking countries, boosting your communication and intercultural competence through activities like job interviews, team reports, and presentations.

Gain insights into Spanish job opportunities, company structures, products and services through research, and produce a multimedia report on a company using specialised vocabulary and software.

Moving beyond everyday French, you'll analyse complex texts from media, literature, and academia and with class discussions in French on specialist topics related to living abroad you’ll hone your verbal fluency.

Building on your existing abilities, you'll communicate confidently, express opinions, and present ideas. This module provides the advanced language abilities, critical thinking, and intercultural competence to thrive in diverse French-speaking contexts.

You'll learn how to discuss specialist topics in a variety of subject areas by analysing a range of authentic written, audio and visual media and expand your verbal fluency.

By learning to write confidently in formal and informal styles, you'll build your understanding of complex German across diverse contexts and sharpen your ability to express yourself confidently.

Seminars on grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking provide a toolkit to thrive in German-speaking communities.

You'll learn how to discuss specialist topics in a variety of subject areas by analysing a range of authentic written, audio and visual media and expand your verbal fluency.

By learning to write confidently in formal and informal styles, you'll build your understanding of complex Spanish across diverse contexts and sharpen your ability to express yourself confidently.

Seminars on grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking provide a toolkit to thrive in Spanish-speaking communities.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in Mandarin.

You’ll use diverse Mandarin source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on Mandarin cultural, social or current affairs.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in French.

You’ll use diverse French source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on French cultural, social or current affairs.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in German.

You’ll use diverse German source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on German cultural, social or current affairs.

Supported by independent study and a series of language seminars, you'll develop a journalist article in Spanish.

You’ll use diverse Spanish source material for your project, from written to audio-visual, and take part in individual and group presentations on Spanish cultural, social or current affairs.

The module gives you the keys to understand how decisions are made in the EU, and the extent to which member states can shape, respond or contest EU decisions.

Exploring real-world issues like migration, defence, or environmental policies, you'll learn to critically evaluate debates and policies, and how the EU interacts with other states (such as the UK or China) and international organisations (such as NATO).

With the historical and theoretical background provided, you'll be able to discuss trends and engage intelligently with current affairs.

You’ll begin by exploring how countries like Argentina, Chile and Brazil transitioned from military dictatorships to democracies towards the end of the 20th century.

You’ll also learn about the dramatic public protests and negotiations that eventually toppled these dictatorships in the late 20th century as part of the "Third Wave" of democratisation.

However, installing democratic systems has not been easy - you’ll also analyse the political, economic and social challenges that societies across the region are grappling with in the 21st century. To what extent have the region's new democracies been able to challenge deep seated inequalities in class, gender and race/ethnicity? And what do ordinary people think about development and democracy across the region?

You’ll explore ideas around modernisation, colonialism and nationalism and how they shape education, gender roles, ethnicity, class, sexuality and everyday life in this part of the world.

By comparing the experiences of different countries when it comes to industrialisation, democratisation and conflict, you’ll learn how to appreciate complex regional dynamics.

You’ll go beyond vocabulary and assess why we say things the way we do, looking for patterns in everyday language.

You’ll develop practical text analysis skills, and examine language as a tool we use to accomplish social goals.

Combining law, language analysis and psychology, you’ll look at the different tools and methods used for analysing texts.

You’ll investigate grammar, orthography, metaphor, punctuation, capitalisation, layout and text management, salutations, spelling and distinctive markers, style of printing, and the use of upper-case letters.

You’ll also explore the different methods used for detecting lies and deception, and apply forensic linguistics tools in written and verbal case reports.

You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.

You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.

On this module, you’ll get an introduction to translation skills to open new worlds.

You’ll learn practical techniques while translating authentic texts, explore different genres and languages and discuss real-world translation challenges. You’ll develop professional skills for potential careers in this field.

We’ll cover various aspects of social (in)justice, and you’ll then choose an area you feel passionate about to investigate further, explaining links between language and social justice in your chosen domain.

You’ll capture and convey your insights through a digital portfolio.

Via engaging lectures, seminars and workshops, you'll explore key HRM concepts from recruitment and selection, to performance management and employment equality.

You'll also examine real-world case studies to reveal the importance of linking HR activities to a business's organisational outcomes.

Through group presentations and peer teaching with your fellow students, you'll build confidence using HRM terminology in order to communicate effectively as a HR professional or with others in this role.

You’ll study a number of key topics and issues in the field of language acquisition and their implications for your own personal and professional interests and needs in language learning, language teaching, and language studies.

Through dynamic peer discussions, you’ll rethink assumptions about multilingualism while gaining tools to evaluate language policies and learning models.

Although this module focuses on the teaching of English, it can apply to other languages too.

