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Modern languages and translation

Join one of the most dynamic language schools in the UK and become part of our close-knit, global community.

Why study with us

Modern languages and translation studies at Cardiff University are taught at our School of Modern Languages. The language skills gained by our students are crucial in the twenty-first century. In a world of international business transactions and digital connectivity, students with specialised language qualifications have the skills and abilities to navigate successfully today’s transnational world.

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Tailor your studies

You can take all of the languages we offer as a beginner or as an advanced learner.

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Live abroad

Work, study or teach abroad in your third year on degree programmes that take you around the globe.

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Excellent career prospects

97.3% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22).

Courses

Entry year

English Literature and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Develop your modern foreign language fluency while exploring the span and diversity of English literature, from early medieval to the 21st century.

History and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Embrace your passion for history and languages, studying the past while becoming a trained linguist with our flexible degree.

Linguistics and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Explore your passion for languages and linguistics – developing your modern foreign language fluency while gaining a thorough grounding in the analysis of language.

Modern Chinese (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Immerse yourself in Chinese life, language and culture, while achieving 2 degrees on this exciting 4-year programme.

Modern Languages (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Become a trained linguist in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese or Chinese – or take a combination - on our flexible Modern Languages degree.

Music and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Develop your language and musical skills to become a creative and critical thinker, equipped for future professional success.

Politics and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

This exciting programme allows you to combine your interest in politics and ideas of power, freedom, democracy and conflict while developing high level foreign language skills.

Translation (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Become a trained translator, with a global outlook and a wealth of transferable professional skills

Translation with a Placement Year Abroad (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Become a trained linguist and translator, with a global skillset for which there is strong employer demand.

Welsh and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Explore literature and culture, develop your language skills and become a global citizen who thinks critically and creatively.

What will you study

Get the full picture. Explore the programme structures for our degrees in modern languages and translation, including the module pathways you would study depending on the language(s) you choose.

Our videos

Studying Modern Languages at Cardiff University
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Studying Modern Languages at Cardiff University

Our director of recruitment and admissions, Professor Kate Griffiths, talks about the importance of studying languages and the career opportunities that a languages degree can lead to.

My modern languages experience with Charlie Dodsley
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My modern languages experience with Charlie Dodsley

Meet BA French and Japanese graduate Charlie, who talks about the benefits of studying languages, job opportunities and her experiences on a year abroad.

Learning languages has not only broadened my horizons but also connected me to amazing people and cultures. I believe together we can turn language into connection and build bigger communities.

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IsabellaGerman and Spanish (BA)

A world of possibilities

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Your year abroad

Immersing yourself in a culture and interacting with native speakers is the best way to develop and improve your language skills. In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do this when you spend a semester abroad either working, studying or taking part in the British Council’s English Language Assistant Scheme.

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Where languages can take you

Many of our graduates are living exciting multilingual lives in countries around the world. They work in diplomacy, IT, international sport, manufacturing, the armed services, accountancy, law, financial analysis, management consultancy and international business. The list is endless!

Study in Cardiff's vibrant city centre

You will be based at the School of Modern Languages on Park Place, which is at the centre of our campus and in the heart of Wales’ capital city. We are situated next to Cathays train station, the Students' Union and five minutes' walk from the city centre.

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

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Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View all our modern languages and translation courses

Explore our courses

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Download our undergraduate brochure

Learn more about our courses, School and the wider University.

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Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Source: Graduate Outcomes 2021/22 survey results published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Copyright Jisc 2024. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.