The School of Cultures and Languages is international in make-up and outlook. Innovative and supportive, our staff ensure you develop exceptional language skills and cultural understanding, discover what languages have in common, how they are acquired and how they change over time. Whether you are an undergraduate or a postgraduate student, we support you to reach your potential.
Key facts
4th
French at Kent was ranked 4th for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2023.
7th
German and Spanish at Kent was ranked 7th for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2023.
3rd
Italian at Kent was ranked 3rd for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2023.
4th
Linguistics at Kent was ranked 4th for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2023.
The School of Cultures and Languages is part of the Division
of Arts and Humanities.
A multidisciplinary division, we also study Architecture and Design, Drama, Film and Media, Art History, Classical & Archaeological Studies, Literature, History, Medieval and Early Modern Studies,
Music, Religious Studies, and Philosophy. Such a diverse range of interests
leads to a fascinating programme of events and makes the Division an exciting
place to study.
Our vision
In the School of Cultures and Languages we pride ourselves on our multidisciplinary focus. We teach Modern Languages, Comparative Literature and English Language & Linguistics, exploring the physical
properties of speech sounds, the structure of words and sentences, the
relationship between language and society and the interface between speech and
writing.
We also cover literature from the classics to the modern age, crossing the traditional boundaries of national literature programmes. Alongside notable works in the English and American traditions, our students have the opportunity to study a wide range of major literary works from other countries in translation.
The breadth of our research is reflected in the
wide range of modules we offer at Kent. Our students develop intercultural links, acquire analytical
and writing skills, explore and debate the latest models and theories, practise
languages, and understand different perspectives and histories.
Many of our staff are native speakers of the languages
they study and teach, and many of our graduates go on to work overseas, so the School bridges national borders and promotes exchange for the benefit of all.
Inspirational teaching
At Kent you are taught by enthusiastic and committed
lecturers with a genuine passion for their subject. They challenge you to
develop your own opinions and ideas, encouraging you to become an independent
thinker.
Our teachers are passionate about language and literature, with expertise in a broad range of fields. They regularly publish books and articles and have international reputations for the quality of their research. Their research informs their teaching, which creates a stimulating environment in which to learn
We offer high levels of support both during
teaching sessions and in one-to-one meetings, and our staff members are
friendly and accessible. The close working relationships you develop help you
to succeed in your studies.
A clear progression through language modules is
supplemented by a range of cultural modules so that, as your language skills develop,
so does your broader understanding of the countries in which they are spoken. We
have dedicated language labs to help you practise and increase your fluency,
and our native-speaking staff provide you with authentic expertise.
Supportive community
We are a welcoming and friendly community, where
students and staff share interests and experiences. We have a dedicated student support team who can help you with your academic needs and offer general support. The University also has an extensive academic and pastoral support network.
The lecturers are passionate about what they do and do everything they can to make their teaching interesting and relatable.
Research community
The School of Cultures and Languages is a thriving research community committed to work of the highest quality. We encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative work as well as individual projects, and work closely with other subjects across the University.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, Kent’s submission to Modern Languages and Linguistics (which included Comparative Literature) was ranked 3rd in the UK, and 85% of our research was assessed as internationally excellent or world-leading.
With a wide range of disciplines covering
languages spoken across Europe and South America as well as gesture and signed languages, and with specialists in
experimental and theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics
and stylistics, our research has international resonance, and crosses national, linguistic, and disciplinary borders.
Our Linguistics Laboratory has facilities for
experimental and quantitative research in acoustics, sociophonetics, and speech
and language processing and acquisition. You also have access to the Department’s
recording studio and a multimedia lab.
Impressive prospects
Our students do well after graduation, moving on to work in areas such as
publishing, publicity, marketing, teaching and speech therapy, and building careers across Europe in translation, journalism, teaching,
and finance.
This is due to the skills gained through their studies, as well as
the structured programme of employability events run by the Division of Arts and Humanities. These
include workshops and the possibility of gaining hands-on experience through paid
and voluntary work opportunities.
Students studying French can choose to take modules in business or professional French and gain an additional qualification.
The University's Careers and Employability Service supports students throughout their time at Kent, and for three years after graduation.
Comparative Literature student Naomi Gilad spent her year abroad in Hong Kong
A year abroad
Our languages degrees include a year abroad,
which you spend in a country where your chosen language is spoken, either
French, German, Spanish or Italian. You can study at a partner university or
work in full-time employment. If you take a joint honours language programme,
the year is split across two countries.
Studying abroad enriches your learning, giving you new perspectives on your subject. It is also
a fantastic opportunity for personal and career development. Our partners, in
Europe and beyond, offer programmes taught in English and related to your
studies at Kent. Interested? You can find details on our Go abroad site.
The School of Cultures and Languages is based on our
Canterbury campus. Canterbury is the closest city to mainland
Europe, with excellent transport links via port of Dover.
Three European capitals – London, Paris, and Brussels – are just a short
distance away.
The campus has first-class academic and leisure
facilities. We are equipped with the latest resources and our beautiful setting
offers plenty of tranquil spaces to study and relax. Everything you need on
campus is within walking distance, including a general store, a bookshop, a medical centre and a pharmacy.
You can go off campus to explore the city's medieval
buildings, historic pubs and mix of independent shops and leading high street
brands.