Modern Languages with Business Management

Modern Languages with Business Management at the University of Birmingham offers a distinctive interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with advanced language skills and a comprehensive understanding of business principles. This challenging degree combines the study of one or more modern languages—such as French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin—with core modules in business management, economics, and enterprise, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, or further academic study. Throughout the course, students develop fluency and cultural competence in their chosen language(s), alongside practical skills in marketing, finance, organisational behaviour, and strategic management. The programme emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and project-based assessments, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. With close links to industry and vibrant academic support, the programme aims to cultivate versatile professionals capable of operating effectively in diverse global environments. Students also benefit from expert teaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to extensive language resources. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to pursue careers in multinational corporations, government agencies, international NGOs, or further specialist postgraduate study. The curriculum is designed to foster linguistic proficiency alongside analytical and managerial skills, ensuring that graduates stand out in competitive international markets. The combination of language expertise and business acumen provides a unique educational experience that increases employability and opens diverse career pathways. Ultimately, this degree prepares students not only to communicate effectively across cultures but also to understand and navigate complex business landscapes worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

All students will study two languages together (40 credits each) alongside the study of business management skills (40 credits). We offer French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic. You may take one of these languages from scratch, but in that case, an A level (or equivalent) is required in your other language. Where a language is taken as a beginner, the first year will focus entirely on practical language work. Languages taken post-A level will combine one language module with an optional module in the politics, literature, culture or history of the country chosen. Business modules include Introduction to Financial Analysis and Introduction to Economics.

Second year

You will continue to study business management skills. You can continue to study two modern languages or, if you want to specialise, you can concentrate on just one (which you would then take as the equivalent of a Major 80 credits in that language). Please note, however, that Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are only available as 40 credit options within this degree.

Year abroad

All students will spend their third year abroad. Students spending the full year in one country will normally either study at a University in that country or, if in France or a German-speaking country, have the opportunity to teach English at a school or college. Students splitting the year between two countries will normally attend centres of learning in both, following modules in language, culture or business studies as appropriate. Closely supervised work placements, subject to approval, can occasionally be substituted for university placements.

Fourth year

As in the second year, you may study either one or two languages. If you study one language, practical language work will be combined with three optional modules centred on the areas of research expertise of the staff in the relevant language department. If you take two languages, practical language work will be combined with one such specialist option in each of your two departments. For the Business Management part of the programme, you will follow modules in Small Business Studies and International and Industrial Economics.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

International Baccalaureate: 34 points including a modern language at HL

Required subjects and grades: A level (or equivalent) in at least one modern language

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered.

Please note that for reasons of timetabling it is not possible to combine Spanish with Russian, Italian with Portuguese, Italian with Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese with Manadarin Chinese or Japanese with Arabic. All languages (Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic) except French can be studied from beginners level.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The Modern Languages with Business Management program at the University of Birmingham offers students a unique opportunity to combine the study of one or more modern languages with a comprehensive understanding of business and management principles. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop fluency in a chosen language while providing valuable insights into the global business environment. Students can choose from a variety of modern languages such as French, Spanish, German, Italian, or other languages available through the university’s extensive language departments, allowing for cultural immersion and advanced language skills that are highly sought after in international careers.

Throughout the program, students engage in both language acquisition and practical business modules. The language component includes advanced language skills, cultural studies, and translation techniques, ensuring students are prepared for professional communication in international contexts. The Business Management element covers core areas such as management principles, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. These modules equip students with analytical, leadership, and strategic thinking skills, which are crucial for careers in multinational corporations, consulting firms, or entrepreneurial ventures.

The course is structured to provide a balanced mix of language practice and management training. Students typically undertake a work placement or internship as part of their degree, gaining firsthand experience of working in a business environment, often abroad or with international companies. This practical experience enhances employability and offers valuable insights into the practicalities of conducting business in different cultural settings.

The program emphasizes developing soft skills such as intercultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential in today’s interconnected world. The university's strong links with industry partners and alumni networks facilitate access to internships, employment opportunities, and networking events. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in international business, diplomacy, translation, tourism, or further postgraduate study.

Students benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art language labs, dedicated business facilities, and a vibrant campus community. The program also encourages participation in extracurricular activities such as language clubs, business societies, and international student events, fostering a global outlook and cultural awareness.

Overall, Modern Languages with Business Management at the University of Birmingham is designed to produce versatile graduates who combine language proficiency with commercial acumen, enabling them to thrive in competitive international markets. The course prepares students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills and cultural competence, making them valuable assets to employers worldwide.