Modern Languages: Supporting your future

Careers Network digital resource hub

As a student at Birmingham, you will have access to our careers services 24/7 at a time that suits you with our online resources – get your CV checked, practise answering interview questions, learn a new skill to get job-ready, or explore sectors you might like to work in.

View the Careers Network digital resource hub

Why study Modern Languages at Birmingham?

By studying Modern Languages, you will acquire skills that are highly prized by employers including:

• Strong communication skills in different languages
• A deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures
• Independence and experience of living abroad
• Critical thinking alongside the ability to research, analyse and interpret information
• The ability to form concise and articulate arguments 
• Time management 

The Year Abroad

One of the most exciting elements of any degree in Modern Languages is the opportunity to spend your third year abroad, perfecting your language skills, developing a thorough appreciation of another culture and acquiring all manner of transferable skills. 

The number of countries you visit will usually mirror the number of languages you are studying. There are a variety of possible ways in which you can spend your Year Abroad, with a combination of studying, teaching, and/or working. Find out more about the year abroad. 

Opportunities to develop your skills

You will benefit from organised events in the Department whereby our graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the variety of roles available to linguists.

The curriculum also has an increased focus on professional development in areas such as: presenting, CV-building, debating, and developing digital projects in the target language. You can study vocational modules in areas such as Translation, Language Teaching, Legal Culture, Business and more; leading into a wide range of career prospects.

Alumni stories

Modern Languages graduates enter the wide range of careers similar to other arts and humanities graduates but with much greater scope in international settings. Example roles include: Teacher, International Sales Coordinator, Marketing Officer, Editorial Project Leader and Consultant. Employers include: The British Council, HSBC, British Airways, Harper Collins and Capita. 

Other graduates pursue further study including: PGCE Modern Foreign Language, MA Hispanic Studies, MA Translation Studies, Graduate Diploma in Law. 

Interpreting Suite

You can practice like a professional in our state-of-the-art Interpreting Suite with Televic interpreting desks and sound-proof booths at the same professional standard as the United Nations. 

Read more about the facilities

Personal Skills Award

The Personal Skills Award is the University of Birmingham's recognised employability programme for undergraduate students. It enables you to develop, recognise and articulate your skills in preparation for real-world recruitment processes. 

Find out about the Personal Skills Award.

The Linguist

The UoB Linguist is a campus magazine produced by Modern Languages students which aims to provide a platform for people interested in other nations and cultures and with a passion for writing. 

Find out more. 

Internship opportunities

There are a number of internship opportunities available to current students and graduates. These offer you the chance to gain an interesting and valuable introduction to the workplace which will enhance your future employment prospects. Below are a selection of the opportunities available:

• Internships and work experience

UoB Elevate

The UoB Elevate programme is based at The Exchange in Birmingham city centre and enables UoB student and graduate entrepreneurs to develop their business with tailored support, mentoring, funding and alumni networks available.