MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Modern Languages and Economics
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This four-year full-time degree allows students to study a modern language—choosing from French, German, Italian, or Spanish—alongside economics. The program is designed to develop both language skills and economic understanding, enabling students to apply economic analysis to international issues. The UCAS code for this course is R9L1, and the typical A-level offer is BBB.
Curriculum: In the first year, students focus on developing practical language skills in their chosen language, covering speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Simultaneously, they are introduced to the fundamental principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, supplemented by relevant statistical and mathematical approaches. The second year builds on this foundation with intermediate-level economics and further language proficiency. The third year is spent abroad, enhancing language skills and cultural understanding through work placements, university study, or teaching assistantships. In the final year, students refine their language abilities and apply their economic knowledge to specialized topics, choosing from a range of modules that align with their interests and career goals.
Research Focus: The Department of Languages and Cultures at Reading boasts a diverse range of research specialisms, including migration, literature, history, cinema, linguistics, publishing, and translation. Notably, 100% of its research is of international standing, as per the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Similarly, the Department of Economics has been established for over 50 years and has 100% of its research impact rated as 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' (REF 2021), ensuring that students are taught by experts actively contributing to their fields.
Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes practical experience and employability. The third-year abroad offers students the chance to undertake work placements, study at partner universities, or work as language teaching assistants, providing real-world experience and enhancing their professional profiles. Additionally, the curriculum's focus on transferable skills, such as analytical thinking, research, and intercultural competence, prepares students for diverse career paths in international organizations, business, consultancy, and more.
Global Perspective: A key component of the program is the year abroad, which immerses students in a different culture and language environment, significantly enhancing their linguistic skills and intercultural understanding. This experience not only enriches students' academic learning but also broadens their global outlook, making them more adaptable and culturally aware—qualities highly valued in today's interconnected world.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The University of Reading’s BA Modern Languages and Economics program offers a unique combination of skills that make graduates highly attractive to a wide range of industries. By blending linguistic expertise with economic analysis, the program prepares students for a globalized job market, with a particular focus on careers that require proficiency in foreign languages and a strong understanding of economic principles.
International Business and Finance: The combination of modern language skills and economics opens up numerous opportunities in global businesses, financial institutions, and multinational corporations. Graduates are equipped to work in international trade, financial analysis, and global marketing roles. Their understanding of economic systems combined with the ability to communicate in different languages makes them valuable assets for companies operating in foreign markets. Career paths include roles such as international business manager, financial analyst, marketing consultant, and economic advisor.
Government and Public Sector: Graduates can pursue roles within international organizations, government agencies, and policy-making bodies, where the ability to speak multiple languages is crucial for cross-border communication and diplomatic engagement. Positions such as policy analyst, economic advisor, international relations officer, and trade negotiator are common career choices for graduates of this program.
Consulting: With expertise in both economics and languages, graduates are well-suited for consultancy roles, particularly in international consulting firms. They may specialize in market research, business strategy, economic forecasting, or public sector consulting. Consulting firms value graduates who can communicate complex economic concepts across different cultures and languages, enabling them to serve clients in diverse global markets.
Translation and Interpretation: The language component of the program provides the necessary skills to work as a translator or interpreter, particularly in business, legal, or economic contexts. Graduates may find opportunities in translation agencies, multinational organizations, or government bodies that require high-level language proficiency. Careers in localization, translation for international markets, or as an interpreter for diplomatic meetings are common in this field.
International Development and NGOs: Many graduates are drawn to roles within international development organizations or NGOs. Their linguistic skills and understanding of economic factors in global development enable them to contribute to projects that address social, economic, and environmental issues. Potential job roles include project manager, economic development officer, and policy coordinator for organizations such as the United Nations, Oxfam, or the World Bank.
Media and Journalism: Graduates can enter the media and journalism industry, where their multilingual abilities, combined with economic knowledge, allow them to report on global issues. Journalists and broadcasters with expertise in languages and economics are in demand for reporting on international trade, economics, and political events. Career options include economic journalist, foreign correspondent, or editor for international publications.
Education and Academia: The skills gained from the program also prepare graduates for roles in education, where they can teach modern languages, economics, or both. Some graduates pursue further academic qualifications to become university lecturers or researchers specializing in language studies, international economics, or cross-cultural communication.
Tourism and Hospitality Management: Language proficiency and an understanding of economics make graduates well-suited for careers in the tourism and hospitality industries. These fields require professionals who can manage international clientele and understand economic trends affecting tourism. Graduates may pursue roles such as international relations coordinator, tourism manager, or market researcher in travel agencies, hotels, or cultural exchange programs.
Law: With the solid communication and analytical skills developed in both the language and economics components, some graduates go on to law school to specialize in international or corporate law. Their multilingual skills can be a significant advantage in global law firms or international legal advisory roles, particularly in areas such as mergers and acquisitions or trade law.
