Year in a Language

• Arabic
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Mandarin
• Spanish

The Year in a Language is open to all undergraduate students in the University and can be taken after stage 2 or 3 (that is, between your second and final year, or after your final year).

Learning a new language is an enriching and exciting journey that unlocks a world of opportunities. Graduates proficient in a language other than English are significantly more likely to secure their first-choice job. Moreover, language skills can pave the way for international career prospects, even in dream destinations around the globe. The Year in a Language offers more than just language learning—it’s an immersive experience that fosters intercultural competence and global awareness. You’ll engage deeply with a range of languages and cultures, broadening your perspective and enhancing your ability to navigate diverse environments. As part of a vibrant community of language learners, you’ll share experiences, support one another, and develop valuable skills that go beyond the classroom—critical thinking, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity—preparing you for both personal growth and professional success in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Year in a Language is perfect for you if you are a current Kent undergraduate who:

• Has a passion for exploring foreign cultures and languages
• Aspires to a career that takes you abroad and connects you with people from diverse backgrounds
• Wants to gain a foreign language—a highly sought-after skill by employers
• Is ready to challenge yourself through an intensive, exciting cultural and linguistic immersion.    

• Learn from native speakers and specialist teachers in our Language Centre
• Learn a new language, from absolute beginner to independent user
• Build your network and connect with international employers
• Access to media, cinema, literature, journalism resources in your language
• Network with invited scholars and professionals who are native speakers 

• Learn Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish to a solid intermediate level while developing valuable intercultural skills.
• Through intensive study, you’ll become an independent user of your chosen language, guided by native speakers and expert teachers specialising in second language acquisition. Your learning goes beyond the classroom with full immersion in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, allowing you to engage meaningfully with both the language and its cultural context.
• You’ll be part of a dynamic community of language learners, sharing experiences across different languages and cultures, and building intercultural competence alongside linguistic proficiency.
• If successful, your degree title will reflect your achievement, graduating with (subject) with a Year in Arabic / French / German / Italian / Japanese / Mandarin / Spanish.

The year is available to any University of Kent undergraduate student (Canterbury or Medway) who has completed Stage 2 or 3 of their degree in any subject other than a modern language or a related joint honours degree. 

For entry between Stage 2 and Stage 3, and for entry after Stage 3: applicants must be in good academic standing. 

If your degree is accredited with a professional body, you will need to confirm with your home Division that this can include the option of a Year in a Language.

• Autumn term: Language Immersion 1 (20 credits), Intercultural Communication 1 (20 credits)
• Spring term: Language Immersion 2 (20 credits), Intercultural Communication 2 (20 credits)
• Summer term: Language Immersion 3 (20 credits), Modern Languages Cultural Project (20 credits)

International students wishing to add the Year in a Language will be approved on a case-by-case basis in accordance with UK immigration regulations and the University’s Tier 4 policy on Academic Progression and Change of Course. 

Students also need to be aware that they may need to return to their home country to apply for a new visa to add the year to their degree.   

If you have any queries or would like to find out more about studying a Year in Language, then please email us, and we will be in touch shortly.