What can I do with.... languages?

Studying one or more languages to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas.

Beyond the skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking you'll develop on a language programme, our degrees give you a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies, especially as you will spend time abroad gaining first hand experience of languages outside the classroom.

When you graduate with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh, you also demonstrate intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.

The additional skills you will gain through your language classes, coursework and activities are useful in lots of careers. For example, you will be able to show employers that you can:

• understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
• manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of project
• work independently and as part of a group

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates both at home and abroad.

Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.

Some careers, like translating, transcreation and interpreting, typically involve using your language skills every day.

In other roles, you will use your language(s) and intercultural competence when you travel, work abroad, use AI, or communicate with colleagues or clients who are based in, or are from, other countries.

Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to career pathways in:

• Business, finance, commerce and tech
• Communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
• Education, outreach, advocacy and training
• Journalism, broadcasting and media
• Leisure, tourism and travel
• Politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
• Publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
• Research, development, consultancy and venture acceleration
• Translating, transcreation and interpreting

The University of Edinburgh has an excellent Careers Service. Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills, including through peer initiatives such as Life After LLC (Literatures, Languages and Cultures) where you can draw inspiration from our graduates.