If you’re doing the Trinity course, this is the second of three modules you’ll need to complete to achieve the internationally recognised professional teaching qualification, Trinity College London Cert TESOL.

You’ll learn skills you’ll need to teach in language schools worldwide, including exploring different methods and approaches to the teaching of languages, in particular English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL).

You’ll design a series of lesson plans and reflect upon your own performance as a trainee teacher, drawing up an action plan for future professional development.

You’ll study real speech and linguistic data to understand different linguistic deficit models.

You’ll build on what you’ve learned about morphology, syntax and phonology and apply it to real examples.

Learn by doing as you explain your findings to different audiences through creative mediums like podcasts.

In this module, you’ll explore European colonisation of Africa, asking questions like - how did they justify colonial rule, and how did African peoples respond to these colonisers?

You’ll learn how, after World War II, colonial rule was increasingly challenged from both within the empire, by growing African demands for political rights, and in the international arena, with the global trend towards trusteeship, development and self-determination.

You’ll also explore European relations with Africa in the post-colonial era, looking at themes which may include ideas about civilisation, universalism and race, modern attempts to 'rehabilitate' empire in the media, and the legacies of colonialism in Britain, Europe and Africa.

You’ll collaborate with students on other courses to explore and address societal and environmental challenges faced by local and global communities. You’ll choose projects from a range of topic areas aligned with the university's Civic Strategy.

With input from local organisations, you’ll think about your topic from multiple perspectives, developing your interdisciplinary thinking and ability to work with others.

You’ll analyse the essence of security, exploring how security needs are addressed around the world and on a national level, down to a community and even an individual basis.

You’ll explore different forms of societal risk and insecurity, and approaches to dealing with security threats, taking into account the nature and impact of economic and political developments.

You'll learn how to think critically about the key concepts that link language, culture and communication, considering the benefits and limitations of these ideas.

You'll explore the different ways in which communication intersects with culture across themes such as identity, education, gender, and the media.

Alongside what you learn, you'll improve your skills in analysis, research and intercultural awareness.

Apply cultural theories in real business scenarios through group projects and develop your communication skills with a global mindset via vibrant discussions.

This module will equip you with cultural awareness, analytical abilities and presentation skills to thrive.

You'll learn about consumer behaviour and brand strategy, and spend time examining real-world marketing campaigns. You'll also think about how social, political and technological forces can affect the way businesses approach marketing their products and services.

Skills you'll develop include carrying out market research and learning how to use what you learn, crafting targeted messaging across different marketing channels, and presenting your ideas verbally and in writing.

You'll learn about major economic, political and cultural changes in Western Europe over the nineteenth century, and how these affected the rest of the world as time went on.

You'll explore the big ideas that have shaped the modern world, and weigh up the benefits and perils of globalisation. Skills you'll develop on this module include independent research, critical thinking and effective communication.

You'll also learn to understand the opportunities and challenges of today's world from an informed, global perspective.

You’ll look critically ideas of nationalism historically and today with a focus on the everyday, intimate and embodied boundaries of nation-states and how these shape our lives, including those of us living in the most privileged parts of the world.

You’ll explore real-world cases to understand the individual and societal impacts on human lives, developing your analytical skills and imagining more compassionate alternatives.

You’ll unpack the language of tabloids, broadsheets and online news, analysing how journalists shape public understanding of current events.

Develop your critical thinking by confronting moral panics and polarised politics in reporting.

Create your own news stories and gain real insight into mass communication in a rapidly changing landscape.

You'll analyse major cases of economic crime and weigh up their wider societal implications.

You'll also learn how to recognise disciplinary perspectives, become familiar with the key investigating organisations, identify investigative techniques, and gather and analyse real case information.

With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you’ll apply what you’ve learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.

You’ll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.

You’ll analyse American texts against the backdrop of intellectual, social and political change, evaluating how writers grappled with emerging ideas around national identity, race, gender and more.

By honing skills for contextual analysis and independent thought, you’ll form your own interpretations of iconic works that reflect the American experience.

You’ll analyse diverse transitional justice approaches balancing community healing and judicial accountability after mass atrocities.

Comparing mechanisms like war crimes tribunals, truth commissions and reparations programmes, you’ll evaluate effectiveness in restoring dignity and preventing recurrence.

With case studies from Europe to Africa, from Latin America to Asia, you'll examine tensions between western models and local cultural perspectives, assessing what ‘justice’ means to vulnerable peoples.

Throughout, you'll trace incremental human rights legislation advances, assessing global institutions’ roles protecting civilians from authoritarian regimes and wartime abuses.

Through interactive lectures with academics, speakers and professionals, you'll discuss, debate and complete practical exercises exploring wildlife crime alongside your classmates.

You'll spend time examining wildlife crimes and the factors behind them, as well as environmental justice and sustainability.

