Key information
UCAS code:
Q140
Typical offer:
104-112 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This BA (Hons) Applied Languages degree course will transform your passion for learning languages into professional communication and linguistic skills.
Study how language works, including specialist topics such as linguistics, communication theory and managing across cultures, in preparation for professional roles in areas such as a translation, interpreting, teaching and tourism.
You can choose to study either:
- Two languages at advanced level: chosen from French, German, Spanish and/or English as a foreign language
- Two languages at different levels: one language at advanced level (chosen from French, German, Spanish or English as a foreign language) and one language at beginner level (chosen from French, German, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish)
More than 60% of adults from the European Union can speak a second language, compared to less than half of the UK population (according to Eurostat 2016). When you graduate, you'll stand out in a population where language skills are lagging behind the rest of the world.
Course highlights
- In year three, study or work abroad in two different countries where your chosen languages are spoken, immersing yourself in their culture so you can build a career across borders
- Choose to specialise in one of four areas, or mix and match:
- teaching and education
- translation and interpreting
- culture and linguistics
- business and industry
- Produce your own translations and build up interpreting experience in real and simulated work environments, so you can prove your skills to employers
- Have the opportunity to study a third language from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
Options to customise your degree
If you're interested in a career in teaching, you can choose to enhance your degree with additional, widely recognised qualifications.
Take steps to become a teacher while developing your passion for languages.
You can combine your language studies with teacher training and school teaching placements by taking the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) pathway.
If successful, you'll save an extra year of study, get a £9,000 bursary in your final year of study and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which will enable you to teach languages in secondary schools in England and Wales after you graduate.
If you’re interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) you can upgrade your qualifications with the Trinity College London Certificate – an internationally recognised TESOL qualification.
You’ll need to pass an additional entry test and interview to add the Trinity Certificate to your studies.
I chose to study my course because I love studying languages, and I want to be fluent in French and Spanish. My course also offers an Initial Teacher Training pathway, as part of the 4 year degree so you can graduate and go straight into a teaching job!
95%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/2019)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BA (Hons) Applied Languages degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBC-BCC
- UCAS points - 104-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, to include 32 points from a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish, or English as a Foreign Language). (calculate your UCAS points)
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Alternative language courses
Explore all our language undergraduate courses, so you can compare your options and apply for the best course for you.
| BA (Hons) Applied Languages | BA (Hons) Modern Languages | BA (Hons) Language Studies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages you'll study | 2 (both at advanced level, or 1 at advanced and 1 as a beginner) | 1 (at either advanced or beginner level) | 1 or 2 (both at advanced level, or 1 at advanced and 1 as a beginner) |
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years | 3 or 4 years |
| Study abroad | ✔ | ✔ | Optional |
| Language A Level required | ✔ | ||
| Find out more | Go to course page | Go to course page |
Take our quiz
Which language degree is your best fit?
Unsure which language degree to choose? Take our quick and easy quiz to find out which of our language courses is best suited to you.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Facilities for Applied and Modern Languages courses
Develop the skills needed as an interpreter or translator in our Conference Interpreter Suite – equipped with the same technology used in the European Parliament.
Carmen, Senior Lecturer in Interpreting and Spanish
Interpreting is a module that we offer in all of our courses at the University of Portsmouth.
As part of this modules tudents 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.
Toby, Bethan and Matias
Qualities a student would need to succeed in this topic: perseverance, communication, preparation, teamwork and passion about interpreting and the interpretation world.
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.
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!
The interpreting module was one of the main reasons why I came to Portsmouth. I think it really defines well the concept of communication.
You’ll be pushed so much, you’ll learn so much and at the end of the day you’ll have fun! Just trust your command of the language and roll with it!
Digital Language Laboratories
Perfect your listening and comprehension skills in a rich, multi-media language learning environment. Find out how to integrate and manipulate video, sound, text and internet sources in different languages.
Read Sára's storyWhat I loved about the degree is that it allowed me to study multiple languages at the same time, with being able to start one from scratch. The fact that you get to ‘taste’ or experience different career pathways during one degree was very appealing to me.
One of the best experiences I had was visiting China through Summer School organised by the university.
Careers and opportunities
You’ll graduate as a skilled multi-linguist, ready to take on roles across a range of fields.
There’s a growing demand for high quality translators and interpreters – the Association of Translation Companies advised that interpreters be added to the UK government's Shortage Occupation List while Wolfestone has called the UK's foreign language skills shortage 'an unspeakable disaster'.
There's also a growing need for intercultural awareness and communication skills in business. The British Council has stated that "an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels" (Languages for the Future, 2017).
What areas can you work in with an applied languages degree?
As the world becomes more closely connected through trade, entertainment, tourism and communications, organisations need employees who can communicate effectively in two or more languages.
