At Reading, we enable our language students to become multilingual, multicultural and inspiring graduates, with the confidence, skills and life experiences to make a difference in the world. 

There has never been a better time to learn a modern language. Those with linguistic skills and intercultural knowledge are in high demand as employers look for candidates with languages as an additional asset to other professional skills.

"We live in an increasingly diverse, multicultural society. In an increasingly global labour market and with more mobility in the workforce, the world is more interconnected than ever. Language skills, intercultural understanding, global awareness and an international mind set will be crucial for the future of the UK economy, society and for UK security and diplomacy"

British Academy, The Right Skills Report, 2017.

Diverse and gifted community

We are a language school with connections to many other areas of study. The Department of Languages and Cultures brings together a diverse and gifted community of academics and teachers who combine the study of modern languages with history, literature, and politics. At Reading, we give you the opportunity to not only learn a language but to immerse yourself in the country, culture and people of that language.

As well as dedicated language degrees, we offer the chance for students from any discipline to learn a language through our institution wide language programme.

Learn a language with IWLP 

5th in the UK for Research Intensity

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2014), 98% of our research submitted in modern languages and linguistics was judged to be of international standing. Our research performance was exceptionally strong and we were rated fourth in the UK for impact and fifth for research intensity. We were also commended for the effective integration of doctoral students into our research environment.

The School of Literature and Languages

The Department of Languages and Cultures is part of the School of Literature and Languages.

Read more about the School