You’ll explore the professional aspects of these services, learning about opportunities, challenges and training requirements. You’ll also try the core skills for yourself, from post-editing translations to voiceover work.

Analyse the artistic, political, and economic aspects of films in postcolonialism and global cinema. Critically examine different themes and the methods filmmakers use. Understanding the evolution of film production, you’ll learn about the impact of technology on movies both locally and internationally. By looking at how films are distributed and marketed, you’ll learn about the impact of global politics on how films are received.

You’ll come to understand international films deeply, developing cultural knowledge.

This understanding will enhance your analytical abilities, which are useful for jobs in film programming, curating, and reviewing.

Optional modules

It's up to you what your dissertation or project is about – this will be your chance to showcase your passion for language by choosing a subject area or topic that most interests you.

You'll draw on everything you’ve learned so far to investigate, analyse, craft and refine your dissertation or project, using existing texts, sources and artefacts to support your arguments and give them context.

You'll have the support of a dedicated dissertation tutor to guide you throughout this module.

This real-world, project-based module lets you address an identified need or gap by designing an innovative product, service or resource.

With support from university staff and external partners, you'll demonstrate critical thinking, ethical awareness and project management abilities.

Your final project and presentation will showcase your employability and capacity for high-impact solutions.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You’ll take part in presentations, language lab seminars, role-plays and groupwork, drawing on information, ideas and opinions from complex written media and specialist texts with regional variations.

You'll also discuss and professionally present specialised topics, and express yourself accurately through varied formal and informal text types and vocabulary.

You'll learn how to analyse various genres of source texts, apply translation techniques and translation theory in a way that helps you to achieve clear meaning, and produce commercially acceptable translations.

Working with your fellow students, you’ll simulate real-world translation agency environments and learn how to produce translations as a team.

You'll also work on your skills in written and verbal communication, critical analysis and intercultural awareness, all of which are essential for a career in the language services sector.

You’ll bring together new and existing knowledge in business and marketing to generate potential business ideas.

You’ll locate, access and critically engage with market information using digital technologies to collect data for research, demonstrate your understanding of business ethics and sustainability in various cultural contexts, and communicate clearly and effectively to a wide audience, such as banks and potential investors.

You'll investigate words, phrases and their meanings across diverse contexts like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

Developing corpus linguistics abilities lets you spot patterns and trends - useful for careers from teaching to computing. Get hands-on with data to uncover language insights, reporting findings with critical methodology grounded in key concepts.

You’ll analyse the historical processes that have shaped our understanding of linguistic variety, spanning grammar to phonology.

You’ll evaluate origins of modern vocabulary, structure and dialects, building valuable knowledge about this vibrant mode of human connection.

Examine feminist linguistic theories and methodologies investigating how speech and text perpetuate or confront patriarchal norms.

Discover how conversational patterns subtly cue stereotypes, status and gender roles across diverse cultures.

You’ll question your own assumptions while developing skills for respectful communication and critical consumption of gendered media messages.

You'll explore diverse literary perspectives on the Holocaust, from first-hand accounts to contemporary post-memory texts.

Through critical reading and innovative creative projects both in groups and on your own, you'll grapple with the ethics of memorialisation and the role of cultural memory.

You'll learn about the job application process from the perspective of both candidates and recruiters, thinking about what employers look for in graduates and how you can optimise your own professional profile.

Through mock interviews and assessments, you'll hone your skills and learn how to communicate your achievements and career goals, ready to take the next step after you graduate.

You’ll build your rhetorical skills to deliver persuasive presentations, and analyse diverse interpersonal interactions, from meetings to interviews, complaints to small talk.

Learn what makes effective workplace discourse and find confidence in your ability to navigate professional spoken communication.

You’ll demonstrate intellectual and transferable skills appropriate for your field, and do independent research. You’ll design a viable project proposal using existing studies in your field, and critically discuss assumptions, arguments and data to make judgements, pose questions and identify solutions.

Finally, you'll write up your project tailored to a specified academic or workplace audience.

During your study abroad programme, you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career, as well as making memories, new friends and career contacts.

This is an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university.

From theories and models to business cultures and current affairs, you'll analyse international trade trends, regulatory institutions, and the forces shaping competitive business environments.

Examining strategic responses to globalization, you'll develop critical perspectives on corporate responsibility and assess market dynamics across different regions, while crafting insightful solutions that benefits society and the economy.

When you graduate, you'll have the essential knowledge, analytical skills, and global mindset to succeed as a future business leader.

You'll consider how you can incorporate creative activities using music, literature, drama, film, storytelling and games into a series of lessons.

You'll also think about wider contexts and make professional judgements concerning planning beyond individual lessons.

We'll use examples in class relating to the teaching of English but the same principles and techniques can be used for the teaching of other languages too.

