Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

You'll learn:

• Language
  • Develop spoken and written skills in one or more languages and explore how language is used in different cultures.
• Linguistics
  • Analyse data from a wide range of societies and deepen your understanding of the structure, acquisition, development and social significance of language.
• Communication
  • Develop high-level professional and culturally aware communication skills grounded in ethical considerations.

*Please note that overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.

**Forbes, 2019, The 10 Vital Skills You Will Need For The Future Of Work ; PwC, 2020, 10 skills you need for future employment

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

You'll learn:

• Language
  • Develop spoken and written skills in one or more languages and explore how language is used in different cultures.
• Linguistics
  • Analyse data from a wide range of societies and deepen your understanding of the structure, acquisition, development and social significance of language.
• Communication
  • Develop high-level professional and culturally aware communication skills grounded in ethical considerations.

*Please note that overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.

**Forbes, 2019, The 10 Vital Skills You Will Need For The Future Of Work ; PwC, 2020, 10 skills you need for future employment

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

Career outcomes

As a graduate in languages and linguistics, your advanced language, problem-solving and critical thinking skills will open doors to a range of careers.

Possible roles include:

• Linguist
  • Analyse language and explore the connections between culture and communication.
• Translator or interpreter*
  • Bridge languages and cultures through spoken language interpretation or written translation.
• Cultural diversity manager
  • Support diverse communities and organisations by using your specialist knowledge to guide and influence people.

*Requires further study and accreditation.

How to apply

Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.

Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course's start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.

Check when course applications close

CRICOS code: 0100735