Modern Languages and English

Modern Languages and English at the University of Leeds is a programme that develops multilingual and literary capability simultaneously, taking a global perspective on literature and culture while giving you professional-level competence in your chosen language. The combination is more than the sum of its parts: the experience of studying a language to an advanced level deepens your engagement with English, sharpening your awareness of how language works and how literary choices are shaped by the linguistic medium in which they are made. Reading literature comparatively, across English and another language, is one of the most intellectually rich things a degree can offer.

This four-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, during which you gain professional experience in a relevant role alongside your academic development, and work placement is also integrated throughout. Leeds is one of the UK's strongest departments for both modern languages and English literature, with research strengths across a wide range of languages, periods, and critical approaches. You will develop your chosen language to a professional standard while also studying English literature broadly, engaging with texts across the full range of genres and historical periods.

The global perspective of the programme encourages you to situate English literature within wider world literary contexts.

Graduates of Modern Languages and English programmes enter careers in publishing, journalism, education, the civil service, international business, translation and interpreting, the cultural sector, and a wide range of other professional fields. The combination of multilingual competence, literary analysis, and strong writing skills is valued across many sectors. Many also go on to postgraduate study in languages, English, or comparative literature, and some pursue academic careers.