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Languages and Related Subjects

View the employability skills

A graduate in languages and related subjects, according to the specific focus of the degree programme, typically will have the ability to:

  • read, write, listen to and speak in a foreign language to levels of ability appropriate to the target language and to the learning outcomes of the degree programme
  • use effectively reference materials such as grammars and dictionaries and to learn other languages with relative ease
  • apply analytical, critical and specialist skills drawn from other areas of study such as literatures, cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, social or economic structures, often related to business, legal, creative, technological or scientific contexts
  • appreciate the internal diversity and cross cultural connectedness of cultures and show curiosity and openness towards other cultures
  • reflect and judge critically in the light of evidence and argument
  • organise and present ideas in a framework of a structured and reasoned argument
  • be self-reliant, adaptable and flexible
  • deploy skills in ICT, in note taking and summarising, library research, mediation, analysis and problem solving
  • write and think under pressure and meet deadlines
  • communicate and to work creatively and flexibly with others.

The study of a foreign language covers an enormous range of linguistic and intellectual activity. Fundamental is the recognition that languages are at one and the same time a medium of understanding, expression and communication, an object of study in their own right, a gateway to related thematic studies, and a means of access to other societies and cultures.

The subject range is extremely diverse and includes modern as well as non modern languages. The majority of students follow programmes either in more than one language, or in a language in combination with another discipline.

The range of related thematic studies is likewise extremely diverse. Study may focus on the cultures and the literatures, both historical and contemporary, of the societies of the language concerned. It may draw upon linguistics to deepen understanding of the language, or history, philosophy, politics, geography, sociology and economics, to enhance understanding of the fabric and context of the societies of the language. Languages are also increasingly taught in other multi- and cross-disciplinary combinations, such as languages with business or accountancy with law, with art and design, with computer science, with engineering, and with the natural sciences. Such diversity and flexibility permits languages and related studies to see itself as both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, as well as intercultural and applied in nature.

The subject also includes languages where a classical component may be taught: typically classical Arabic and Chinese, as well as languages indigenous to the UK but which are studied as foreign languages, such as Welsh (as a second language) and Gaelic.

Graduates will have developed a wide range of skills which are of great value in a wide range of careers. A period of residence abroad is often crucial in developing and enhancing many of these skills. In addition to occupations where language is central, such as translation, interpreter and secondary school teaching, graduates can be found in a wide range of occupations including chartered accountancy, the Diplomatic Service, distribution and logistics management, English teaching as a foreign language, event organisation, marketing executive and market research, recruitment, and the law.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.llas.ac.uk/index.aspx.

This profile, produced in 2006, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp.


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