Bachelor of Languages

Embark on an exciting journey into language and cultural exploration with the Bachelor of Languages.

Unlock the door to endless opportunities and combine your passion for the study of languages and cultures with the theory and ethics of translation to develop high-level intercultural competency and communication skills. Whether you’re drawn to the poetic sound of French, the intricate characters of Mandarin or the melodic cadence of Spanish, this degree offers you the chance to delve deep into the language of your choice. This degree isn’t just about learning a language, it’s about becoming a truly global citizen with high-level intercultural competency and communication skills. You will develop advanced communication skills in your chosen language while integrating cultural understanding to provide depth and breadth to your learning experience.

Learn about translation theory and ethics. Engage in the study of different cultures and embrace the opportunity to undertake exchange semesters or short-term study programs with our international partners. Under the guidance of our renowned team of academics and researchers, you will graduate with advanced skills in analysing cross-lingual and crosscultural issues and gain a toolkit for practical translation in multilingual contexts. Pathways are available within the degree for applicants with no prior language experience, as well as for those with prior experience in the respective language of study.

This course is endorsed as a preferred pathway by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Graduates who wish to become Certified Translators will need to take the certification test.

Degree structure and requirements

The Bachelor of Languages requirements are listed under the relevant coursework page.

Completion of the Bachelor Languages requires the completion of 3 core units of study; a 48- credit point modern language major from a select pool; a 36-credit point minor or a second 48- credit point major from Table A or Table S, plus electives as required to complete 60 credit points of language study; and any electives required to reach 144 credit points. The core units are listed in the Bachelor of Languages unit of study table.

Language Majors

The Bachelor of Languages requires students to complete one language major. Refer to the relevant subject areas linked below for information on the requirements of these majors. Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level*

The majors that are available are:

• Arabic Language and Cultures
• Chinese Studies
• French and Francophone Studies
• Germanic Studies
• Hebrew (modern)
• Indonesian Studies
• Italian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Korean Studies
• Modern Greek Studies
• Spanish and Latin American Studies

* Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in the Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathway levels on the subject area pages that are linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the department for advice.

Please note: A ‘gap’ year after Year 12 does not normally affect placement.

Dalyell stream

The Dalyell stream is a targeted stream for high achievers. Students who participate in the Dalyell stream are known as the ‘Dalyell Scholars’. As Dalyell Scholars, students have access to a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities.

For students enrolled in the Dalyell Stream, a minimum of 12 credit points of Dalyell Stream units of study as specified in Table D must be completed. As required, elective units from Table A for the Bachelor of Languages, or Table S, or for students enrolled in the Dalyell stream, Table D, or a maximum of 12 credit points of units from Table O.

Table O - Open Learning Environment (OLE)

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Languages) are required to complete at least 6 credit points in units of study from the Open Learning Environment (OLE) to meet the requirements for their degree/s.

Details of available OLE units can be found in Table O in the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook.

Electives

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Languages) can complete elective units of study from the subject areas listed in Table A (Arts and Social Sciences) and Table S (shared pool).

The available units of study are listed in Table A Subject Areas of this handbook and Table S in the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook.