The University
of Melbourne is
No. 1 in Australia for
Modern Languages*
Come and study Languages with us!
School of Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts | *QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
About the school
The School of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Melbourne was created in 1993 as the vehicle for providing excellence in language teaching and learning, and for ensuring wider access, across the University community, to high level competency in languages and cultures. Its organisational structure, in close association with the Asia Institute, and its outreach to the rest of the University through the Diploma in Languages are widely seen as models of best practice in the Australian system.
Drawing on the expertise of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, the Language Testing Research Centre (LTRC), the Research Unit for Indigenous Language (RUIL), Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross Cultural Communication (RUMACCC), and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language the school promotes working together in language teaching, learning and assessment strategies. The School also provides a focal point for reflection and research in all areas of linguistics, and in the interface between language and culture.
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English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL subjects help students to study effectively at university by developing their academic English language. Subjects are available at undergraduate and graduate levels. Emphasis is placed on students' ability to communicate ideas clearly, using appropriate academic language.
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European Studies
European studies is an interdisciplinary program that explores the cultures, societies and languages of Europe. In this study area, students gain insights into the cultures, history and politics of modern Europe and can study one of the five European languages taught in the School.
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French Studies
French studies helps to develop an ability to communicate effectively in the French language in order to enhance your understanding of the French-speaking world. This ability is achieved through the study of French literature, film, theatre, translation, travel writing, food & wine, immigration & identity.
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German Studies
German studies provides an intimate study environment with enthusiastic and talented teaching staff who have wide ranging interests in German language and culture. It has a strong reputation in both teaching and research and has an impressive publishing record over a broad range of topics.
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Italian Studies
An Italian studies major can be studied for up to four years (honours) at undergraduate level and then continued at graduate level (coursework and research Masters and PhD). Areas of expertise include Italian cinema, history, linguistics, literature, and issues in teaching and learning.
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Gender Studies (Interdisciplinary program)
The Gender studies program at the University of Melbourne offers students the potential to learn about issues such as sexual difference, gender equity, queer politics, and sexuality, from a variety of thought-provoking and provocative perspectives.
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Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics is a multi-disciplinary study of language in all its aspects including its structure, its diversity, how it changes and evolves, how people learn and make use of it to communicate, and how it is implicated in relations of power.
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Russian Studies
Russian studies has an MA, PhD and undergraduate program (Major). Students can major in Russian with a combination of Russian language, linguistics & literature subjects, and, in addition, subjects taught in the History & Political Science programs relating to Russia and Eastern/Central Europe.
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Spanish and Latin American Studies
Spanish and Latin American studies offers language options at all levels together with a growing number of cultural studies subjects in areas as diverse as literature, cinema, popular culture, food, gender, and both European and Latin American studies.
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Research groups
Research groups describes existing and developing research centres, institutes and units housed within or closely associated with The School of Languages and Linguistics.
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Current research projects
The academic staff of The School of Languages and Linguistics undertake many research projects and have been awarded many research grants. Details of current funded research can be found in this section.
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Past research projects
The academic staff of The School of Languages and Linguistics undertake many research projects and have been awarded many research grants. Details of past research projects can be found in this section
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Research publications
This section contains a selective list of recent major publications (books and book chapters) in all our programs within The School of Languages and Linguistics.
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Discussion groups
There are discussion groups available for some study areas
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Research strengths
The School conducts research into a wide range of language practices, covering through its subjects a diversity of times, places and themes which reflect the latest developments in language and linguistic practice.
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Undergraduate
Information for current undergraduate students including policies, assessment and contact information.
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Honours
Honours provides scope to refine your analytical skills and research techniques while significantly enhancing your range of options after graduation.
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Graduate studies
Information for current graduate research students, including facilities and resources, support and funding, student travel.
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Outbound Exchange
The Exchange program allows students to study at an overseas institution through the University's Exchange or Fee-paying programs.
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Language Exchange Club
Any student studying a language is welcome to join the program and converse with a native speaker. Come here to make friends, international contacts and improve you language skills naturally!
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Friday 3:15pm - 4:15pmGabriela Garrido: Anticipatory processing of objects in a verb-initial languageEvent
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NEW! Secret Life of Language PODCAST episode
Episode 4: Beyond words: In the field with indigenous languages
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Friday 3:15pm - 4:15pmCharles Kemp: Word meanings across languages support efficient communicationEvent
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The Secret Life of Language
The Secret Life of Language podcast from the School of Languages and Linguistics seeks to create compelling stories and conversations at the intersection of language and society.
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Language Placement Testing
All students wishing to enrol in a language subject for the first time are required to complete a background questionnaire online.
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Horwood Recording Studio
The aim of the Horwood recording studio is to make sure that you can record in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, using modern technology to capture some of the best sound quality available.
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Videos
Videos released by the School of Languages and Linguistics including information about study areas and presentations.
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VCE kits
VCE written exam preparation kits for students and teachers
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Excursions and fieldwork
In this section students will find information on excursions and fieldwork and will be able to pay for them.