Undergraduate
Bachelor of Modern Languages
Study two languages in depth with WA’s only Bachelor of Modern Languages
Majors available
Chinese Studies
More than one billion people globally speak Chinese (Mandarin), making it the most widely-spoken language in the world. Study Chinese and open up doors to an exciting international career.
French Studies
Studying French at UWA is more than simply learning a language. It's an experience which will open your mind to different cultures, enrich you with a knowledge of history and enable you to engage in real world issues.
German Studies
German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and, as a result, can open doors to many enriching cultural experiences.
Indonesian Studies
A major in Indonesian Studies enables you to achieve a high level of fluency in the language and learn about the unique culture and history of the country.
Italian Studies
Learn Italian while also exploring the riches of Italy's cultural past and its dynamic present.
Japanese Studies
This major offers you a passport to appreciating one of Asia's foremost economic and cultural powerhouses.
Korean Studies
The Korean Studies major combines learning the language with the study of Korea-related subjects in various disciplines.
Spanish Studies
Learn the language and open your mind to the Spanish way of life.
The learning experience
UWA facilities include lecture theatres, case study rooms and break-out areas for group work and individual study.
UWA Schools
Six libraries
One of Australia’s most picturesque campuses
Five residential colleges
Vibrant student experience
Vibrant student experience
Adjacent to the Swan River, our Perth campus is among the most picturesque in Australia with iconic sandstone buildings sitting among heritage-listed gardens. We’re just 10 minutes from Perth’s main shopping and business district and close to many of the city’s stunning beaches.
On campus, you’ll have an array of essential amenities to enjoy, including cafés, libraries, bookshops, a vibrant cultural precinct and tonnes of clubs and societies to join and experience student life to its fullest. Our supportive Student Guild means you can try your hand at volunteering, get independent advice on a range of matters or attend one of the many varied events on and off campus.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
International Student Fees
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Careers and further study
Career Opportunities
With a Bachelor of Modern Language, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to work in a range of areas and organisations.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Cultural interpreter
- Translator*
- Diplomat
- Foreign Affairs and Trade Officer
- Journalist
- Linguist
- Teacher*
*Postgraduate study required
Further Study
Further study will allow you to gain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It will open up opportunities in academia and research to help you pursue your goals in a wide range of careers, depending on your area of research.
You may also be interested in:
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you need to:
- achieve a minimum ATAR of 80
- demonstrate English language competence - applicants presenting with IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.5 and no band less than 7.0
- satisfy any prerequisites for your preferred majors (refer to individual major descriptions for prerequisite details)
You can view the prerequisites and recommended subjects for your chosen course here.
View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history.
Assured Pathway information
If you have a professional career in mind, take advantage of one of our Assured Pathways. An Assured Pathway gives you an assured place in one of our postgraduate professional courses (such as Law, Engineering or Medicine) from the start of your studies with us. The pathways combine a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing you with a clearer direction to your career of choice.
Admission entry to UWA
We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Learn more about our admission entry pathways.
About the Bachelor of Modern Languages
The Bachelor of Modern Languages enables you to study two languages in depth. You'll achieve a high competency in the four macro skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, while acquiring a range of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. All languages are available to absolute beginners. Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian and Japanese also have higher entry points depending on prior study or background knowledge.
Combining the Bachelor of Modern Languages with degrees like Engineering, Science, Arts, or Business provides you with a competitive advantage in the job market, both domestically and internationally.
Quick details
- 80
- February
- 3 years full time
- BP054
- 114371C
Why study Modern Languages at UWA?
- Gain a competitive advantage in almost any field (both internationally and in Australia) through knowledge of a language other than English
- Have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at leading universities
- Get to know students from a wide range of disciplines and work closely with supportive tutors in interactive and engaging language classes
A day in the life of a translation studies student
Step into Claire's life and experience what it's like to be a Master of Translation Studies student for the day.
You'll learn to
- understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and learn how to apply this knowledge to your own interactions
- demonstrate knowledge of the basic structures and patterns of words, sentences, and conversations in your chosen language(s)
- demonstrate knowledge of key aspects of the history, society, and culture of countries where the language(s) are spoken
- demonstrate competence in a set of transferable skills, including digital literacy, information management, research skills, critical thinking, and oral and written communication
Hear about the Bachelor of Modern Languages
Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia
Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in Western Australia
With four European, four Asian and two Classical languages on offer, UWA is the leading institution in WA for language learning.
Immerse yourself in another language. Learn to see the world in a new way. Move between cultures with ease.
With our unique course structure, you can combine a language with your other interests to create your perfect study plan. French and Finance? Chinese and Chemistry? German and Geography? Japanese and Jurisprudence? It’s up to you.
You’ll learn to translate not just words, but ideas.
During your studies you can put your skills into practice by travelling overseas with one of our many global learning opportunities, from short courses to long-term student exchange programs.
After completing an undergraduate major in any of our eight modern languages (Chinese Studies, Indonesian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, and Spanish Studies), you could continue on to our Master of Translation Studies (the only course of its kind in Western Australia) to gain a prestigious professional qualification. Endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), Master of Translation Studies students may also undertake a work placement in Australia or overseas.
Where could your language studies take you?
Access UWA Language Hub
Graduate with two degrees
The combined degree option allows you to pair your Bachelor of Modern Languages degree with another passion, broadening your career options and giving you an edge in a rapidly changing workforce.
You can combine the Bachelor of Modern Languages with:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
You’ll graduate with two Bachelor degrees in just four years, opening up a world of possible career paths while broadening your knowledge, networks and horizons.
Duration: 4 years / 5 years BPhil(Hons)
ATAR: 80 (Business), 82 (Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce or Science), 88 (Engineering), 98 (Philosophy)
Master of Translation Studies
Follow your Bachelor degree with a Master in Translation Studies. Gain world-class specialised and professionally endorsed (NAATI) translation training between English and one of eight Asian and European languages.
Find out more about a Master in Translation Studies.