Languages
Today, we believe it is important to study a second language in business, even though English is the language of the business world.
Speaking a second language as well as having a business qualification will give you a competitive edge when job hunting. At Hertfordshire Business School we offer a choice of six languages and most of our courses offer the possibility to study one.
Indeed, research suggests that British firms have lost trade through cultural and linguistic barriers and UK graduates are being beaten to jobs in the City by continental competitors with better language skills.
A survey of 2,700 firms found nine out of ten thought their businesses could benefit from better language skills. According to the findings of the survey, media, sales and marketing are the sectors most in need of language skills.
We offer six different languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish - all from beginners level. It is also possible to start a language in the second and final year, but this will be subject to prior study, or a test to assess your level of proficiency.
| Level | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Mandarin-Chinese | Spanish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Intermediate | x | x | x | n/a | n/a | x |
| Advanced | x | x | n/a | n/a | n/a | x |
- Beginners = No prior knowledge/ less than GCSE grade C
- Intermediate = GCSE grade A* - C or A1 grade D or E or equivalent
- Advanced = A2 pass or equivalent
Please Note: You may only join a language class at an appropriate level for you. This means that normally you will not be permitted to attend at a given level if you are eligible to join a higher level.
Here are some examples:
- Applicant 1 has GCSE German grade C or above. This applicant is only eligible for Intermediate level.
- Applicant 2 has A Level Italian. This applicant is not eligible to take Italian as it is not offered from Advanced level.
- Applicant 3 has GCSE Mandarin Chinese grade C or above. This applicant is not eligible to take Mandarin Chinese.
- Applicant 4 has lived in a French speaking country and has studied at secondary school level in French. This applicant is not eligible to take French.
If you find that you are not eligible for a language which you have previously studied we would encourage you to consider an alternative language instead.
If you are still not clear whether you are eligible to take your chosen language, please contact our Admissions team at admsta@herts.ac.uk.
The classes
In language classes, groups are small and emphasis is placed on the type of communication skills needed in the business world. Cultural insight into the country of the language studied is also an important part of modules.
The study of a language, as well as being enjoyable and useful, can give you the opportunity of spending one or two semesters in a foreign country at one of our many partner universities and business schools.
Students who have taken up this opportunity have reported that their experience was thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening, providing them with an added bonus when applying for jobs after graduation.
