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Proficiency in modern languages could help you to gain a competitive edge in the global jobs market. In both the private and public sectors there is demand for professionals with strong language skills who can work in culturally diverse environments.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages around the world both in terms of the numbers of speakers, and the global geographical spread. On this degree you will be absorbed into the everyday use of foreign languages as our multi-cultural community includes academics from all over the world, British, exchange and international students, and foreign language assistants.
In this degree you will also take a number of modules relating to your chosen modern language. Adding a modern language to your degree means you can develop as a more ...
4 years full-time, with a period of residence abroad year
Jack"Studying languages at Manchester Metropolitan University was the best decision I have ever made. The course is challenging but rewarding and the staff are encouraging and helpful. If you put in the effort, you will come out with a great result. To anyone contemplating studying at Manchester Met, I would highly recommend it!"
BA (Hons) Spanish with Japanese
This course places language learning within the wider context of Spanish studies including culture, society, literature, film and history. Language modules emphasise communicating effectively and developing transferable skills such as translating, interpreting and interview techniques, with practical language classes embracing speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The modern languages available to you are:
Modern Standard Arabic:
The demand for studying Arabic continues to rise as economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa flourish. Arabic is spoken as the first language for over 200 million people, and is the official language of 22 countries (bbc.co.uk). The demand for studying Arabic has recently grown due to increased economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa, and with a low supply of Arabic-speakers in the Western world, it’s certainly a language worth learning.
Mandarin Chinese:
Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, with over 800 million speakers (bbc.co.uk). Speaking Mandarin will allow you to communicate with millions of people around the world. In business, people who speak Mandarin have a distinct advantage with the Chinese market, as it is easier to develop all-important relationships when you can speak the language. Whether it’s visiting the Far East or even taking a trip to Manchester’s Chinatown, studying Mandarin provides a portal into an incredible language and culture steeped in history.
Japanese:
Manga, Anime, J-Pop, J-Drama, Karaoke, Japanese cultural exports continue to explode across the Western world. What better way to understand and explore than by learning Japanese? The language is spoken by about 125 million people (bbc.co.uk), and so studying Japanese could give you that all important competitive edge in job interviews, business relationships, and cultural awareness. It also provides a unique gateway to other Asian languages and cultures.
French:
More than 75 million people speak French as their native language. French is also one of the official languages in Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland and is spoken widely across the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. All told, there are more than 220 million French speakers, worldwide (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr), with French being one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Being a French speaker can open graduate employment opportunities at many organisations, the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the OECD, the African Union, the Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO, or the International Olympic Committee, to name a few. There are also many international businesses who seek graduates with French language skills, such as in consulting (eg CapGemini), finance (eg Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Banque de France) and in wider industrial sectors (eg Edf, Airbus, Alstom).
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). On progression to any linked degree course, the standard UK and Channel Islands tuition fee would apply. For 2025/26, this is £9,535 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £20,000 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Optional estimate: £18
No costs. However, DBS certification may occasionally be needed for projects requiring students to work with children. The cost for a standard check is £18 (in 2023).
Optional estimate: £2000
Period of Residence Abroad (Year 3). £200 (cost of living) per month for mainland Europe - Period of Residence Abroad is expected to last 10 months = £2,000. Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to engaging with the Turing programme, the UK government scheme to support students to study and work abroad. All study abroad opportunities are subject to application, international travel restrictions and availability.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersA language focused degree allows you to learn many transferable skills that can be used in a multitude of jobs. Teaching, translation and interpreting are popular pathways, but languages graduates are also sought after in many different industries, with recent graduates being offered positions in a variety of different sectors both in the UK and abroad.
Spanish can open graduate employment opportunities across a broad range of disciplines and sectors. As a global language, Spanish is second only to Mandarin in terms of the number of the world's population who speak it as a first language. Spanish has also emerged as the most important language for the UK in an analysis made by the British Council. This has led to Spanish graduates not only entering the popular routes of language teaching and interpreting/translation, but also fields such as international relations, international trade, intercultural consultancy, and global communication firms.
Adding a second language, whatever you choose it to be, makes you stand out in applications. The economic, business and diplomatic opportunities provided by the languages we offer will give you a competitive edge in the jobs market.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study on our MA Applied Linguistics, which has two specialisms one in English language and one in TESOL.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)UCAS code to be confirmed.
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
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The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.