The Bachelor of Languages requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law.

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Course aims

The course aims to:

  • provide high levels of proficiency in the target language within a curricular framework that fosters the development of advanced levels of linguistic and cultural competency for languages-oriented university students
  • expose students to a wide body of specific and cross-disciplinary knowledge relative to language acquisition and cultural practices, to Applied Linguistics, to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or to English, depending on the program of study chosen
  • provide a foundation at First Year level for metacognitive training to enhance language acquisition and maximise opportunities to progress in language learning within and beyond the classroom
  • train students to form broad conceptual understandings while gaining depth of knowledge within a chosen language field that includes a supervised upper-level study project. 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course students are expected to:

  • be able to communicate at a high level of competence in the main target language of study
  • demonstrate competency in a second target language of study or have gained knowledge and skills in one of the following areas of study: Applied Linguistics, English (Literature or Creative Writing streams), Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
  • have developed an understanding of language acquisition
  • be able to demonstrate broad knowledge of Cultural Studies relative to their language of study
  • have developed critical understanding of theories and/or principles underpinning the chosen area of Language Studies, and knowledge of current issues therein
  • be able to undertake and successfully complete a research project at third level in a specific area of Language Studies
  • be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in relation to inter-cultural communication
  • have developed understanding and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.

Program of study

1.   One extended major sequence (45 units) chosen from one of the following target languages including:

French - Beginners or Intermediate
Indonesian - Beginners or Intermediate
Italian - Beginners or Intermediate
Modern Greek - Beginners or Intermediate
Spanish - Beginners or Intermediate

2.   AND 9 units core topics as follows:

      LANG1000  Strategies for Language Learning  (4.5 units)
      LANG1002  Language and Languages  (4.5 units)

3.   AND 9 units of First Year elective topics chosen from topics offered in the Bachelor of Arts

4.   AND 45 units chosen from one of Option A, Option B, or Option C:

OPTION A

Students must complete the following 45 units:

(a) One ordinary major sequence (36 units) chosen from:

French* Beginners or Intermediate
Indonesian* Beginners or Intermediate
Italian* Beginners or Intermediate
Modern Greek* Beginners or Intermediate
Spanish* Beginners or Intermediate
Applied Linguistics
Chinese only available to students who commenced prior to 31 December 2016
Creative Writing
English

University of Adelaide Languages:

  • Chinese
  • German
  • Japanese

Please visit the University of Adelaide webpage for topic information.

* Students must choose a different language to the language that they are studying in the extended major sequence.

(b) AND 9 units of cognate topics, chosen from the list below.

OPTION B

Students must complete the following 45 units:

(a) One minor sequence (22.5 units) chosen from:

French* Beginners or Intermediate
Indonesian* Beginners or Intermediate
Italian* Beginners or Intermediate
Modern Greek* Beginners or Intermediate
Spanish* Beginners or Intermediate
Teaching English as a Second Language
(TESOL)
Chinese only available to students who commenced prior to 31 December 2016
Applied Linguistics
Creative Writing
English

*Students must choose a different language to the language that they are studying in the extended major sequence.

(b) AND 22.5 units of cognate topics, chosen from the list below.

OPTION C

Students must complete the following 45 units:

(a) One minor sequence (27 units) chosen from one of the following languages offered at the University of Adelaide#:

Chinese
German
Japanese

#Chinese, German and Japanese are offered via cross-institutional study at the University of Adelaide through the Languages Outreach Program.

(b) AND 18 units of cognate topics.

Option - Cognate topics

 AUST2611  Australian Languages: Issues and Debates 1  (4.5 units)
 AUST3611  Australian Languages: Issues and Debates 2  (4.5 units)
 HIST3001 Destination Australia: Migration since 1900  (4.5 units)
 INDO2002  Indonesian Musical Cultures  (4.5 units)*
 ITAL2213  Italian Theatre (4.5 units) **
 ITAL3403  Italian Migration to Australia  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3214  Italian Cinema (4.5 units) **
 ITAL3215  The Italian Mafia: Origin and Representations (4.5 units) **
 LANG2000  Special Topic in Language or Cultural Studies  (4.5 units)
 LANG2001  Introduction to Second Language Acquisition  (4.5 units)
 LANG2004  Language in Society: Introduction to Sociolinguistics  (4.5 units)
 LANG2005  Migrant Journeys: Cultures. Identities and Belonging  (4.5 units)
 LANG3000  Language in Action  (4.5 units)
 LANG3007  Computer-Mediated Communication for Language Learning  (4.5 units)
 LING2103  Language, Culture and Communication  (4.5 units)
 LING3105  Intercultural Communication in Everyday Life  (4.5 units)
 LING3107  An Introduction to Translation: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2213  Philosophy, Love and Religion: The Alexandrian Story  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2214  Greek Mythology: Gods, heroes and mortals  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3211  Homer's Odyssey: Wanderings and Divine Interventions  (4.5 units)

* This topic is available to all Bachelor of Languages students as a cognate topic. It is also offered in the extended major in Indonesian. However, it can only count towards either the extended major or the cognate component, but not both.

** These topics are offered in the major or extended major in Italian.  Students can only count them towards either the major or extended major, or the cognate component, but not both

Extended Major, Major and Minor Sequences

An extended language major sequence (45 units) consists of 13.5 units of Culture topics at second/third level; and 27 units of Language topics: 9 units at first level, 9 units at second level, 9 units at third level and LANG3300 Language Research Project (4.5 units) at third level.

An ordinary language major sequence (36 units) consists of 9 units of Culture topics: 4.5 units at second level, and 4.5 units at third level; and 27 units of Language topics: 9 units at first level, 9 units at second level and 9 units at third level.

A minor language sequence (22.5 units) consists of a 4.5 unit Culture topic undertaken at second level and 18 units of Language topics: 9 units at first level and 9 units at second level. Students undertaking a minor sequence in Chinese, German or Japanese at the University of Adelaide undertake the equivalent of 27 units, consisting of 9 units at first level and 18 units at upper level.

All extended major sequences, ordinary major sequences and minor sequences are available in both beginners and intermediate streams.

Flinders Languages:

  • Chinese *
  • French
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Modern Greek
  • Spanish  

*only available to students who commenced prior to 31 December 2016.

University of Adelaide Languages (major and minor sequences only):

  • Chinese
  • German
  • Japanese

Please visit the University of Adelaide webpage for topic information.

Stream - Chinese (Beginners)

Only available to students who commenced prior to 31 December 2016.

First Year Language topics

 CHIN1201  Introductory Chinese Part 1  (4.5 units)
 CHIN1202  Introductory Chinese Part 2  (4.5 units)

Second Year Language topics 

 CHIN2201  Intermediate Chinese Part 1  (4.5 units)
 CHIN2202  Intermediate Chinese Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Language topics

 CHIN3201  Upper Intermediate Chinese Part 1  (4.5 units)
 CHIN3202  Upper Intermediate Chinese Part 2  (4.5 units)

Culture topics

Select 9 units from:

 HIST2003  Revolutionary China, 1949 - 1978  (4.5 units) 
 HIST2005  The Chinese Revolution, 1900 - 1949  (4.5 units)
 INTR2005  The Next Superpower? The Rise of China in the 21st Century  (4.5 units) 
 LLAW3270  Introduction to China's Law and Legal System  (4.5 units)#
 SCME2107  Asian Cinema  (4.5 units)*
 SCME3999  Globalisation and Entertainment Media  (4.5 units)*

Other cultural topics may be chosen with the approval of the Director of Studies for Chinese. Students may apply to enrol cross-institutionally in the In-Country Language Study (LAN211 or LAN311) topics offered by Charles Darwin University.

Please note that the Year 1-3 language topics are delivered in distance mode through Charles Darwin University. The cultural topics are available at Flinders University.

#LLAW3270 is delivered in China in conjunction with the East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) in Shanghai. Topic prerequisite will apply.

*SCME2107 and SCME3999 are predominantly concerned with Chinese cinema and media.

Stream - French (Beginners)

 First Year Language Topics

 FREN1201  Introductory French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN1202  Introductory French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 FREN2201  Intermediate French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN2202  Intermediate French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 FREN3201  Upper Intermediate French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN3202  Upper Intermediate French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Second Year Culture Topics: select either FREN2211 or FREN2212 (Ordinary Major)

 FREN2211  French Culture and Society 1  (4.5 units)*
 FREN2212  French Culture and Society 2  (4.5 units)*

 *Both of these topics must be taken at second year level within the Extended Major (45 units). Only one of these topics should be taken at second year level for the Ordinary Major (36 units).

