Languages, Cultures and Business BA

Gain an in-depth understanding of business, management, and organisational issues while developing fluency in your chosen language. At Leeds, you can study business with one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.

Following intensive language training, your year abroad will further enhance your linguistic skills and deepen your understanding of the markets and business culture of your host country. You’ll combine technical expertise with an understanding of the local business environments, and develop your awareness of the challenges faced by organisations operating across the globe. In your final year project you’ll explore market and organisational issues with specific reference to your chosen language and country.

By combining business with language, communication and professional skills, you’ll be prepared for an international career in global business.

Specialist facilities

The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections– valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

Our fully equipped Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). We also have our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which features specialised computing facilities for translation studies, and Interpreter Training Suites offering you the chance to explore a career in interpreting.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

<p><a href="http://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=201920&amp;P=BA-LC%26BUSN2A">For more information on typical modules on options where you will spend your second year studying abroad (see full list below), read Languages, Cultures and Business BA – 2nd year abroad - in the course catalogue</a></p><p><a href="http://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=201920&amp;P=BA-LC%26BUSN3A">For more information on typical modules on options where you will spend your third year studying abroad (see full list below), read Languages, Cultures and Business BA – 3rd year abroad - in the course catalogue</a></p>

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including any language specific requirements

GCSE: GSCE Maths grade 5/B is required

Subject specific language requirements:

• Arabic: no specific requirements
• Chinese: GCSE 4/C in a foreign language
• French: A-level Grade A in French
• German: A-level Grade A in German
• Italian A (Advanced): A-level Grade B in Italian
• Italian B (Beginners): no specific requirements
• Japanese: GCSE 4/C in a foreign language
• Portuguese: no specific requirements
• Russian A (Advanced): A-level Grade B in Russian
• Russian B (Beginners): no specific requirements
• Spanish A (Advanced): A-level Grade A in Spanish
• Spanish B (Beginners): no specific requirements
• Thai: no specific requirements

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Combining a language with another subject allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject as well as developing fluency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

You’ll have good research skills, and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you’ll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They’ve gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant single honours pages for your language and combined subject.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

An integral part of your degree is the opportunity to spend a year abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their degree.

If you are studying Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Thai, you’ll spend your second year abroad studying an intensive language course.

Otherwise, you’ll be spending your third year abroad and, depending on your hosting country, you may be able to complete a work placement, undertake a British Council school assistantship or study at one of our partner universities.

Whatever your options, you’ll gain a new perspective on another cultures and societies across the world.

For details on the options available for your chosen language please see the links below:

• Read more about Arabic Residence Abroad
• Read more about Chinese Residence Abroad
• Read more about French Residence Abroad
• Read more about German Residence Abroad
• Read more about Italian Residence Abroad
• Read more about Japanese Residence Abroad
• Read more about Spanish and Portuguese Residence Abroad
• Read more about Russian Residence Abroad