Languages at York
Learning a language is not just about social and personal development, it is a life-changing experience.
We offer both credit-bearing language electives to include within your degree, or extracurricular courses, allowing you to pursue your language journey in your own time.
You can choose from a range of different languages, and can tailor your study to suit you and easily move from one pathway to the other. For example, if you choose an elective module in French one year, then you can then take a higher-level class in French as an extracurricular the following year.
Please note that the languages available for you to study may vary from year-to-year.
York Language Electives
No matter what degree you are studying, you can learn a language as part of it. Please speak to your department to find out what options are available to you as part of your course.
Studying a language lets you broaden your knowledge, make unique academic connections and boost your employability.
Languages for All
If you are interested in studying a language as an extracurricular activity, you can do so through our Languages for All programme. Our courses are open to students, staff and members of the public as an opportunity to study languages at a more relaxed pace. You'll be able to find out more about costs and availability later in the year.
Tailor your language journey
Students can take:
- Elective modules - for credits, as part of your degree
- LfA extra curricular classes - paid for
- or mix and match elective modules and LfA and move from one pathway to the other
Here are two example routes if you have never studied a language before:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
LfA Italian Beginner (Extra curricular - year long paid for course) If your department does not allow electives in Y1 |
Language and Cultures: Italian Elementary (York Language Elective - 20 credits) If your department allows electives in Y2 |
LfA Italian Lower Intermediate (Extra curricular - year long paid for course) If your department does not allow electives in Y3 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Language and Cultures: Italian Beginner (York Language Elective - 20 credits) If your department allows electives in Y1 |
LfA Italian Elementary (Extra curricular - year long paid for course) If your department does not allow electives in Y2 |
Language and Cultures: Italian Lower Intermediate (York Language Elective - 20 credits) If your department allows electives in Y3 |
Your language determines the way you see things and influences your thought, so naturally learning other languages frees up your imagination
Julia Donaldson, author, songwriter and playwright. Taken from Multilingualism: Empowering Individuals, Transforming Societies (MEITS) 2020.