 Third Year Culture Topics: select either FREN3211 or FREN3212#

 FREN3211  French Cultural Studies 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN3212  French Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 FREN3401 Advanced Topic in French Studies 1 (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator FREN3401 may be studied instead of FREN3211 or FREN3212 in the Extended Major.

Stream - French (Intermediate)

 First Year Language Topics

 FREN2201  Intermediate French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN2202  Intermediate French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 FREN3201  Upper Intermediate French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN3202  Upper Intermediate French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 FREN3301  Advanced French Part 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN3302  Advanced French Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Second Year Culture Topics: select either FREN3211 or FREN3212 (Ordinary Major)

 FREN3211  French Cultural Studies 1  (4.5 units)*
 FREN3212  French Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)*

 *Both of these topics must be taken at second year level within the Extended Major (45 units). Only one of these topics should be taken at second year level for the Ordinary Major (36 units).

Third Year Culture Topics: select either FREN3311 or FREN3312#

 FREN3311  Extended French Cultural Studies 1  (4.5 units)
 FREN3312  Extended French Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 FREN3401  Advanced Topic in French Studies 1  (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator FREN3401 may be studied instead of FREN3211 or FREN3212 in the Extended Major.

Stream - Indonesian (Beginners)

First Year Language Topics

INDO1201  Introductory Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO1202  Introductory Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Second Year Language Topics

INDO2201  Intermediate Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO2202  Intermediate Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Language Topics

INDO3201  Upper Intermediate Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO3202  Upper Intermediate Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Extended Major Topic

LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

Culture topics

INDO2001  Indonesian Culture and Society  (4.5 units)

Plus select 4.5 units (Ordinary Major) or 9 units (Extended Major) from

INDO2002  Indonesian Musical Cultures  (4.5 units)
INDO2003  Contemporary Indonesian Cinema  (4.5 units)
INDO2004  Indonesian for Special Purposes  (4.5 units)

Stream - Indonesian (Intermediate)

First Year Language Topics 

INDO2201  Intermediate Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO2202  Intermediate Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Second Year Language Topics

INDO3201  Upper Intermediate Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO3202  Upper Intermediate Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Language Topics

INDO3301  Advanced Indonesian Part 1  (4.5 units)
INDO3302  Advanced Indonesian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Extended Major Topic

LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

Culture topics

INDO2001  Indonesian Culture and Society  (4.5 units)

Plus select 4.5 units (Ordinary Major) or 9 units (Extended Major) from

INDO2002  Indonesian Musical Cultures  (4.5 units)
INDO2003  Contemporary Indonesian Cinema  (4.5 units)
INDO2004  Indonesian for Special Purposes  (4.5 units)

Stream - Italian (Beginners)

 First Year Language Topics

 ITAL1201  Introductory Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL1202  Introductory Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 ITAL2201  Intermediate Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL2202  Intermediate Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 ITAL3201  Upper Intermediate Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3202  Upper Intermediate Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Culture Topics: select either ITAL2211 or ITAL2212 

 ITAL2211  Italian Culture and Society 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL2212  Italian Culture and Society 2  (4.5 units)

 Culture Topics: select 4.5 units (Ordinary Major) or 9 units (Extended Major) from:

 ITAL2213  Italian Theatre  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3211  Italian Cultural Studies  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3214  Italian Cinema  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3215  The Italian Mafia: Origin and Representations  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3403  Italian Migration to Australia  (4.5 units)

Stream - Italian (Intermediate)

 First Year Language Topics

 ITAL2201  Intermediate Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL2202  Intermediate Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 ITAL3201  Upper Intermediate Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3202  Upper Intermediate Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 ITAL3301  Advanced Italian Part 1  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3302  Advanced Italian Part 2  (4.5 units)

Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Culture Topics: select 9 units (Ordinary Major) or 13.5 units (Extended Major) from:

 ITAL2213  Italian Theatre  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3211  Italian Cultural Studies  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3213  Translation from Italian  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3214  Italian Cinema  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3215  The Italian Mafia: Origin and Representations  (4.5 units)
 ITAL3311  Extended Italian Cultural Studies   (4.5 units)
 ITAL3403  Italian Migration to Australia  (4.5 units)