You’ll explore the many Englishes used internationally, analysing how the language has spread and adapted politically and culturally over time.

You’ll seek to answer thought-provoking issues: how equal are different Englishes? What are the pedagogical implications as English becomes the global lingua franca? Understand the plurality of modern Englishes and their complex implications across the world today.

You’ll develop your knowledge of core linguistic frameworks in order to investigate a range of communication issues, such as language and control, the role of interpreters, the veracity of witness statements, and the interviewing of vulnerable witnesses, such as children.

You'll explore France's foreign policies, defence strategies and power dynamics within Europe and beyond.

Spend time thinking critically about its international influence and motivations, and learn how other regions of the world view its actions, from 'special' ties with former colonies to controversial stances on key issues.

This module will help you develop the skills to unpack complex geopolitical questions. You'll gain a deeper understanding of France's bid to remain an influential force in our rapidly changing world.

You'll get an overview of the power politics in the region, including China's resurgence, Japan's constraints and the United States' rebalancing.

You'll examine both traditional and non-traditional security issues across the region, from tension on the Korean peninsula, to the human costs of illiberal politics in Southeast Asia.

You’ll focus on the analysis of computer-mediated-communication practices, the language used in on social media, the effects of social media on language and the social structures that emerge when people use these applications.

You’ll delve into the big ideas relating to language and social media to develop your own perspectives.

With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you'll apply what you've learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.

You'll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.

You'll rethink European (market) integration from the perspective of state, non-state, and regional actors across the globe, focusing on the question of how and to what extent EU institutions and policies have contributed to shaping international economic governance.

Tackling different interpretations of the EU as a regional and global power, you'll explore though-provoking questions: As the EU negotiates new trade deals and economic partnerships, who really benefits? Does the EU attempt to use its global market power to create a safer world? And to what extent have colonial legacies shaped the EU as an economic superpower?

Using analytical frameworks, you'll adapt texts to suit different audiences, purposes and settings, and evaluate and produce examples of professional writing.

You’ll also apply your learning through a presentation.

You’ll design a website for a company, charity or NGO in your chosen language, giving you real-world experience in web design, marketing and using your language skills in an international workplace.

You’ll also design a viable project proposal, research the latest information in your field, analyse data to reach conclusions, reflect on your learning, and communicate your findings to a professional audience.

Optional modules

During your study abroad year, you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career, as well as making memories, new friends and career contacts.

You could also improve your foreign language and intercultural communication skills. This is an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university.

We'll help you find and secure a work placement that inspires you in a destination you can explore and make home during your placement year.

You'll have the chance to try out skills and gain experience that'll help you clarify your next career steps, while building capabilities employers seek and applying what you've learned on your degree so far to a real-world working environment.

Return feeling confident and re-energised for your final year or first year of your career, ready to make an immediate impact in whatever you choose to do next.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • one-to-one tutorials
  • group tutorials

You'll also have skill development sessions and workshops with learning development tutors.

Teaching staff profiles

User profile default icon

Miss Sara Gomez Villa

Senior Teaching Fellow

Sara.Gomez-Villa@port.ac.uk

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Marjorie Huet-Martin Portrait

Mrs Marjorie Huet-Martin

Interim Head of School of Education, Languages and Linguistics

marjorie.huet-martin@port.ac.uk

School of Education, Languages and Linguistics

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Read more

How you're assessed

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

  • Year 1 students: 30% by exams and 70% by coursework
  • Year 2 students: 10% by exams and 90% by coursework
  • Year 3 students: 5% by exams and 95% by coursework

Your coursework may include:

  • oral presentations
  • essays
  • written work, including reports, articles, case studies, book or film reviews
  • group and individual projects
  • translations and commentaries
  • interviews
  • use of software (desktop publishing, podcasts, vlogs)

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.

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Language Studies degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • Understanding and using assignment feedback
  • Managing your time and workload
  • Revision and exam techniques

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Note taking
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation skills
  • Referencing
  • Working in groups
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Global cafe

Global Café

You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.

Language corner

Language Corner

Meet with a language tutor, get help with specific challenges and practise your skills with proficient speakers of your chosen language in this optional weekly drop-in session.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs accordian

Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

During your placement or study abroad semester, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees.

Tuition fees for that year are:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

Enhance your degree with an internationally recognised qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: the Trinity College London Cert TESOL. This opportunity is conditional on a successful performance in an entry test and interview in order to fulfil professional requirements.

There's no cost if you take the Trinity College London Teaching Practice module as one of your options.

If you choose to take this module outside your planned curriculum, there's a fee of £355.

If you opt-out of the QTS pathway, you'll need to carry out a summer school placement in June–July, in both the second and final years of your degree. You'll need to budget for accommodation, travel and subsistence during this period.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – R905
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.