Modern Languages degree?

Hello

I am looking for advice from someone who is studying modern languages at uni or has already graduated.
I’m looking to study modern languages. I’d quite like to go into teaching- either secondary or TEFL. However, I know how quickly my mind can change.
What else can you do with a modern languages degree that isn’t teaching? Can I join any general grad scheme etc? Will a MFL degree give me a boost when applying to jobs?

Thank you! Xx

Reply 1

Azzy88

I am non-UK individual not living in the UK however I have a languages bachelors and masters. If you want a career oriented advice/suggestion, don't go for languages degrees.

Reply 2

CardiffUni Rep 4

Official Rep

Hi there,

Im a student here at Cardiff Uni and my housemates do MFL, in Mandarin! I know the uni tries to promote lots of opportunities to get work experience, and in the modern languages course page they list some experience some students get after the course such as "finance, international sport liaison roles, business consultancy, education, health, the media, politics, diplomacy, interpreting, translation, law and teaching".
I would recommend checking Cardiff out as an option, if you have any other questions feel free to let me know.

Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep

Reply 3

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post

by rhixgreenwood

Hello

Hi @rhixgreenwood!🌟

It’s fantastic that you’re thinking about studying Modern Languages—such an exciting and versatile field! I completely understand if you’re wondering about employability, so let me reassure you: a Modern Languages degree opens so many doors.

I graduated from the University of Essex with a degree in BA Modern Languages, and it’s been an amazing foundation for my career. Since graduating, I’ve worked in Marketing, Sales, and Account Management, where my language skills and cultural awareness have been invaluable.

Modern Languages graduates are highly sought after in a variety of fields. You could work in translation, interpretation, international business, teaching, travel and tourism, journalism, or even diplomacy. Many companies value the communication skills, adaptability, and global perspective that come with knowing multiple languages.

At Essex, the Department of Language and Linguistics is brilliant at helping students develop not just their linguistic abilities but also transferable skills like problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and analytical thinking—qualities that employers love!

If you’re passionate about languages and want to build a career with global possibilities, I truly believe a Modern Languages degree at Essex could be the perfect choice. Plus, learning languages is such a rewarding journey in itself!

If you’d like to know more about my experience or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your decision—I’m sure you’ll do amazing things! ✨

Warm wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas 🌍📚

Reply 4

salty-hostage1

Original post

by EssexStudentRep

Hi @rhixgreenwood!🌟
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking about studying Modern Languages—such an exciting and versatile field! I completely understand if you’re wondering about employability, so let me reassure you: a Modern Languages degree opens so many doors.
I graduated from the University of Essex with a degree in BA Modern Languages, and it’s been an amazing foundation for my career. Since graduating, I’ve worked in Marketing, Sales, and Account Management, where my language skills and cultural awareness have been invaluable.
Modern Languages graduates are highly sought after in a variety of fields. You could work in translation, interpretation, international business, teaching, travel and tourism, journalism, or even diplomacy. Many companies value the communication skills, adaptability, and global perspective that come with knowing multiple languages.
At Essex, the Department of Language and Linguistics is brilliant at helping students develop not just their linguistic abilities but also transferable skills like problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and analytical thinking—qualities that employers love!
If you’re passionate about languages and want to build a career with global possibilities, I truly believe a Modern Languages degree at Essex could be the perfect choice. Plus, learning languages is such a rewarding journey in itself!
If you’d like to know more about my experience or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your decision—I’m sure you’ll do amazing things! ✨
Warm wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas 🌍📚

Well this is clearly written by AI lol

I studied modern languages at Oxford and a lot of my friends have gone into law, but I think there are a lot of career paths that are open to language graduates - recruitment, marketing, sales, politics, intelligence, obviously teaching as well. I worked in a relocation agency and then in a children's charity after graduating, so there are lots of options out there! hope that helps 🙂