Languages and Communication Studies at UEA
Find out more about studying Languages and Communication Studies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisBreak down barriers of language and culture with a unique combination of advanced language studies and training in translation and media.
This distinctive and flexible course reflects the global need for skilled language and media professionals. You’ll study two languages (French, Japanese or Spanish) to degree level, as well as choosing from a range of specialist modules in translation, media, culture, and society. You’ll be introduced to a range of specialist translation skills and will learn about how translation is practiced across different media and genres. You’ll have the opportunity to gain translation work experience and subtitling and dubbing skills.
Our language lab provides access to cutting-edge translation and interpreting technologies, and we offer a huge range of activities for you to get involved in! Recent examples include our Love Languages Day, Japanese cultural events and Creative Translation for Schools project.
In your third year, you'll enhance your experience of the language and culture by living in countries where your degree languages are spoken. You can study at university (all languages) or work on a teaching assistantship or placement (French and Spanish only). We have partnerships all over the world, including in France, Spain and Japan, as well as in Canada and Latin America.
Our graduates move on to a wide variety of careers, including teaching, the language services and media industries, business and marketing. We're immensely proud of our language graduate success stories!
Find out more about studying Languages and Communication Studies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreThe year abroad is a compulsory element of our four-year language degrees.
In your third year, you'll enhance your studies by living in a country where your degree languages are spoken. During this year, you’ll deepen your experience of language and culture by either studying at a local university (all languages) or taking up a teaching assistantship or suitable work placement (French and Spanish only). Through this opportunity you'll enhance your language skills, while also developing your intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers.
We have exchange links with many universities in France and Spain, as well as links with universities in Japan, Canada and Latin America. If you’re studying Japanese, you'll attend one of our partner universities in Japan.
If you’re studying two languages from A level (or equivalent), you’ll normally split your year abroad equally between two countries where your two languages are spoken. If you’re taking one of your languages from below A-level (or equivalent), you’ll normally spend your entire year abroad in a country where your weaker language is spoken, although you’re strongly recommended to follow some modules in your university placement in the stronger language and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of your stronger language. We can provide support and advice on this.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
In your first year, you’ll focus on developing your two languages, as well as getting a solid foundation in translation theory and practice-related issues. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules on language, culture, media and intercultural communication, depending on your interests.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
You’ll be taught by leading language and communication specialists and scholars through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, oral classes and workshops. You'll undertake independent self-study and groupwork as you build key academic skills that you'll need later in your degree.
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll be assessed via a range of language tests, group projects and individual written and spoken coursework.
At this stage of your degree, you’ll continue to hone your language skills in your two languages, while developing your understanding of translation issues across media. You’ll also be able to choose from topics related to language and culture, translation, media, subtitling and dubbing, and intercultural communication.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
As you start to specialise in your degree through optional modules, you'll take classes in smaller group sizes. You’ll learn through a balance of both theory and practice. Through a variety of activities, you’ll further develop your research, writing, groupwork and presentation skills.
Through a variety of assessment methods, you'll further your grasp and understanding of the materials covered.
You’ll spend your third year abroad on study or work placements in countries where your chosen languages are spoken. This will greatly develop and enhance both your linguistic and cultural confidence, allowing you to think more as a native speaker.
So how does this work?
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
On your year abroad you'll adapt to, and learn from, the values, attitudes and behaviours of different cultures while further developing your language skills in authentic contexts. You'll learn through a mixture of experiences, including through managing your own work and studies with leisure and social activities away from home and with different classmates, friends or colleagues, developing the knowledge and skills to live, study or work independently in another country with more confidence.
While you’re on your year abroad, you’ll take the compulsory Year Abroad module that will help support you while you’re away.
You’ll build your expertise with specialised translation modules in your two languages, as well as building practical experience and confidence in public service and conference interpreting. While honing these skills, you’ll have the choice to take advanced language study topics, engage in translation work experience, or develop theoretical and technical knowledge for subtitling and dubbing or media accessibility.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll engage in a range of learning activities, including case study work, practical projects, and advanced essays. You may have the opportunity to work with local and international organisations. If you take the optional dissertation module, you'll create a piece of independent work produced over an extended period, spending most of your time researching your chosen subject.
A wide array of assessment methods in your final year will help you hone your skills in your areas of specialisation and prepare for your future.
You’ll graduate prepared for a whole host of career sectors, both in the UK and abroad. These include tourism, hospitality and leisure, human resources, marketing, sales, business, international banking, media, the Civil Service, local government and administration, teaching and education, translation and interpretation, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration, customer services, and personal services such as childcare.
Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as our MA in Global Intercultural Communication, MA in Applied Translation Studies, or perhaps a MSc in Business Management. Our Careers Service runs an annual Arts and Humanities events programme. This includes alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including charities, politics and government, writing and communications, and museums and heritage. You’ll also benefit from our annual Careers Using Languages Fair, where we showcase the range of opportunities available to you. This is a great chance to meet employers and to hear alumni speak about their career paths since graduating.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
Contextual offer: BBC including French, Spanish or Japanese
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual offer: DMM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Diploma: DD plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual: DD plus grade C at A level in French, Spanish or Japanese.
Extended Certificate: D plus grades BB at A-Level to include French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual: D plus grades BC at A level to include French, Spanish or Japanese.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3. Grade B in French, Spanish or Japanese A-level, or equivalent qualification is also required.
Not accepted
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Modern Language with a Foundation Year
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including French, Spanish or Japanese
AAABB including grade A in French, Spanish or Japanese
BCC including French, Spanish or Japanese. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Translation, Media and Modern Languages starting September 2025 for 4 years