Study a modern language, and explore how language lies at the heart of human life and society, with our BA Modern Languages and English Language 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 English language.
Taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, you’ll acquire a strong grounding in the core mechanics and usage of language.
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.
English language
Our experts will support you to become a highly skilled user and analyst of the English language. As well as analysing language itself and how it works, you’ll investigate:
- language use in different social contexts and settings, including online and offline
- how language is acquired by children and adults
- how language is taught
- the role of language in politics in an increasingly globalised world.
Alongside this, you’ll develop your knowledge of grammar, phonetics and discourse analysis, and understand how language and linguistics relates to contemporary social issues, including politics, migration, gender and sexuality.
In your final year, you will have the choice to complete a Professional Communication Project in lieu of a dissertation. As part of a group, you will plan and implement a project for a company or organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your skills into practice, gain first-hand experience of the sector, and boost your employability.
For example, you might conduct a research project alongside an academic, company or organisation; design promotional materials, websites, or newsletters; engage in social media marketing; or plan and execute a public event.
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.