Former Director of Research appointed to Head of School position

Cardiff University’s School of Modern Languages has recently appointed its former Director of Research as the new Head of School.

Professor Rachael Langford, who oversaw the School’s research for four years from 2012, was appointed to the role of Head of School at the start of August and has welcomed 2016’s newest cohort of students in her new position.

Professor Langford is a well-respected and established member of the academic team having worked at the School since 1996 when she was appointed as a French lecturer. Professor Langford studied French at Trinity College, Oxford University graduating with a First Class Honours degree. This was followed by postgraduate study at St John’s College, Cambridge University where she gained a PhD on nineteenth century French literature and politics.

As Head of School Professor Langford’s first priority will be to lead on the implementation of a new and exciting undergraduate curriculum which is the result of a ‘Size and Shape’ review that took place over the course of the last academic year. The revised curriculum will provide challenging and highly relevant course content for the School’s students which aims to make them the graduates of choice for a range of employers worldwide. Professor Langford will also oversee the promotion of newer courses such as Chinese and Portuguese, which have recently been added to the School’s growing range of programmes.

Professor Langford will continue to teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and believes it is an integral part of the role. She said, “I have always enjoyed teaching as it is a core part of any academic role. I think it’s important that I continue to teach as Head of School as it means I keep in contact with our students which helps me understand their perspectives and concerns.”

Talking of her appointment Professor Langford continued by saying, “Modern Languages as a subject in the UK is evolving swiftly. This School has an cutting-edge vision for the future of languages study at degree level and more widely through the University with Languages for All and Adult Provision. Our academic staff are great advocates for their disciplinary areas and are thoroughly committed to their teaching and research. They work together effectively with our professional service teams and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with such talented and committed individuals. I am confident that we can build a strong future for the School together.”

Professor Langford replaces the School’s previous Head, Professor Claire Gorrara who continues to be the Academic Lead for Routes into Languages Cymru and the Welsh Government funded Modern Foreign Language Student Mentoring Scheme.