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University Degrees - Modern Languages
Top universities around the world offer a variety of undergraduate degrees in the languages field, ranging from linguistics to degree courses in French, Russian, or Japanese, for example. We look at what's on offer and where it could lead.
What is the study of languages?
Right now I’m sure you’re thinking that this choice of undergraduate focus is self-explanatory. Who needs to learn additional languages? English is the language of business in the most diverse corners of the world, so why bother learning anything else, right?
When it comes down to it, only 6.5% of the world’s population are native English speakers. And more, only 25% can speak the language. While English is definitely the language of business, being fluent, or having intermediate proficiently in another language will obviously be of benefit.
Top universities around the world offer a variety of courses in the languages field, ranging from linguistics (the study of language) to degree courses in French, Russian, or Japanese, for example. Combined degrees involving languages in addition to another discipline are also popular.
Are language studies for me?
You will know if studying a specific language is of interest to you. Choosing to study linguistics, on the other hand, may require more thought or research. General linguistics undergraduate degrees focus on the structure and meaning of language, as well as the origins of different languages. Linguistics is also the study of the history of languages. If you are interested in where different languages emerged and how they relate to one another, linguistics will fascinate you.
Often students interested in other arts & humanities subjects like art history, archeology, or theology will take a front seat in linguistics lessons. And of course, if you’re a grammar junkie you may want to look into this discipline as an option for your undergraduate studies.
You will, of course, also love to read.
What programs are available?
Top universities around the world offer undergraduate degrees in languages. Obviously, common choices like Mandarin or French will be offered at a great number of top universities.
Spanish is one of the most studied languages, and with good cause – around 500 million people around the world speak Spanish! Many universities which offer Spanish and other language degrees give the student the option of engaging in an exchange abroad. What better way to learn a language than immersing yourself in a setting where the language can be heard and seen at all times! Virginia Tech, for example, offers Spanish students the opportunity to live and study in Ecuador for 6 months or one year; if this sounds a bit long for you, the university also offers a 6-week study abroad program in Spain.
Some language courses are offered as part of a degree in the study of a particular country. For example, the University of California, Berkeley, offers a degree in Japan; the student of this course will be expected to undertake Japanese language classes as well as classes that focus on topics like the Japanese economy or Japanese Buddhism, to name a couple.
Undergraduate degrees in linguistics are a-plenty. Linguistic theory is more than likely to be the basis for the wide range of linguistics courses out there. Be prepared and eager - linguistics is often labeled one of the toughest undergraduate courses out there.
What are the career prospects for language graduates?
Interpreters, travel journalists, and teachers are a few of the professions language graduates undertake. Importantly, practically every employment sector, from commerce to social services requires people who are proficient in different languages. Further, as globalization proliferates, the need for multilingual individuals can only increase.
Jean-Baptiste Boucher, who studied at the University of La Rochelle, obtained his BA in English and Mandarin Applied to International Affairs. While he ended up teaching in a language school in London, he really put his skills to test at an airport in Hong Kong – after his friend lost her bags! “I filled out about 500 different forms, which would have been impossible with no knowledge of the language,” raves Jean.
Language studies are evidently useful – whether on the job or not!