You might specialise in a field such as law, finance or medicine, or in environments such as courtrooms, councils and police centres.
This degree broadens your options so you can pursue almost any career. Being multilingual is useful in all sectors, including:
- journalism and the media
- international management
- translation and interpreting
- teaching
- tourism
- finance
- marketing
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level with a Master's in a subject such as Translation Studies or Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Year abroad
After your second year, you'll do a work or study abroad placement based in two countries where your chosen language is spoken. The experience abroad will help you build linguistic and cultural fluency that will help you stand out to employers when you graduate.
We'll give you all the support you need before your year abroad to find a work or study abroad placement fits your aspirations. You can take advantage of our links with universities and employers worldwide, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Latin America and Senegal.
You could also become an English Language Assistant abroad, with the British Council.
You'll continue to get mentoring and support from us throughout your year abroad, to help you get the most out of your experience.
I lived and studied in France and Spain during my third year of the course. An amazing experience allowing me to put my language skills into practice, meet lots of people and experience a different culture. I grew as a person, improved my language skills – and now I'm putting my skills to work.
Modules
Each module on this Applied Languages degree course is worth a certain number of credits.
In years 1, 2 and 4, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules in this year include:
- 2 foreign languages (from Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Spanish, or English as a Foreign Language) – 20 credits
- Investigating Language Practices - 40 credits
- Language Project – 20 credits
- Language, Learning and Teaching – 20 credits
Core modules in this year include:
- Languages
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Business and Markets in a Global Environment - 20 credits
- Clinical Linguistics – 20 credits
- Comparative European Politics - 20 credits
- Development and Democracy in Latin America - 20 credits
- East Asian States and Societies - 20 credits
- Empire and Its Afterlives in Britain, Europe, and Africa – 20 credits
- Engaged Citizenship in Humanities and Social Sciences - 20 credits
- English Forms and Functions - 20 credits
- Forensic Linguistics – 20 credits
- France in the World: Global Actor or Global Maverick? – 20 credits
- Global Security - 20 credits
- Intercultural Perspectives On Communication – 20 credits
- Introduction to Professional Language Services - 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Introduction to Translation – 20 credits
- A third foreign language via IWLP (Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Language for Professional Communication 1 – 20 credits
- Language in Literature: Stylistics - 20 credits
- Language of Human Resource Management - 20 credits
- Language Project Part 2 - 20 credits
- Managing Across Cultures – 20 credits
- Marketing and Communication - 20 credits
- Modernity and Globalisation - 20 credits
- Nationalism and Migration: Chaos, Crisis and the Everyday - 20 credits
- News, Discourse and Media - 20 credits
- Principles of Economic Crime Investigation - 20 credits
- Professional Communication in a Global Workplace - 20 credits
- Professional Experience L5 - 20 credits
- Rethinking Nazi Germany: Politics, History, Society – 20 credits
- Second Language Acquisition – 20 credits
- Space, Place and Being - 20 credits
- TESOL (Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages) – 20 credits
- The Making of the German Nation - 20 credits
- Transitional Justice and Human Rights - 20 credits
- Trinity Certificate Teaching Practice – 20 credits
- Wildlife Crime: Threats and Response - 20 credits
On this degree course, you'll spend your third year in 2 countries where your chosen languages are spoken.
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Business and Markets in a Global Environment - 20 credits
- Business Planning - 20 credits
- Communication Theory – 20 credits
- Creativity in the Language Classroom – 20 credits
- Gender, Language and Sexuality – 20 credits
- General Language Grade 6 (French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish)
- Interpreting 1 – 20 credits
- Interpreting 2 – 20 credits
- Language and Social Media – 20 credits
- Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates – 20 credits
- Professional Experience L6 - 20 credits
- Research Project – 20 credits
- Spoken Discourse in the Workplace - 20 credits
- Translation Theory and Practice – 20 credits
- Written Discourse in the Workplace - 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
- a year abroad studying or a work placement
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
Teaching staff profiles
Miss Sara Gomez Villa
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- oral presentations
- language portfolio
- written essays and reports
- case studies
- book reviews
- blogs
- translations
- commentaries
- interviews
- magazine production
- group and individual projects
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your BA Hons Applied Languages degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
I really like the availability of the teaching staff – they all have set office hours where you can drop by and discuss your progress.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Global Café
You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.
Language Corner
Meet with a language tutor, get help with specific challenges and practise your skills with proficient speakers of your chosen language in this optional weekly drop-in session.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Enhance your degree with an internationally recognised qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: the Trinity College London Cert TESOL. This opportunity is conditional on a successful performance in an entry test and interview in order to fulfil professional requirements.
There's no cost if you take the Trinity College London Teaching Practice module as one of your options.
If you choose to take this module outside your planned curriculum, there's a fee of £355.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – Q140
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.