Languages and linguistics

Studies in languages and linguistics at Macquarie will prepare you for a range of careers across the globe such as interpreting and translation, teaching, journalism, business or international relations.

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  • Ancient languages

    Ancient languages

    Macquarie offers study in Latin, Ancient Greek, Coptic and hieroglyphs across a range of courses.

    Ancient languages are a key to understanding ancient history, reading significant literary works in their original languages, and better understanding contemporary language and culture.

    Potential careers

    • Archaeologist
    • Archivist
    • Historian
    • Librarian
    • Paralegal
    • Researcher
    • Teacher (with further study)
    • Tour guide
    • Translator
    Deepen your understanding of history, literature, and contemporary language and culture when you study Ancient Languages at Macquarie.
  • Linguistics

    Linguistics

    Linguistics is the systematic study of human language, and its uses and applications in human society.

    At Macquarie you’ll conduct scientific research to analyse and address complex issues in human communication, readying you for careers from international business to helping increase global literacy.

    Potential careers

    • Broadcaster
    • Editor or publisher
    • Heathcare worker
    • Journalist
    • Language policy developer
    • Language teacher
    • Researcher
    • Speech pathologist
    • Translator or interpreter
    Learn to address complex issues in human communication through research and analysis at Macquarie. Our Linguistics courses ready you for a world of careers.
  • Modern Languages and Global Cultures

    Modern Languages and Global Cultures

    Open the door to a range of global careers when you choose from our broad range of languages.

    Whether you’re interested in travel, history, film, literature, politics, or international business, cross-cultural skills and understanding will lead you to new, life-changing insights and experiences.

    Potential careers

    • Corporate social responsibility officer
    • Cultural events coordinator
    • Human rights officer
    • International aid worker
    • International business specialist
    • Journalist
    • Marketing communications consultant
    • Policy adviser
    • Translator and interpreter
    • Travel and tourism consultant
    Connect deeply with people, history, film, literature, politics and business around the world with the skills you'll develop at Macquarie.
  • Teaching English as a second language

    Teaching English as a second language

    Study with one of Australia’s largest and most diverse linguistics departments for internationally recognised qualifications.

    Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) lets you assist refugees, migrants, international students and more. Our innovative program equips you through course work and a teaching practicum.

    Potential careers

    • Language teacher at institutions for migrants
    • Leader within language teaching institutions
    • Private language school teacher
    • TAFE or technical college teacher of ESL
    • Teacher of a language other than English
    • Teacher of English as a second or foreign language
    Assist refugees, migrants, international students and many more with the skills you'll learn at Macquarie. Our ESL courses include real teaching experience.
  • Translation and interpreting

    Translation and interpreting

    Do you have a love of language and deep knowledge of more than one language and one culture? Are you meticulous? Do you have fantastic writing and public speaking skills? If so, a career in translating and interpreting may be your calling.

    Potential careers

    • Translator and interpreter in government, international commerce, publishing and media, community services, legal and/or medical contexts.
    Do you have a love of language and deep knowledge of more than one language and one culture? A career in translating and interpreting may be your calling.

Broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of humans and their cultures

Domestic: Call 02 9850 6790

International: Call +61 2 9850 7346

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Employability

Flexible study options

Flexible study options

Our degrees are designed to suit you. Dig deep into your specific passion with a single degree, or choose a double degree that combines your interests, giving you a more diverse skill set and expanding your career options.

Industry-relevant courses

Industry-relevant courses

Language is the key to connecting with people and understanding their cultures. The skills you will develop through the study of language and linguistics are in demand across countless industries in our increasingly globalised world.

Top 40 in the world for Linguistics (QS rankings by subject, 2019)

Top 40 in the world for Linguistics (QS rankings by subject, 2019)

Offers a wide range of European and Asian languages

Offers a wide range of European and Asian languages

Ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2019)

Ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2019)

Practical learning

Real-world, hands-on experience

Real-world, hands-on experience

Our award-winning Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) units offer you opportunities for real industry experience as part of your degree. You'll also be able to put your language learning into practice through our leading Student Exchange program.

World-class facilities

World-class facilities

Our linguistics department is the largest and most diverse in Australia, and on of the best-equipped clinical research environments in the world. Your learning will be enhanced by on-campus facilities like the Australian Hearing Hub, and labs for translation and interpreting.

What our students say

Luke Gallen

Luke Gallen

Bachelor of International Studies and Bachelor of Laws

"I wanted to study a degree that would challenge me and provide me with various career options. I also wanted to learn a language and go on exchange. My course has allowed for all of this – the highlight being a trip to China through Macquarie’s Global Leadership Program, where I was able to develop my professional and cultural skills and meet officials from the Australian Embassy, the UN and AIIB in China.

When I graduate I want to work in a firm with an international focus or work within international relations and specialise in the Australia–Asia relationship."

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