COURSE CURRICULUM

BA Modern Languages and Business at the University of Reading is a highly flexible and internationally focused degree that combines the study of a modern language with business education from the internationally recognised Henley Business School. Students can choose to study French, German, Italian, or Spanish at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels while developing expertise in management, marketing, accounting, data analytics, and international business. In the first year, students build foundations in business practices, accounting, data analysis, professional skills, and language studies alongside cultural modules exploring the history, society, and identity of their chosen language area. The second year develops knowledge in business strategy, organisational behaviour, human resource management, marketing, entrepreneurship, branding, international economics, information systems, and intercultural communication, while students continue advancing their language proficiency and cultural understanding. A major highlight of the course is the compulsory Year Abroad in the third year, where students undertake a work placement or study at a partner university, significantly improving language fluency, intercultural awareness, and international employability. In the final year, students study advanced language modules and specialised topics such as digital marketing, international marketing, corporate strategy, project management, social enterprise, entrepreneurship, information systems, and business ethics, alongside cultural and social studies related to their chosen language. The course develops strong communication, analytical, leadership, and cross-cultural skills that are highly valued by global employers. Graduates are well prepared for careers in international business, marketing, management, consulting, diplomacy, international trade, media, education, and multinational organisations. The combination of language proficiency, international experience, and business knowledge provides graduates with a distinctive competitive advantage in an increasingly global and interconnected job market.