3 UK universities to unlock your linguistic potential

Mastering another language enriches your life on multiple levels. You gain keys to  new cultures, broaden our understanding of the world, and strengthen our ability to connect with others. In other words,

Imagine connecting with an Arabic calligrapher over a cup of traditional mint tea or a Japanese sushi chef over freshly prepared sashimi, understanding the intricate melodies of oud music in Morocco, the intricate rhythms of classical Indian music or the profound verses of Sanskrit in India, or connecting with a Hindi-speaking chaiwala over steaming cups of chai. Language mastery bridges cultural gaps, prevents cringey faux passes and most importantly, strengthens our humanity as we boost our empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Being good at languages is good for our carers too. Studies show bilingual individuals often possess stronger cognitive skills, making them valuable assets in today’s globalised workforce. From navigating multinational business deals to collaborating with colleagues several time zones over, being fluent gets doors open to exciting career paths and potentially higher earning potential.

SOAS University of London

All language enthusiasts are welcome at SOAS University of London’s Language Centre (SOAS LC). Whether you’re in university or at the peak of your life and career, anyone of all backgrounds and ages can find their unique gateway to linguistic mastery at the world’s university.

The centre offers language courses, including Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Japanese, Korean, Tamil, Sinhala, Urdu, Tibetan, Thai, and many more. Practical and engaging, these sessions equip you with valuable skills while nurturing a deep appreciation for the nuances of the diverse cultures they represent. Expert instructors with profound cultural understanding guide learners through dynamic small group classes or personalised one-on-one sessions tailored to individual aspirations.

The goal of these respected academics is to empower you to achieve your language goals, be it to master business communication for global success, navigate complex academic research, keep cultural heritage alive, or converse with confidence with citizens of countries as yet unknown. The Centre cultivates a practical and engaging learning environment, ensuring the acquisition of valuable language skills while nurturing a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures they represent.

Twice a year, the campus transforms into a hub of cultural exploration for SOAS LC students. There are social gatherings, workshops, live music, and delectable tasters — great to test your skills with new friends. What’s more, an online platform provides a wealth of learning resources, lesson recordings, and a space to connect with fellow students for further practice and language immersion.

Notable SOAS LC clients include UK government organisations, national newspapers, foundations like Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, investment firms like Crossbridge, market-leading insurance companies like Canopis, amongst others. Merlin Swire, Chief Executive at John Swire & Sons Ltd, who took an intensive Chinese refresher course there, said: “It was excellent that the teachers originated from different locations (Xian, Beijing, Taiwan), so their different accents provided variety and fresh challenge in each session. Despite the intensity of the study, the variety of approaches meant that I did not feel tired or overstretched.”

Students who took the Modern Standard Arabic and Gulf Arabic courses said SOAS LC “exceeded their expectations.” “The teacher, in particular, served as an excellent instructor who not only acknowledged the demands of our busy schedule as an international organisation but also tailored the lessons to accommodate our diverse levels of proficiency, ensuring that each session was both engaging and effective,” says Dr. Edwige Fortier, a Department of Development Studies Research Associate. “I highly recommend this teacher to others, as finding educators who possess the flexibility to adapt their teaching styles and meet students where they are, without being too rigid, is truly invaluable.”

University of Liverpool

Founded in 1881, the University of Liverpool boasts a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top 200 universities globally. Beyond its degree programmes, the university offers a unique opportunity to enter the world of languages through its Open Languages (OL) programme.

OL caters to individuals of all backgrounds and aspirations. Whether you’re a current undergraduate seeking to complement your degree with another language, a staff member looking to broaden your skillset or a member of the public seeking personal enrichment, this programme could be great for you.

Choose from a diverse range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Beginners can embark on their linguistic journeys, while intermediate and advanced learners can refine their existing skills. For those seeking a truly unique challenge, Latin, Greek, and even hieroglyphics are offered through Continuing Education.

What’s more, OL embraces a flexible learning approach, combining weekly on-campus seminars with supplementary online materials accessible through CANVAS, the university’s virtual learning environment. This blended format caters to diverse learning styles and schedules, allowing you to seamlessly integrate language learning into your life.

By choosing OL, you gain access to expert instruction, a supportive learning environment, and the opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of language enthusiasts — something Benedicta, a second-year student, can attest to. 

“I’m doing law with Italian, so my favourite thing about my subject language is probably the fact that we get to be in smaller groups,” she says. “Therefore, it means that we know our lecturers directly, and it’s more approachable. It’s easier to get to know the class, so we don’t mind asking each other for help.”

University of Bristol 

Established in 1989, the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Language and Development (CALD) has a rich history of empowering individuals to thrive in academic environments. They cater to diverse learners, offering courses and programmes tailored to various levels and backgrounds. Whether English is your native tongue or not, the centre equips you with the necessary skills to communicate effectively across disciplines and within academic settings.

CALD’s offerings extend beyond language development. Their International Foundation Programme and pre-sessional courses provide international students with a smooth transition to undergraduate or postgraduate studies. These programmes offer the best preparation for higher education.

The Centre’s pre-sessional courses provide targeted preparation for students holding an offer from the University of Bristol. These intensive programmes, available in 10-week- and six-week formats, cater to students with varying language abilities. Through the programme, participants develop key skills and strategies to excel in their chosen academic programme, effectively communicate in academic settings, and thrive at a UK university

CALD offers online and on-campus options, ensuring a high-quality learning experience regardless of your chosen format. Each programme provides live interactive sessions, opportunities for peer engagement, personalised feedback, and immersive experiences in academic life. 

“The environment of the course is excellent,” says student pre-sessional course student Tzu-Hao Liu. “I love my tutors because they always make the atmosphere nice and comfortable so we can speak English confidently. They provide useful knowledge and life experience. We also have to co-operate with our peers and make presentations, skills I think can help our careers in the future.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International