School of Languages @ Leeds Metropolitan University

Language skills are increasingly valued by employers of all types and sizes. Over recent years graduates of languages have been more successful in the job market than business or marketing graduates. Contrary to what most people say or believe, language graduates go into a very wide range of jobs and only a small percentage go into teaching, or translating and interpreting work.

No only do more and more employers recognise language skills are vital in today’s global business environment but they also value the excellent communication and presentation skills that students develop whilst studying languages. In particular, graduates that have studied one or more languages with another subject, such as business, marketing or ICT tend to have a wider perspective on life and are more flexible when it comes to travelling or dealing with people from other cultures.

Although most language degrees are four years long the extra maturity and high level language skills that students gain from their Year Abroad really give them an edge over graduates of other courses. At Leeds Met, one of the largest and most popular universities in the country we offer a range of degrees combining one or two foreign languages with other key subjects such as international business, marketing, ICT, tourism and public relations as well as Joint Honours courses combining one language (either French, German or Spanish) with Business, Accounting or ICT.

All of these degrees develop highly focused language skills for use in any professional sector.   Students have access to state of the art resources within a truly international environment on the unique and self contained Headingley Campus that offers all the academic facilities and support plus comprehensive sport and entertainment amenities. As the study of language cannot be divorced from an understanding of the country and culture where the language is used there are also classes covering the geography and history as well as the basic political and economic background.

In the final year all students do a work based learning module in which they work in teams, using their language and other skills learnt to complete a real international research project for a local company. The value of this module was recognised by local employers and it was given a Merit Award in the 2003 UK Trade & Investments Languages for Export Award Scheme.

The very practical nature of the language study which covers interpreting and translating within a professional environment as well as report writing and commercial correspondence prepares graduates to use their language skills in every size of firm from SME to global corporation and every sector from tourism to construction from charity work to politics or journalism.

And for students still unsure about what sort of jobs or careers they are suited to our excellent Careers Service will give you real practical advice and support. So, a languages degree could be your passport to success in a varied and exciting career.