Languages
Speaking a second language as well as having a business qualification will give you a competitive edge when job hunting. We offer a choice of five languages here at the Business School.
Most of our courses offer the possibility to study a language. Today, we believe it is important to study a second language in business, even though English is the language of the business world. 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 five 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.
| French | German | Italian | Japanese | Mandarin-Chinese | Spanish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Intermediate | x | x | x | |||
| Advanced | x | x | x |
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.
