Learn a language and the science that shapes it
Modern Language Studies combines learning a language with Language Sciences—also known as Linguistics—in a single subject. Learn how languages have developed, why they change over time, how we learn them, and what shapes our ways of speaking.
You can choose from seven languages—Chinese, French, German, Japanese, te reo Māori, Sāmoan, or Spanish. As you learn to speak and write your chosen language, you'll study the structure, use, and cultural importance of language itself.
Develop language and communication skills that every industry values. If you’re seeking a broad language package, Modern Language Studies is for you.
Choose your study path
You can do Modern Language Studies as a major in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Many students broaden their expertise by pairing Modern Language Studies with a major in International Relations. Other students pair Modern Language Studies with subjects such History, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, and Political Science.
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Modern Languages Studies goes well with Education.
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and to combine Modern Language Studies with other subjects.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can do Modern Language Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Language Study Abroad
We offer courses where you can study an Asian, European, or Latin American language at an approved overseas university during the New Zealand summer.
Future careers
Modern Language Studies graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their language and cultural competency skills.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication make graduates valuable across many different industries, including:
- tourism
- business and trade
- government and defence
- translation services.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Modern Language Studies
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Two scholarships will be awarded annually to the top performing 300-level students of French, German, Spanish or Italian who intend to enrol in one of the above at Honours level the following year
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
Globally ranked
Our Modern Languages subjects are ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
- Postgraduate Applied Linguistics
- Postgraduate Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
- Postgraduate Linguistics
- Postgraduate Translation Studies
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.