What can I do with a degree in languages?

Modern language degrees provide students with a range of communication and intercultural skills. Students are in high demand both for their cultural awareness and linguistic skills. Graduates in modern languages go on to further study and teaching but are also sought after in telecommunications, in international organisations and institutions, such as the charity sector and European bodies and agencies, and in public administration.

The diversity of careers in Modern Languages is testament to the range of linguistic, social and intellectual skills which are integral to modern language training and which are highly valued on the job market. Two very distinct language-related career areas are open for consideration – specialist language careers which revolve around the language concerned and secondly, careers which use language, whilst keeping their main focus on another skill/area of expertise.

European Union jobs for language graduates

The European Union (EU) has highlighted the fact that the UK is under-represented in European Institutions as there is a shortage of workers with the appropriate language skills.

EU career paths are very attractive and language graduates are ideally placed to take the opportunity to use their degrees in the EU context.

Graduate destinations

Employment - subject related

GDS International – International Sales Executive
Training Express – Language Consultant
University of Nantes – Foreign Language Assistant
DAS Legal Expenses Insurance – Foreign Claims Handler
Thomson Ski – Resort Administrator
Council of the European Union – Council Secretariat
The Jet Programme – Assistant Language Teacher
Teach First – Trainee Teacher
Lovells – Bi-lingual Secretary
Japan Airlines – Cabin Crew
Schools into Europe – Tours Administrator

Employment - non-related

Bosch – Human Resources Assistant
Zara UK Ltd – Merchandiser
Celtic News & Features – Features Writer

Further study

London School of Economics – MSc Global Politics
Westminster University – MA Translation & Linguistics
UWIC – PGCE Secondary Modern Foreign Languages
BPP Law School – Graduate Diploma in Law

Employability skills

Studying modern languages develops a range of marketable skills of interest to employers in a wide variety of fields. Many occupations may call on specific language skills as part of a profession, particularly in the light of business links with Europe and the rest of the world.

Read about how these skills will be developed throughout your course of study:

Employability skills - languages