What are Modern Languages?
Being able to speak another language gives you a wonderful opportunity to travel, study, work and live all over the world and to experience other countries and their cultures. Learning a language is challenging, fun, engaging and exciting. Foreign language skills are essential in today’s world; they are sought after by many employers and they complement a huge range of jobs. A foreign language can be combined with another subject at university, eg French and Law. You could even do a term or a year of your university degree in an another country, eg Architecture in Germany.
What skills are developed?
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- ICT skills
- Problem solving skills
- Teamwork
- The ability to speak another language is an essential skill in itself in today’s global society
What kind of person does it take?
Someone who…
- Has an interest in current affairs and media
- Enjoys learning about other countries and their cultures, eg film and music
- Enjoys communicating
- Enjoys problem solving
- Enjoys working in small groups
- Enjoys meeting new people
Horizons – where can this subject take you?
Foreign language skills are a plus on any CV and complement many different careers.
Career options are vast but could include:
Primary teaching, teaching English as a foreign language, translation and interpreting. Industries that look for graduates with language skills include the media, PR, finance, banking, tourism, consulting or working internationally with a charity or as part of a business that trades internationally.
Further job categories can be found here.
Pathways – how can I progress?
School
- N4 French, N5 French/German, Higher French/German, Advanced Higher (uptake dependent)
Some knowledge and skills useful in other languages.
College
- See Horizons above – many diverse courses on offer at Scottish colleges
Employment
- Opportunities in local employers that offer Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships
University
Languages courses on offer at university example
Modern languages go with all other subjects and work particularly well with:
Travel and tourism, Business, English, History, Modern Studies, Philosophy, RMPS, Law
