Careers and employability
Your degree will provide you with multiple skills (including fluency in one or more language) and the international experience that will help you pursue a wide range of careers across the globe.
At Leeds, we are fully committed to developing your employability and career prospects. You’ll have a wealth of opportunities to develop your skills and make the most out of your time at Leeds and during the time you’ll spend abroad.
Your experience of living abroad combined with your study of languages and cultures will be valuable preparation for employment in a multicultural, multinational environment.
All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and our graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the flexibility and diversity of their degrees.
Leeds graduates have an excellent reputation and Leeds is the 4th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2024).
What can I do with a Modern Languages degree?
Graduates from our language degrees have careers in:
- Teaching
- Media including journalism, copywriting and presenting
- Law
- Publishing
- Civil service
- Business
- Finance
- Charity sector
- Academic research
- Translating and interpreting
- Transport and logistics
Many have pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting, or to pursue further knowledge and specialisation with a Masters by Research as preparation for a PhD.
What careers support will I have?
You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies and have access to the activities and expertise of the award-winning University Careers Centre.
School support
As a student with us, you will be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.
We’ll also keep you informed of work and voluntary opportunities that you can fit around your studies.
University support
Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, to understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.
Leeds University Union
Leeds University Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, you could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.
Enterprise
At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we can help you tailor your experience.