Languages

Many employers actively recruit applicants with language skills which are seen as particularly important in sectors such as manufacturing, banking, finance and insurance due to the globalisation of organisations.

Skills you can develop

As well as the specific knowledge gained from studying an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.

The OU Careers Advisory Service defines student employability as: ‘A set of capabilities and achievements that support students in developing their careers, raising their aspirations and enhancing their contribution to society’.

Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities.  You can view our full Student Employability Policy Statement on our website.

For Languages students the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:

• draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
• know how language works in a range of settings
• communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others
• put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions
• manage time and work independently
• use information and communications technology (ICT) effectively
• analyse data and undertake research using a range of methods
• understand contemporary global issues and appreciate cultural diversity.

To see specific learning outcomes related to the degrees in this area visit

• Modern Language Studies
• English Language and Literature

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Career opportunities

In the UK over 60% of graduates enter employment where a degree in any subject would be acceptable. In this instance what they offer the employer is evidence of the range of competencies which have been developed through their academic study, rather than the specific subject content of their degree. This page will focus on careers directly related to languages, however, if you want to explore all of the choices open to you, also refer to the Further Resources section.

Given the current economic climate and the increased competition for graduate positions, it is important to consider a varied range of occupational areas. Bear in mind that many careers require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Fluency in languages opens up career opportunities internationally as well as in the UK.

Languages may be central to some occupations, such as the diplomatic service, interpreting, journalism, teaching, tourism and translating, and in today’s global economy opportunities are constantly expanding.

Other openings may be in the media (publishing, journalism, advertising etc.), the leisure industry, international organisations, business and administration.

Graduates are found in a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies (national and European).

We advise you to thoroughly research your career choices as early as possible, particularly in relation to experience required, differences relating to where you live, or where the study choices you make may affect future opportunities.

A CBI (Confederation of British Industry) survey in 2011, "Building for growth: business priorities for education and skills" (pages 45-46), highlighted the fact that 73% of employers wanted applicants who had conversational ability in languages. Employers felt that this skill helped to build relationships with businesses abroad and demonstrated that UK firms were keen to operate globally.

The results of the survey indicate that the highest demand is still for European languages, with 61% of employers wanting French, 52% German, 40% Spanish and 29% Polish. In addition 45% of employers were interested in recruiting Mandarin/Cantonese speakers as they look to break into the Chinese emerging markets, with demand for Arabic (22%) and Russian (20%) also high.

Use the Prospects website to explore career options related to Modern Languages. You can see examples of job roles and get information for further research. Also look at the section ‘Using your language skills’.

You can also look at the National Centre for Languages and Languages Work where you can find information and advice about careers using languages.

Appointments Bi-Language is a multilingual recruitment agency specialising in placing language graduates in a wide variety of bi-lingual roles including translation, interpreting, sales and customer service across a wide range of organisations both in the UK and abroad.

If you live in Ireland look at the relevant information on career sectors and jobs with your degree on the Gradireland website.

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Your employers

Rigorous academic standards ensure that OU qualifications are recognised and valued by professional organisations and employers.

As an OU student, you can access the Employer Showcase to find out about some of the employers who are keen to recruit OU graduates.

Some companies in the Employer Showcase that are particularly relevant to Language graduates are

• Credit Suisse
• Enterprise rent-a-car
• Hogan Lovells
• Hyperknowledge
• Logica
• Steer Davies Gleave.

If you are a student you might want to see further advice from major employers on applications, the skills they require and the value of OU study. Go to our What employers say pages.

As an OU student you can also register for our online vacancy service and receive email notification about job opportunities.

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Further resources

Use the other sections of this web site to

• plan your career
• explore your career options
• identify your achievements, skills and strengths
• get advice on job seeking

Don’t forget to check the careers home page regularly for news of events, forums, careers fairs and short courses. If you are an OU student you can participate in and read entries on our online forums.

If you are a current OU student (or finished your studies within the last three years) you are entitled to a careers consultation with a careers adviser in your region or nation. This is designed to help you through the planning process and identify an action plan for your future. (Non-OU students should go to the Contact page of this website for other sources of careers advice.)

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