A collaborative language learning alliance between three of Queensland’s top universities provides greater choice and flexibility for students.
Formed between UQ, Griffith University and QUT, the Brisbane Universities Languages Hub allows students to study the language they want, regardless of which university they attend.
Students enrolled in any of the three universities can study Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish, even if their chosen language is not provided by the university at which they are studying.
A shared web portal will provide convenience for students and can be accessed at: www.bulh.edu.au.
Two-thirds of the world's population do not speak English and studying a language can open many doors and enhance graduate career opportunities in an era of globalisation and the increasing importance of international networks.
Language study undertaken as part of a degree at UQ is offered through the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies. The School promotes intercultural communication and understanding as well as language learning. Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, translation and interpreting training in Chinese and Japanese are also offered at Masters coursework level.
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Debbie Terry said there were many benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism, for individuals and society.
“Proficiency in more than one language can be an advantage for graduates and students seeking to establish or progress their careers, or to gain internships and scholarships in this globalised era," Professor Terry said.
“It is a valuable social skill, an enhancer of intercultural and international relations, and an asset for a community’s or a nation’s economy,” she said.
Language skills are an asset in a wide range of careers including, but not limited to: international relations, diplomacy, international business, tourism, interpreting and translation, teaching, international law and commerce.
The Brisbane Universities Languages Hub is supported by $2.3 million from the Australian Government.
For more information on studying language at UQ, contact the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies on (07) 3365 6311 / 3365 2013 or go to: www.slccs.uq.edu.au or www.bulh.edu.au.
Media: For more information, contact the UQ School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies on (07) 3365 6311 / 2013, email: slccs@uq.edu.au
