Why languages at ANU
Prepare yourself for the increasingly multilingual and global life of the 21st century. The study of languages and cultures at ANU provides you with insights into other societies, other ways of seeing the world, and other ways of relating to people. Our courses help you develop a high level of language fluency along with an essential understanding of the culture of the communities who speak that language, yielding an advantage in your future. Our courses cover the areas of languages, linguistics, culture, society, literature, film, history and more.
Choose from a broad range of languages in a top-ranked research environment
ANU is the national centre for language teaching and research in the Australian tertiary sector. With close to 30 languages on offer, it covers more languages than any other university in the country. ANU is also recognised as an international leader in modern language studies; it is consistently ranked number 1 in Australia (QS World University Rankings), and in 2015, number 24 in the world (the only Australian university ranked among the top 40). Our language staff includes researchers on the cutting edge of a diverse range of areas related to language study. Research conducted at ANU brings the latest developments in second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy directly to the learning environment.
Learn from excellent teachers
ANU language staff are passionate and dedicated teachers, who have won many national and international awards for teaching innovation and excellence. Students have the opportunity to interact one-on-one and in small groups with their lecturer. ANU has world class facilities, including the Ethel Tory Centre, a teaching space which facilitates collaborative learning and the use of technology as a valuable resource in language study. The Centre is for the sole use of language students and includes break-out study areas, computer-based interactive studios and a video-conferencing studio.
Study and live overseas to improve language skills and cultural knowledge
In-country language learning is actively encouraged at ANU. Students have the opportunity to spend one semester (and for some languages, one year) of their ANU degree studying at a partner institution in a country where the language they are learning is spoken. Different funding schemes and scholarships are available to support students with their overseas experience. Staff help students select the right institution and the right courses, to make their in-country experience fit in with, and complement, the rest of their degree.
Belong to a dynamic language community
As a student at ANU you will belong to a dynamic language learning community consisting of student language clubs, conversation groups, reading groups, and social networks. Our language community includes important centres of influence such as the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, the Australian National Centre for Latin American Studies, the ANU Centre for European Studies, and the Australian Centre on China in the World. The University's well cultivated relationships with our neighbours in the diplomatic community provide unique opportunities for language students in Canberra, including Embassy internships.
