Languages and Global Cultures Lancaster University

Deep dive into the fascinating world of language, where words become bridges to understanding and cultures come alive through communication. For those that excel in language learning, this degree will enable you to fast-track your learning and take up to three languages. You’ll graduate with a postgraduate language degree and advanced skills that will get you noticed by future employers.

Choose to major in up to two languages from French, German and Spanish, or study one major language and pick up to two ‘discovery’ languages – including any of the above languages as well as Italian and Chinese.

Why Lancaster?

• Accelerate your learning experience as you go from undergraduate to master’s level in just four years, with three years at Lancaster and one year abroad

• Challenge yourself as a linguist whilst engaging with the cultures of the countries where they are spoken

• Discover the value of transcultural approaches to resolving complex societal challenges

• Embrace the opportunity to study abroad, giving you the chance to immerse yourself fully in your chosen country or countries

• Gain an internationally recognised qualification and the skills and confidence to work as a language and cultures specialist, either in the UK or abroad

Tailor your own pathway

The MLang Hons in Languages and Global Cultures requires you to have previously studied at least one language up to A-Level or equivalent. In your first year, you will develop your core language skills at advanced level whilst also exploring the cultural, social and historical contexts of language/languages you are studying through film, visual media, literature, art and history.

Additionally, you will examine major global issues such as the climate emergency, global health crisis, human rights, and community engagement, and learn how these topics intersect with issues of race, gender, sexuality, disability, and belief across diverse language communities around the world.

If you join with one language, you will also be able to pick one “discovery” language – for which you can choose to study Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish from beginners' level.

Your first year will also help you prepare to study abroad in your second year at one of our partner universities in France, Germany or Spain.

Fast-track to higher levels

On returning to Lancaster after your year abroad, you will study on our ‘Becoming Proficient’ level for your core language(s); students with one major language will be able to choose to continue with their “discovery” language or pick up a new one.

Modelled on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages, this course allows you to follow the progressional ladder on an internationally recognised scale, ensuring you become a multi-lingual graduate.

During your studies, you will work collaboratively with students from all languages, working together to answer questions such as: What is the impact and opportunities of AI for language professionals? What will future language communities look like across the globe? What is the role of languages and cultures in co-designing responses to some of the major challenges facing the world today?

Progress and specialise

Alongside your language skills and cultural knowledge, you will develop a strong set of professional skills and expertise, preparing you to specialise in your chosen field in your final year. You will acquire enhanced skills in analysis and decision-making, the ability to exchange and articulate ideas, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which will aid you in your final year and beyond.

You will also join the postgraduate community in the School of Global Affairs, with opportunities to explore areas such as sustainability and the environment and health humanities, as well as translation and cultural studies.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB. This should include grade B in either French, German or Spanish.

Access to HE Diploma

Our typical entry requirement would be 36 Level 3 Credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have appropriate evidence of language ability in French, German or Spanish.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability in French, German or Spanish.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D. This should include grade B in either French, German, or Spanish.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. This should include 6 in HL French, German or Spanish.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability in French, German or Spanish.

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.