Stream - Modern Greek (Beginners)

 First Year Language Topics

 MGRE1201  Introductory Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE1202  Introductory Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 MGRE2201  Intermediate Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2202  Intermediate Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 MGRE3201  Upper Intermediate Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3202  Upper Intermediate Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Culture Topics: select 9 units (Ordinary Major) or 13.5 units (Extended Major#) from

 MGRE2211  Modern Greek Culture and Society 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2212  Modern Greek Culture and Society 2  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2213  Philosophy, Love and Religion: The Alexandrian Story  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2214  Greek Mythology: Gods, Heroes and Mortals  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3211  Homer's Odyssey: Wanderings and Divine Interventions  (4.5 units) 
 MGRE3212  Modern Greek Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3401  Advanced Topic in Modern Greek Studies 1  (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator MGRE3401 may be studied instead of a Culture Topic in the Extended Major.

Stream - Modern Greek (Intermediate)

 First Year Language Topics

 MGRE2201  Intermediate Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2202  Intermediate Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 MGRE3201  Upper Intermediate Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3202  Upper Intermediate Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 MGRE3301  Advanced Modern Greek Part 1  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3302  Advanced Modern Greek Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Culture Topics: select 9 units (Ordinary Major) or 13.5 units (Extended Major#) from

 MGRE2213  Philosophy, Love and Religion: The Alexandrian Story  (4.5 units)
 MGRE2214  Greek Mythology: Gods, Heroes and Mortals  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3211  Homer's Odyssey: Wanderings and Divine Interventions  (4.5 units) 
 MGRE3212  Modern Greek Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3311  Extended Modern Greek Cultural Studies 1  (4.5 units) 
 MGRE3312  Extended Modern Greek Cultural Studies 2  (4.5 units)
 MGRE3401  Advanced Topic in Modern Greek Studies 1  (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator MGRE3401 may be studied instead of a Culture Topic in the Extended Major.

Stream - Spanish (Beginners)

First Year Language Topics

 SPAN1201  Introductory Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN1202  Introductory Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 SPAN2201  Intermediate Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN2202  Intermediate Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 SPAN3201  Upper Intermediate Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3202  Upper Intermediate Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

  Second Year Culture Topics: select 4.5 units (Ordinary Major) or 9 units (Extended Major) from

 SPAN2211  Keys to the Spanish and Latin American Worlds  (4.5 units) 
 SPAN2212  An Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Cultures  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Culture Topics: select 4.5 units from:

 SPAN3211  Latin American History and Culture Through Film and Literature  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3212  Spanish for Academic and Professional Purposes  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3311  Contemporary Spanish History and Culture Through Film and Literature  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3312  An Introduction to Spanish Translation: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3401  Advanced Topic in Spanish 1  (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator SPAN3401 may be studied instead of a Third Year Culture Topic in the Extended Major.

Stream - Spanish (Intermediate)

 First Year Language Topics

 SPAN2201  Intermediate Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN2202  Intermediate Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Second Year Language Topics

 SPAN3201  Upper Intermediate Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3202  Upper Intermediate Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Language Topics

 SPAN3301  Advanced Spanish Part 1  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3302  Advanced Spanish Part 2  (4.5 units)

 Third Year Extended Major Topic

 LANG3300  Language Research Project (4.5 units)

 Second Year Culture Topics: select either SPAN3211 or SPAN3212 (Ordinary Major)

 SPAN3211  Latin American History and Culture Through Film and Literature  (4.5 units)*
 SPAN3212  Spanish for Academic and Professional Purposes  (4.5 units)*

 *Both of these topics must be taken at second year level within the Extended Major (45 units). Only one of these topics should be taken at second year level for the Ordinary Major (36 units).

 Third Year Culture Topics: select either SPAN3311 or SPAN3312#

 SPAN3311  Contemporary Spanish History and Culture Through Film and Literature  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3312  An Introduction to Spanish Translation: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
 SPAN3401  Advanced Topic in Spanish 1  (4.5 units)#

#With the permission of the course coordinator SPAN3401 may be studied instead of SPAN3311 or SPAN3312 in the Extended Major.

Combined Degrees

The Bachelor of Languages may also be studied in a combined degrees program with a: