What can you do with a Languages degree?
In an increasingly connected globalised world, a Languages degree is a becoming an ever more valuable asset.
Languages graduates are much sought-after in any sector involving international and intercultural communication – whether in the commercial, public or non-government sectors. As well as language skills, a degree in Languages is also valued in and of itself as a sign of a graduate’s communication skills, intercultural awareness and ability to communicate and mediate across cultures.
We outline a few of the different routes open to Languages graduates and where a degree can take you.
Broadcasting and journalism
What does it involve?
Broadcasting and journalism involve researching, reporting, and presenting news and information through various media channels, such as television, radio, print, and online platforms. This includes roles as reporters, correspondents, editors, producers, and presenters.
Why employers value a languages degree
Employers in broadcasting and journalism value language graduates for their ability to cover international news and events from diverse perspectives. Language skills enable journalists to conduct interviews, gather information, and communicate with sources in different languages and cultural contexts. As well as linguistic skills, language degrees include a significant degree of analysis into different cultures and societies - broadcasters and media outlets value the insight this brings.
Employers in this field also appreciate the transferable skills that language graduates bring to the table - research skills, presentation skills, critical thinking, writing, interpersonal skills and determination.
Find out more about our broadcasting and journalism degrees that welcomes Languages students >
Diplomacy/Foreign Office
What does it involve?
Diplomacy involves representing a country's interests abroad through diplomatic missions, negotiations, and international relations. Working in foreign service includes roles in diplomacy, consular services, international development, and political analysis.
Why employers value a languages degree
Employers in diplomacy and the foreign office value language graduates for their ability to communicate effectively with foreign counterparts and navigate diplomatic negotiations. Language skills enable diplomats to convey messages accurately, interpret cultural nuances, and build rapport with international partners.
Employers appreciate language graduates for the cross-cultural awareness essential to fostering productive international relationships, resolving conflicts, and advancing diplomatic agendas. With their linguistic prowess and cultural understanding, language graduates help build bridges between nations, ensuring effective communication and collaboration in the realm of diplomacy.
Find out more about our Diplomacy degree that is open to Languages students >
Travel and tourism industries
What does it involve?
Working in tourism and travel can involve working for organisations assisting travellers aiming to get the most out of their journey - whether through cultural enrichment, accommodation or simply a smooth travel experience.
It can involve working for travel agencies, tour companies, hotels, airlines, cultural institutions or government-run tourism bodies like Visit Scotland.
Why employers value a languages degree
Language graduates are highly valued in the tourism and travel industry for their ability to communicate effectively with international visitors. Their proficiency in multiple languages enables them to cater to diverse clientele, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Moreover, their language skills are indispensable for conducting market research and understanding the needs and preferences of international travelers, giving companies a competitive edge in foreign language markets.
International business
What does it involve?
Working in international business entails conducting commercial transactions and managing operations across national borders. This can include roles in multinational corporations, import/export companies, global supply chain management, marketing, sales, and international trade.
Why employers value a languages degree
Language graduates are highly sought after in international business for their ability to facilitate communication and negotiation with stakeholders from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Their language skills enable companies to expand into new markets, forge partnerships, and navigate cross-cultural complexities effectively.
Employers also value graduates' transferable skills; intensive study of languages shows the analytical and critical thinking ability necessary for problem-solving and decision-making in various business context. Moreover, language graduates possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, which are much sought-after at all levels of commercial activity.
Translation & interpreting
What does it involve?
Translation is about taking information, ideas, or values that have been constructed in one particular language and culture and communicating them in another language for a new set of intended readers.
Interpreting involves orally translating speech in real-time, either simultaneously or consecutively.
Why employers value a languages degree
After four to five years of study, languages graduates have strong proficiency in communicating verbally and in writing in their language of choice. This makes them particularly well-suited to the quick and accurate translation or interpreting of information.
As well as having the language skills to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication, employers typically value the broader communication skills that language graduates bring to the table, suggesting they will have the confidence and people skills necessary for roles in translation and interpreting.
Find out more about our Translation degrees that welcome Languages students >
Teaching (at home or abroad)
What does it involve?
Language teaching involves instructing students in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding a foreign language. This can occur in schools, language institutes or through private tutoring.
Language teachers create lesson plans, assess students' progress, and adapt teaching methods to cater to all learning styles.
Why employers value a languages degree
Language graduates are sought after in teaching positions not just for their proficiency in the target language, but for their broader understanding of language acquisition principles. Their degree signifies strong communication skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness - all essential for effective teaching.
Language graduates are valued both for teaching roles in anglophone countries - where they teach foreign language skills - and as English teachers in foreign countries, where they can utilise their knowledge of language-learning principles.
A language degree can be excellent preparation for a PGDE qualification in Modern Languages - a prerequisite for teaching in languages in secondary schools in Scotland.
Study abroad
Studying an undergraduate degree in French or Spanish at Strathclyde offers you the opportunity to spend up to two years living, working and studying in another country.
One year will be on exchange to a partner university and one will be as an English-language assistant in a French or Spanish School. This experience offers invaluable opportunities for immersion to those aiming for fluency in their chosen language(s).
Study with us
Languages at Strathclyde
At Strathclyde, Languages are taught in a friendly environment where you’ll have the chance to become a fluent linguist, engage with other cultures and even study abroad as part of your degree.
With our flexible undergraduate BA programme, you can study French and/or Spanish alongside a variety of subjects including Economics, Education, English & Creative Writing, History, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Human Resource Management, Journalism, Law, Marketing, Mathematics, Politics & International Relations, Psychology and Social Policy.