Which languages can I take on BA Global Language Studies?

The BA Global Language Studies supports French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean for the primary strand. The secondary strand is broader and includes additional regional options. Admissions confirm available combinations at application.

How does BA Global Language Studies differ from a single-language degree?

A single-language BA (BA French, BA Spanish) goes deeper into one language and culture. BA Global Language Studies covers two languages and adds the comparative, policy and applied multilingual frameworks employers in international roles increasingly look for.

Do I need two languages to start BA Global Language Studies?

One strong second language at intermediate level is the working minimum. The secondary language strand can be started from beginner. The course is genuinely demanding on the language side — applicants are given a short placement assessment for their primary language.

Can BA Global Language Studies be studied online?

Yes. The online route mirrors the on-campus degree with live small-group language teaching, recorded content lectures and asynchronous discussion forums. Placements are arranged with multilingual organisations local to online and distance students.

Is BA Global Language Studies useful for international NGO careers?

Yes. The combination of two working languages with policy literacy and applied multilingual practice maps directly to roles at international NGOs, development organisations and cultural-relations bodies. BA Global Language Studies is a strong language-and-policy credential to anchor an application.

BA Global Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The BA Global Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a three-year UK honours degree for students who want to study language as a global phenomenon — applied multilingualism, comparative language analysis, language policy and the practical demands of working across linguistic boundaries. Rather than focus on a single language, the BA equips graduates to coordinate, research and lead multilingual work across organisations, sectors and borders.

The BA Global Language Studies is designed for students with linguistic curiosity and at least one strong second language at intermediate level. You will deepen that language, take an additional language strand across the degree, and study the comparative and policy frames that allow you to operate in genuinely multilingual environments.

Key Features

UK honours degree in applied multilingualism aligned with University Council of Modern Languages frameworks.
Two language strands — a primary working language and a secondary language at developing competence.
Comparative linguistics core — typology, sociolinguistics, contact phenomena, World Englishes.
Language policy module covering UK, EU and international language-policy frameworks.
Applied multilingual placement with London-based bilingual organisations from year two.
Final research project on a multilingual topic of your choice, supervised one-to-one.

What You Will Learn

The BA Global Language Studies is structured around three working competencies: language proficiency, comparative analysis and applied multilingual practice. You leave able to coordinate work across two or more languages, analyse a multilingual context with current linguistic frameworks, and advise on language policy at organisational level.

Primary language deepening — advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking to CEFR C1.
Secondary language development — beginner to intermediate competence in an additional language.
Comparative linguistics — typology, sociolinguistics, language contact, language change.
World Englishes — varieties, attitudes, policy and pedagogical implications.
Language policy — UK, EU and international frameworks; minority and heritage language rights.
Multilingual professional practice — coordination, project management, intercultural negotiation.
Translation and interpreting fundamentals — across the two working languages.
Research methods — corpus tools, ethnography, mixed methods, ethics.

Who This Course Is For

School leavers with strong language interest and at least one second language at intermediate level.
International students wanting a UK multilingual degree taught in London.
Heritage speakers of two or more languages wanting an academic credential that builds on their existing competence.
Career-changers planning roles in international organisations, NGOs, or multilingual publishing.

Career Pathways

BA Global Language Studies graduates move into multilingual coordination, policy, editorial and international project roles. Typical roles include:

Languages Programme Coordinator (publisher, NGO, cultural institution)
Language Policy Researcher (think tank, public body, regulator)
Bilingual Project Officer (international NGO, development organisation)
Multilingual Content Strategist (technology, media, publishing)
International Programme Officer (cultural relations, exchange schemes)
Languages Coordinator (education, university, awarding body)

Graduates progress to MA in Translation Studies, MA Applied Linguistics or postgraduate work in language policy.

Entry Requirements

Three A-Levels at BBC or above (or international equivalent — IB 28 points, BTEC DMM, or accepted national qualification).
GCSE English Language at grade 5 or equivalent English proficiency test.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
A short personal statement; at least one second language at intermediate level is expected.
Mature applicants (21+) without standard qualifications may apply with a portfolio and short interview.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.