Applied Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish, English as a Foreign Language) BA (Hons)

**Overview**<br/><br/>This BA (Hons) Applied Languages degree course will transform your passion for learning languages into professional communication and linguistic skills.<br/><br/>Study how language works, including specialist topics such as linguistics, communication theory and managing across cultures, in preparation for professional roles in areas such as a translation, interpreting, teaching and tourism. <br/><br/>You can choose to study either:<br/><br/><br/>- Two languages at advanced level: chosen from French, German, Spanish and/or English as a foreign language<br/><br/><br/>- 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)<br/><br/><br/>More than 60% of adults from the European Union can speak a second language, compared to less than half of the UK population (according to Eurostat 2016). When you graduate, youll stand out in a population where language skills are lagging behind the rest of the world.<br/><br/>**Course highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- In year three, study or work abroad in two different countries where your chosen languages are spoken, immersing yourself in their culture so you can build a career across borders<br/><br/><br/>- Choose to specialise in one of four areas, or mix and match:<br/><br/><br/>- teaching and education<br/><br/><br/>- translation and interpreting<br/><br/><br/>- culture and linguistics<br/><br/><br/>- business and industry<br/><br/><br/>- Produce your own translations and build up interpreting experience in real and simulated work environments, so you can prove your skills to employers<br/><br/><br/>- Have the opportunity to study a third language from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish<br/><br/><br/>**Options to customise your degree**<br/><br/>If youre interested in a career in teaching, you can choose to enhance your degree with additional, widely recognised qualifications in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Teaching English as a foreign language<br/><br/>**Careers and opportunities**<br/><br/>You’ll graduate as a skilled multi-linguist, ready to take on roles across a range of fields.<br/><br/>There’s a growing demand for high quality translators and interpreters – the Association of Translation Companies advised that interpreters be added to the UK governments Shortage Occupation List while Wolfestone has called the UKs foreign language skills shortage an unspeakable disaster. <br/><br/>Theres also a growing need for intercultural awareness and communication skills in business. The British Council has stated that an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels (Languages for the Future, 2017).<br/><br/>What areas can you work in with an applied languages degree?<br/><br/>As the world becomes more closely connected through trade, entertainment, tourism and communications, organisations need employees who can communicate effectively in two or more languages.<br/><br/>You might specialise in a field such as law, finance or medicine, or in environments such as courtrooms, councils and police centres.<br/><br/>This degree broadens your options so you can pursue almost any career. Being multilingual is useful in all sectors, including:<br/><br/><br/>- journalism and the media<br/><br/><br/>- international management<br/><br/><br/>- translation and interpreting<br/><br/><br/>- teaching<br/><br/><br/>- tourism<br/><br/><br/>- finance<br/><br/><br/>- marketing<br/><br/><br/>You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level with a Masters in a subject such as Translation Studies or Applied Linguistics and TESOL.<br/><br/>Whatever career you pursue, our Careers and Employability service will give support and advice for 5 years after you graduate.

If you apply through Clearing, you'll be offered a guaranteed room in halls if you accept your offer within 24 hours of receiving it and apply for accommodation as a new full-time undergraduate student by 9am on 20 August 2025.<br/><br/>Sign up for Priority Clearing to get accommodation information straight to your inbox as well as access to Portsmouth's Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 7th August. Priority Clearing applicants will jump the queue on Results Day, get exclusive Clearing updates, invites to Portsmouth Prepare for Clearing Webinars and one-to-one application support.<br/><br/>Through the open day, students can get a feel for Portsmouth's welcoming campus and community before joining the university. With guaranteed accommodation, they can rest easy and ensure they are in the heart of the student community.