Study a modern language, and examine business challenges in a global context, with our BA Modern Languages and Business degree.
This highly flexible degree enables you to study a modern language – choosing from our core languages of French, German, Italian and Spanish – alongside your studies in business.
Taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and Henley Business School, you’ll acquire transferable skills with an international focus.
Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they develop and tailor your learning to your career goals.
Learn a language
At the University of Reading, you’ll join a lively, multilingual community and study alongside students from all over the world.
Learn from internationally recognised researchers whose wide-ranging expertise includes migration, literature, history, cinema, linguistics, publishing, and translation. 98% of our research overall is classed as world leading (Research Excellence Framework 2014 - Modern Languages and Linguistics).
Choose to study one of our four core languages:
These languages are offered at beginner’s, intermediate or advanced level, depending on your experience.
Our flexible, supportive teaching style will enable you to become confident and highly skilled in your chosen core language. You will master the fundamentals of the language – both written and spoken – graduating with near-native command.
Direct access to our staff for help and feedback ensures you develop your language skills to the best of your ability.
The study of language includes cultural modules that develop your understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken, from their literary and cinematic traditions to their history, politics and linguistics. As well as complementing your joint studies, this enables you to develop as a specialist with an international, comparative approach.
Optional modules also include introductory study of one of the following languages (subject to approval and availability):
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Modern Greek
- Russian
- Spanish
These introductory modules focus on developing your linguistic proficiency. You will reach independent-user competency by the time you graduate.
Business with an international focus
Your business studies will be based in Henley Business School, which holds triple-accredited status from the UK, European and US accrediting bodies (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB).
Our BA Modern Language and Business degree explores the key themes and emerging challenges facing business in a fast-moving global economy.
The programme is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of business management. You’ll examine the internal and external factors that impact business performance and drive strategic decision making, in any organisation.
Progressive, business-focused modules span topics such as:
- marketing
- finance
- organisational behaviour
- human resource management.
Year Abroad
Between your second and final year, you'll spend a year abroad to expand your linguistic skills and intercultural understanding. You can choose to study at a partner university, go on a work placement, or work as a language teaching assistant.