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Take your linguistic skills to the next level
Immerse yourself in intercultural communication and awareness, and explore languages with the confidence to pursue a career in the international community.
Get better connected to the world and explore different Language courses you can study at uni, career pathways and specialist facilities, including our Conference Interpreter Suite and translation facilities. Broad and dynamic careers await you with a Languages degree. Your step into a world of multicultural discovery begins here.
This year's Taster took place in June 2023. New dates and bookings will open soon.
See what happened at the Taster
In the meantime, explore our island city at one of our Open Days, discover student life at Portsmouth, and take look at different Languages Courses we have on offer!
Study Languages using modern technologies
Discover the interpreting suite at the University of Portsmouth.
[Music]
Carmen: Interpreting is a module that we offer in all of our courses at the University of Portsmouth.
As part of this module students get to take their language skills up to the next level.
The interpreting suite actually offers an outstanding opportunity for our students to actually put their interpreting skills into practice in a very real context.
Multiple speakers: The qualities the student will need to succeed in this topic - perseverance, communication, preparation, teamwork and passion about interpreting and the interpretation world.
Bethan: What I love about interpreting is how much it's challenging my language skills. I want to be able to facilitate people to integrate into a culture, to make friends, to be able to work, to be able to socialise. It's a really safe
introduction to interpreting.
Toby: This module really pushes me to actually use my Spanish very spontaneously, it encourages the learning of new vocabulary and just to think a little bit outside, you have to think on your feet. It forces you to become good, it keeps you on top, you know.
Mathias: The interpreting module was one of the main reasons I came to Portsmouth, I think it really defines well the concept of communication.
Toby: You'll be pushed so much, you'll learn so much and at the end of the day you'll have fun.
Mathias: Just trust your command of the language and roll with it.
At our Discover Languages Taster Day you'll:
- Fully immerse yourself in languages and see languages in action
- Learn about studying abroad with a series of workshops delivered by our final-year students, fresh from international placements
- Discover fascinating careers, where a Languages degree can take you in the future and what our graduates have gone on to do
- Find out about transferable skills you’ll develop during your studies that will make you highly employable
- Get involved in languages like French, Spanish, German and Mandarin Chinese
- Gain useful experience that you can talk about on your UCAS personal statement, showing your passion for Languages
- Take part in translation activities using our specialist digital language labs, equipped with the same technology used in the European Parliament
Student life
Explore our island city and its many attractions, and find out what student life is really like at the University.
Undergraduate Open Days
Thinking about joining us as an undergrad? Book your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days.
Modern Languages BA (Hons)
Study one language, immersing yourself in the culture, history and identity of the communities that speak it, in practical classes and on a year abroad.
Start date: September 2023 September 2024
Taster Day programme
Here's what happened at the June 2023 Languages Taster Day.
Discover Languages Taster Day
Check in from 9.15am at Park Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth PO1 2BZ and get ready to learn about studying a Languages degree at university.
Here's our Subject Taster Days Guide, should you want to learn a little more about our Taster Days before booking or arrival.
Language skills can be used in almost any career, particularly in organisations that operate internationally. You'll be graduating with skills that will make you highly employable across all sorts of industries and fields of work.
Explore the different career options available to language graduates and we'll also discuss our Initial Teacher Training in Languages pathway, which gives you the opportunity to fast-track to a teaching career.
Interpreting
Take part in an interpreting workshop led by our interpreting team in our professional Interpreter Training Suite. The session will be linked to your chosen language of study (French, German or Spanish), which you can choose when you book your place.
*Note: this is 1 of 5 sessions running at this time:
- Translation
- Studying and working abroad
- Mandarin Chinese taster
- British Sign Language taster
You'll attend any 1 of these sessions during this particular timeslot, and you'll get to see all 5 talks over the course of the day.
Quick breather. Take stock of the morning then get ready for the next session.
Translation
Use the Digital Language Labs with our experienced translators to undertake a translation workshop in your chosen language of study (French, German and Spanish).
*Note: this is 1 of 5 sessions running at this time:
- Interpreting
- Studying and working abroad
- Mandarin Chinese taster
- British Sign Language taster
You'll attend any 1 of these sessions during this particular timeslot, and you'll get to see all 5 talks over the course of the day.
Studying and working abroad
Fresh from studying abroad, our returning final-year students talk about their experiences of studying and working abroad during their degree. They'll share experiences of learning in other countries, working as teachers, translators, and as volunteers with non-governmental organisations, travelling all around the world using their languages.
*Note: this is 1 of 5 sessions running at this time:
- Interpreting
- Translation
- Mandarin Chinese taster
- British Sign Language taster
You'll attend any 1 of these sessions during this particular timeslot, and you'll get to see all 5 talks over the course of the day.
Fuel-up. Feel free to bring your own lunch for the day or grab something from the cafeteria.
Mandarin Chinese taster
1/5 of the world speaks Chinese as a native language, and China is now one of the largest global economies. Try learning Chinese from scratch, and learn more about studying Mandarin Chinese at university, and how it's distinctive profile can help you catch the eye of future employers.
*Note: this is 1 of 5 sessions running at this time:
- Interpreting
- Translation
- Studying and Working Abroad
- British Sign Language taster
You'll attend any 1 of these sessions during this particular timeslot, and you'll get to see all 5 talks over the course of the day.
British Sign Language taster
With a rich combination of hand gestures, facial expression and body language, BSL was recognised in 2003 by the UK Government as a language. Join us to learn this important method of communication and discover something new!
*Note: this is 1 of 5 sessions running at this time:
- Interpreting
- Translation
- Studying and Working Abroad
- Mandarin Chinese taster
You'll attend any 1 of these sessions during this particular timeslot, and you'll get to see all 5 talks over the course of the day.
Consider future language careers, where studying a degree in languages might take you and different routes into the field.
You'll also be able to ask questions about different subjects, any of the sessions you've experienced, studying at Portsmouth, moving away from home – and/or whatever you want to know about uni.