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Arts, Design & Architecture

Languages & cultures

Enrich your studies with global perspectives and become an intercultural communicator
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Study with one of Australia’s top five faculties for modern languages

By studying languages and cultures at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ, you’ll explore the importance of intercultural communications and how it has become a significant part of daily life. Mastering language skills, cross-cultural understanding, and engaging with people from other countries and cultures will enrich your global perspective and prepare you for an international career. At ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ, we're ranked #5 in Australia for modern languages (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Why study a language or culture?

Studying a language or culture is essential for effectively communicating and interacting with people from diverse cultures. Learning a language goes beyond the linguistic skills you’ll gain by opening your mind to the historical and cultural background that forms different worldviews. In a globally connected world, appreciation of different cultures helps us to become global citizens who collaborate, promote peace and build more inclusive communities. These skills can open doors to international career opportunities and empower you to play an active role in shaping a cooperative, inclusive and better world for all.

Career opportunities in languages and cultures

Studying language and cultures prepares you for a wide range of careers, from commerce, finance and business to diplomacy, education, tourism, media, and public service. Our graduates develop skills that are sought after in diplomacy, government, translation and interpreting, journalism, arts, science and technology, education, mining, hospitality, tourism and business.

International exchange, short courses and study tours

¹úÃñ²ÊƱ encourages you to spend time studying overseas, studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. We manage a large and active exchange program with over 300 partner universities around the world.

On-campus community and facilities

Engage in unique cultural experiences through ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ Languages Week, a multi-day event celebrating the diverse languages taught at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ. Utilise our state-of-the-art language laboratories, conference interpreting facilities and translation technology.Ìý

What languages can you study at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ?

  • Chinese is the language of more than one billion people worldwide, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, North America and beyond. It has a rich cultural heritage and is of paramount importance to the global economy and international relations. Its influence as a global language continues to grow.

    At ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ, you will have the opportunity to learn Chinese from the introductory to professional levels, develop your linguistic skills by immersing yourself in a dynamic language that combines art, history and innovation. OurÌýcoursesÌýwill also help you develop your cultural competence, giving you a competitive edge in the global job market.

    Chinese Studies at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ is widely regarded as the top choice for students interested in Chinese language and culture. We haveÌýone ofÌýthe largest numbers of student enrolments in Chinese Studies courses in Australia and a team of dedicated teachers with their students’ interests at heart.

    ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ HSK Centre

    The ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ HSK Centre offers a full range of HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) tests, preparation classes, and full courses.ÌýVisit our website to find out more.

    You can study Chinese Studies in various ways, including:Ìý

  • Japan offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, sophistication andÌýquirkiness, which continues to intrigue and inspire the world. Immerse yourself in Japanese Studies, where you’ll learn to communicate in Japanese, connect with Japanese-speaking peers, and explore the rich tapestry of Japan’s people, society, culture and history.

    Discover your own unique perspective on Japan and become part of ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ's Japanese Studies community—a close-knit network of like-mindedÌýindividualsÌýwith diverse interests in Japan, guided by passionate student leaders and dedicatedÌýacademics.

    You can study Japanese Studies courses in various ways, including:

  • Korean Studies at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Korean language, while also exploring the rich social, cultural and historical context that shapes Korea today.

    You will become a competent Korean speaker, gaining invaluable skills for navigating both the language and the diverse cultural landscape of Korea. Your studies will enhance your intercultural awareness and equip you with the knowledge to foster deeper connections between Korea and the global community.

    You can study Korean Studies in various ways, including:

  • The French-speaking world spans continents and offers a rich variety of perspectives and experiences. French is the traditional language of diplomacy and international organisations, and Francophone international companies are well represented globally and, in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and Sydney.

    Whether you are interested in the arts, cuisine, technology or even justice and health, or simply want to discover the French speaking world, the study of the language will enhance your career prospects at both local and global levels.

    Our innovative teaching practices ensure an engaging and dynamic experience, to develop your communication skills and your confidence as a global citizen.

    You can study French in various ways, including:

  • Spanish is the language of over 400 million people. It is spoken officially in 23 countries and is the de facto second language of the United States, with approximately 40 million native Spanish speakers.

    Spanish Studies at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ will enable you to become familiar with the Spanish language as spoken in its contemporary cultural context. You will gain an informed understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through the study of language, literature, film, art, civilisation and history.

    You can study Spanish studies courses in various ways, including:

  • German is key to understanding global issues in science, philosophy, the arts, politics and the economy. It is the language of Europe’s largest economy, one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and the second most-commonly used scientific language worldwide.

    German Studies at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ integrates the teaching of practical language skills with the study of the social, historical and cultural developments in German society. This approach allows you to achieve a high level of communicative competence in German and gain a critical understanding of this fascinating European society and global economic power.

    You can study German Studies in various ways, including:Ìý

  • The European languages of Greek and Italian are offered at introductory levels at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ. If you'd like to further your studies, we have entered into a three-year agreement with the University of Sydney to allow you to undertake advanced study in Greek and Italian at the University of Sydney.

    You can study Greek Studies and Italian Studies in various ways, including:

    • Ìý
    • Ìý
    • Free Elective Course
    • General Elective Course

  • Indonesian Studies enables you to explore the fascinating linguistic and cultural heritage of one of Australia's closest neighbours. This study area equips you with appropriate knowledge and skills for communicating in standard Indonesian/Malay and for critical reading of sources in the language.

    Choosing Indonesian Studies at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ allows you to combine the teaching of practical language skills with the study of Indonesia’s history, society, culture, and customs. You’ll be able to understand specific intricacies of Indonesian culture, working with cultural experts to help you uncover the unique heritage and politics of this fascinating and richly diverse island nation.

    • Free Elective Course
    • General Elective Course

Study with us

Our language courses are designed for students of all language levels. Entry is flexible, so your language course will be tailored to your level of experience and skills.

Beginners courses focus on language skills and grammar using a communicative approach emphasising interaction. Courses at intermediate, advanced and professional levels maintain and develop language skills while providing in-depth contextual knowledge through studying popular culture, history, linguistics and literature.

Language Placement Questionnaire

The Language Placement Questionnaire is a series of questions designed to help you enrol in classes most appropriate to your level of language knowledge.

If you have prior language experience or are a native speaker of a particular language, you're required to complete a language placement in order to be placed at an appropriate starting point. The online language placement is for students enrolling in a language at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ for the first time.
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