At the University of Reading you can choose from our range of additional language options.
These are offered from beginner’s level, and you can study them throughout the course of your degree.
Languages we offer
On the BA Modern Languages course you can study one, two or three languages in combination. Our four core languages – French, German, Italian and Spanish – can be studied on their own, combined with each other, or with one of our additional languages:
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- Japanese
- Modern Greek
- Russian.
French, German, Italian and Spanish can also be studied as additional languages.
Additional languages are offered as a less intensive pathway and allow you to reach intermediate level by the end of your course. All additional language pathways aim to equip you with the language skills and cultural awareness you need to communicate with native speakers and travel in the country or countries where the language is spoken.
How you'll study additional languages
You'll start using your new language from the day you join us, with the help of our enthusiastic and experienced tutors.
With a maximum of 20 students in any one class, your tutor has the time to get to know you, understand your learning needs and offer plenty of feedback to help you improve.
Engaging classes that prioritise active learning
Classes are relaxed and friendly, and give you the opportunity to study alongside students from different year groups, courses and nationalities.
From the very start, you will develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through varied and enjoyable activities, with the ultimate aim of communicating effectively in a wide range of social situations.
Study the cultures and societies where the language is spoken
Learning a language is not just about being able to speak it; it is also about learning about other cultures, societies and values.
For example, students on the British Sign Language programme learn about the lived Deaf experience, and take a historical look at the oppression of Deaf people and its impact on their culture.
You will have the opportunity to engage with cultural aspects that interest you at all levels through the in-semester coursework. Previous students have explored a wide range of topics such as contemporary media, cuisine, history, fashion and literature.
For example, students of Japanese have researched anime, the J-pop industry and the history of the Samurai.
Using your additional language after your studies
By the end of your course, you will have achieved intermediate level, aligning with B1 on the Common European Reference Framework, which will enable you to get by in most social situations, and provides an excellent springboard for pursuing further study of the language.
Previous students have gone on to actively use their additional language on placements after graduation. For example, a past student of Chinese volunteered at a panda breeding facility. Another completed a three-week exchange programme at Nanjing University, and another went on to complete a four-month internship in Taiwan.
Frequently asked questions
I am doing a Modern Languages degree jointly with another subject. Can I pick up an additional language?
Yes, students doing joint degrees with languages can study an additional language as one of their optional modules, with the exception of students on the BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language course.
This is subject to timetabling constraints and approval by the department.
Can I do a year abroad for the additional language I am studying?
The year abroad is currently only offered for the core languages (French, German, Italian and Spanish).
Individual tutors for the additional languages are able to advise students on good ways to connect with native speakers, get a richer exposure to the language and places to visit where the language is spoken.
Do you offer culture modules in the additional languages?
Language-specific culture modules are currently only offered for the core languages (French, German, Italian and Spanish). However, many of our comparative culture modules, for example, in translation or linguistics, are highly relevant to the additional languages.
You will be able to engage with the cultures of the country or countries where your chosen language is spoken in the in-semester coursework. At Stages 1 and 2 of the additional languages programmes, you will study culture and conduct research in translation as you work on your portfolio. At Stage 3, you will complete a short research project in the language you are studying, which focuses on developing cultural awareness alongside language skills.
Previous students have also applied the skills and knowledge gained in their core language culture modules to researching topics such as literature, film or linguistic regional variation in their additional language.