Broaden Your Horizons With a Modern Languages Degree

Globalisation has led to a demand for language skills in today’s fast-paced world, so developing your proficiency in languages is a great way to boost your career prospects. Learn more about languages and cultures on the Modern Languages degree at the University of Chester. Our course delivers real-world experiences and will enable you to specialise in one, two or three global languages.

Venture Overseas and Develop Employability Skills

With built-in work placements and the opportunity to work or study abroad, our students develop resilience in the workplace and gain the employability skills employers are looking for. Here’s what some of our language students have to say about their unique study/travel experiences.

“In my third year, I completed a work placement in Germany with the British Council where I taught English in a high school.

“As I consider my future career path, I can reflect on the employability skills that I have gained: cultural awareness, teamwork, adaptability, resilience, communication and independence, to name a few.”

Alisha, BA (Hons) Modern Languages With a Year Abroad 2024 Graduate

What’s more, you will begin to build industry links and leave university connected to a global network.

“After my placement, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to understand and communicate in German which boosted my confidence. I met some amazing people and made some invaluable connections.” (Alisha)

“For my year abroad, I studied in a city just northwest of Madrid for the full nine months, having the chance to travel all around Spain and meet people from all over the world. It gave me the opportunity to practice Spanish in a day-to-day context and learn to speak more naturally and spontaneously.”

Emma, BA (Hons) Psychology and Spanish Final Year Student

Additional Overseas Placement Opportunity for Second Year Students

One of the things that makes studying languages at Chester unique is the opportunity to carry out a short placement abroad at the end of the second year, in addition to spending the third year abroad. 

“Unlike most universities, we get the chance to do two placements abroad – not just the usual year – with one short placement taking place at the end of the second year.

“I went to Costa Rica for five weeks, spending four weeks doing an intensive Spanish language course at a specialised language school in a town in Guanacaste in the north-west. While living with Costa Rican families, we spent four hours in class five days a week and spent our weekends doing excursions around the region, learning about their culture and way of life.

“For the final week we were completing our research projects for the module while also exploring a different part of the country – going to a sloth reserve and zip-wiring over the rainforest.” (Emma)

“At the end of my second year, I embarked on a four-week placement in Cuenca, where I participated in an intensive language course.

“Living with a Spanish family provided me with a unique insight into everyday life in Spain, enabling me to experience traditional customs and cuisine. We visited Madrid and Valencia and participated in fascinating tours about the history of Cuenca.

“I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the Spanish culture and learnt a lot from this opportunity!” (Alisha)

Language Taster Courses

At Chester, we offer a selection of language taster courses and evening classes, which are free of charge to our students. These languages can be learned in addition to the language(s) you’re studying as part of your degree, so you can communicate with an even wider group of people worldwide.

“One of the most exciting aspects of my degree was the opportunity to study a new language at a beginner level. This allowed me to explore a language I had not previously considered, broadening my academic horizons.” (Alisha)

Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)

As part of our language courses, students have the opportunity to study for a CELTA qualification. The CELTA qualification is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world and is the perfect way to start your English language teaching career.

Why Choose Chester?

“Living in Chester has without a doubt been one of the highlights of my university experience, so much so that I am even considering moving there in the future. The city is amazing for both studying and leisure. The University library, with its modern facilities and versatile workspaces, became a part of my daily routine. For a change of scenery, I often visited the Storyhouse in the city centre and this quickly became one of my favourite study spots! Chester also offers some beautiful walking routes like the historic city walls, as well as a wide selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Chester Market is my favourite place to eat out! All these amenities are within walking distance of the University”. (Alisha)

“I’ve found living in the city of Chester amazing so far, the size of the city has worked for me really well since it is not too big but there is still a lot to do.”

Jess, BA (Hons) Modern Languages With a Year Abroad 3^rd Year Student

Variety of Assessments with Real-World Applications

“The range of assessment types in my first year has helped me to develop my language skills in ways I have never explored; portfolios, debates and recorded film reviews, to name a few, have helped me to develop my learning styles and see learning as something which is adaptable, personal and enjoyable, something which makes Chester very unique.”

Dallas, BA (Hons) Modern Languages With a Year Abroad 2^nd Year Student

“We worked on real life scenarios we could encounter abroad, for example, going to the doctors or the bank. We also had ‘Year Abroad’ sessions which prepared us for what we would need to do before going, as well as what work needs to be done during the year abroad. These sessions were incredibly helpful, particularly when students who were studying abroad at the time or had already completed their study abroad year spoke to us and answered questions we had.” (Jess)

“In my final year, I particularly enjoyed the diverse range of assignments aside from traditional essays and presentations, such as creating a podcast. As well as this, we participated in job interviews, business negotiations and debates in the target language. These assignments not only involved practical, real-world applications, but they also added a dynamic element to the modules, making the learning process more varied and enjoyable!” (Alisha)

Career Opportunities

With a variety of career opportunities available, from becoming a business development manager to a translator or working as an account executive, studying languages opens many doors.

“I encourage anyone considering studying languages at the University of Chester to take the leap.” (Alisha)

Get World Ready

Become a world ready graduate, who has the ability and confidence to address challenges in society on a national and global level. Study Modern Languages at Chester. Your journey starts here.