Modern Languages & Teaching English as a Foreign Language BA

Modern Languages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) combines the study of one or more foreign languages with professional training in English language teaching. The degree develops advanced linguistic and cultural understanding alongside practical teaching skills for English as a second or foreign language.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Modern Languages and TEFL prepares students to communicate effectively across cultures and teach English in the UK or abroad. It blends academic language study, linguistics, and pedagogy, providing both cultural insight and employable teaching expertise.

Why Study Modern Languages and TEFL?

There are many reasons why students choose to study Modern Languages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language:

• A passion for languages, communication, and intercultural exchange.

  
  

• The opportunity to gain a recognised teaching qualification alongside language skills.

  
  

• Growing global demand for qualified English language teachers.

  
  

• The chance to live, study, or work abroad during the degree.

  
  

• Practical teaching experience combined with academic study.

  
  

• Career flexibility in education, translation, tourism, and international business.

This degree suits students who enjoy languages, travel, and teaching, and who are interested in global communication and education.

Course Duration and Structure

In the UK, a BA in Modern Languages and TEFL typically takes three to four years of full-time study, depending on whether the course includes a study abroad or placement year.

A typical course structure includes:

Year 1: Introduction to linguistics, grammar, and cultural studies. Students begin or continue study in one or more modern languages (e.g. French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin).

Year 2: Intermediate modules in applied linguistics, phonetics, and language teaching methods. Students explore second-language acquisition and lesson planning.

Year 3: A compulsory year abroad, often spent studying, teaching, or working in a country where the target language is spoken.

Year 4: Advanced study in language pedagogy, translation, and cultural topics. The final year includes a dissertation or teaching-related project.

Most programmes offer practical TEFL training accredited by organisations such as Cambridge Assessment English or Trinity College London.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary between universities but typically include one of the following:

• A Levels: In English Language, English Literature, or a Modern Foreign Language.

  
  

• BTEC: A relevant Extended Diploma in Humanities, Languages, or Communication.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Including English or a language at Higher Level.

  
  

• Other qualifications: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Languages, Education, or Humanities.

  
  

• English language proficiency: Required for applicants whose first language is not English.

  
  

Prior knowledge of one or more foreign languages is often preferred but not always required, as many universities offer beginner-level language options.

Teaching and Assessment

Modern Languages and TEFL degrees combine language learning, cultural study, and practical teaching experience. Students learn through:

• Lectures and seminars

  
  

• Language classes and conversation workshops

  
  

• Micro-teaching sessions and teaching practice

  
  

• Cultural and literary analysis

  
  

• Independent research and dissertation work

Assessment methods typically include:

• Written assignments and linguistic analyses

  
  

• Oral presentations and language proficiency exams

  
  

• Teaching practice and reflective portfolios

  
  

• Translation and cultural essays

  
  

• A final dissertation or teaching-related project

Some universities include supervised English teaching placements in schools or language centres, offering real-world classroom experience.

Skills You Will Develop

A degree in Modern Languages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language develops strong linguistic, cultural, and pedagogical skills, including:

• Fluency in one or more modern languages

  
  

• English language teaching and classroom management techniques

  
  

• Lesson and curriculum design

  
  

• Linguistic and grammatical analysis

  
  

• Cross-cultural communication and cultural awareness

  
  

• Public speaking and interpersonal communication

  
  

• Research and academic writing

  
  

• Adaptability and problem-solving

These skills are valuable for careers in education, translation, international relations, and communication.

Career Prospects

Graduates of Modern Languages and TEFL degrees enjoy a wide range of international career opportunities.

Typical career paths include:

• English language teacher (in the UK or abroad)

  
  

• Foreign language teacher (with PGCE or equivalent qualification)

  
  

• Translator or interpreter

  
  

• Education officer or academic coordinator

  
  

• International development or NGO work

  
  

• Cultural exchange or study abroad coordinator

  
  

• Travel, tourism, or media roles

  
  

• Further study in linguistics, education, or applied language studies

Employers include schools, universities, private language institutes, international companies, and education agencies.

Tips for Prospective Students

• Practise your target language regularly through media, reading, and conversation.

  
  

• Volunteer as a tutor or language assistant to gain teaching experience.

  
  

• Stay informed about global education and language learning trends.

  
  

• Take advantage of study abroad opportunities to improve fluency and cultural understanding.

  
  

• Join professional networks such as IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language).

  
  

• Keep a portfolio of lesson plans, teaching reflections, and cultural insights.

Course Variations

Universities offer several related and specialist degrees, including:

• Modern Languages and TEFL (BA): Core combination of language study and English teaching.

  
  

• Linguistics and TEFL: Focused on the structure and teaching of English.

  
  

• Modern Languages and Education: Combining language study with teaching theory.

  
  

• Applied Linguistics and TESOL: Emphasising English language teaching practice.

  
  

• Modern Languages and Translation: Concentrating on communication and intercultural skills.

  
  

• English Language and Modern Languages: Exploring English linguistics alongside foreign language study.

• Education with Languages: Linking educational theory with multilingual teaching.

Recommended Wider Reading for Aspiring Modern Languages and TEFL Students

For those considering or beginning a degree in Modern Languages and TEFL, the following books and resources provide useful background and inspiration:

“The Practice of English Language Teaching” by Jeremy Harmer – A comprehensive guide to modern teaching methods.

“How Languages are Learned” by Patsy Lightbown and Nina Spada – Essential reading on second language acquisition.

“Teaching English Grammar” by Jim Scrivener – Practical strategies for classroom teaching.

“Fluency Made Achievable” by Peter Skehan – Insights into developing fluency and accuracy.

IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) – Professional body for English language educators.

British Council Teaching English – Resources and global teaching opportunities.

European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) – Guidance on multilingual education and cultural exchange.