Languages & cultures

Three women have a serious discussion about their work

By studying languages and cultures at UNSW, you’ll explore the importance of intercultural communications and the way it has become important in our daily life.

The mastery of language skills, cross-cultural understanding and an ability to engage with people from other countries and cultures will enrich your global perspective and prepare you for an international career.

Chinese is the language used by over a billion people worldwide. At UNSW, you can learn Chinese with introductory courses or develop your skills in a language that has a rich cultural heritage and paramount importance in global business and international relations. Chinese studies at UNSW is widely regarded as the first choice for students interested in Chinese language and culture. We have the largest number of students enrolled in Chinese studies in Australia.

Chinese studies at UNSW will prepare you for a wide range of professional specialisations, from commerce and business to diplomacy, education, tourism, media, and public service. You’ll have full access to both the CJNK database and Chinese Periodicals Full-text Database, developed by Shanghai Library. The former provides comprehensive coverage of modern scholarly journals from China and the latter to historical periodicals published in China between 1911 and 1949.

UNSW HSK Centre

The UNSW HSK Centre Currently offers a full range of HSK tests as well as HSK preparation classes at different levels. Visit our website to find out more.

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Japan has important connections to Australia and Asia politically, strategically and economically. Whether you have a connection with Japanese music, anime and manga, or have ambitions to work with one of Australia’s major economic partners, Japanese studies at UNSW will further your understanding and knowledge of Japan’s language, society and customs. 

UNSW is home to one of the largest and most innovative Japanese programs in Australia. Our teaching staff have been awarded the prestigious Citation Award by the Australian Federal Government for being some of the “most inspiring” teachers in Australia. 

We offer Japanese language courses from introductory to a professional level, as well as advanced professional courses with themes ranging from manga and literature to business Japanese and courses on Japanese history and culture.

You'll also have the opportunity to go on academic exchange at one of our 21 exchange partner universities in Japan, including the prestigious University of Tokyo and University of Kyoto, as well as leading private universities, Waseda and Keio.

Students can take Japanese Studies courses in various ways, including: 

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South Korea has a high-tech globalised economy and is celebrated for its iconic pop culture. At UNSW, we offer you an insight into the language and people in this dynamic country. South Korea and Australia have had close ties since the 1950s, and as the South Korean economy grows, your Korean language competency and cultural knowledge will open up a world of opportunities.  

UNSW offers one of the most active Korean studies programs in the region, providing a balance of Korean language skills and knowledge with cultural study through various courses, including language courses for all levels, courses on Korean culture, Korea’s relationship with Japan and its place in East Asia. Korean classes are structured to maximise individual attention and allow you ample opportunity for regular interaction in Korean.

You'll also have opportunities to study as an exchange student at one of South Korea’s leading universities such as Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei.

Students can take Korean Studies courses in various ways, including: 

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French is the traditional language of international diplomacy and is one of the official working languages of the United Nations and many other international governmental and non-governmental organisations. Our program will not only develop your ability to communicate in French but will also explore the French-speaking world through the study of arts (literature, cinema, theatre, Impressionism), linguistics, society and contemporary popular culture.  

Your skills in this globally spoken European language will enhance your career prospects both in Australia and abroad. You'll gain French communication skills and learn more generally about the structure and function of language while studying French and Francophone literature, film, linguistics and cultures.

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Spanish is the language of over 400 million people. It is spoken officially in 23 countries and is the de facto second language of the United States, with approximately 40 million native Spanish speakers. Our Spanish studies program will enable you to become familiar with the Spanish language as spoken in its contemporary cultural context and provide you with an informed understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through the study of language, literature, film, art, civilisation and history.  

At an undergraduate level, Spanish studies is available in language, culture, film, linguistics and history. Honours and postgraduate programs at Masters and Doctorate levels are also available.   

Our exchange programs with universities in Spain and Latin America will enhance your learning by offering in-country exposure to these societies and cultures. Our graduates gain skills that are valued in diplomacy, journalism, arts, education, mining, hospitality, tourism and business. 

For more information, check out our outbound opportunities.

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German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe. German studies at UNSW places special emphasis on integrating the study of the social, historical and cultural developments in German society with the teaching of practical language skills. This approach aims to help you achieve a high level of communicative competence in German and gain a critical understanding of this fascinating modern European society and global economic superpower.

German studies at UNSW places special emphasis on integrating the study of the social, historical and cultural developments in German society with the teaching of practical language skills. This approach aims to help you achieve a high level of communicative competence in German and gain a critical understanding of this fascinating modern European society.

German Academic Exchange Service Scholarships

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships to enable students of German and European studies to study and research in Germany.  

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The European languages of Greek and Italian are offered at introductory levels at UNSW. If you'd like to further your study, we have entered into a three-year agreement with the University of Sydney to give you the opportunity to undertake advanced study in Greek and Italian at the University of Sydney.

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Find out more about Italian studies

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Indonesian Studies enables you to explore the fascinating linguistic and cultural heritage of one of Australia's closest neighbours. This study area equips you with appropriate knowledge and skills for communicating in standard Indonesian/Malay as well as for critical reading of sources in the language. Through language study, you’ll develop an understanding of Indonesia and the Malay world.

Choosing Indonesian Studies at UNSW allows you to combine the teaching of practical language skills with the study of Indonesia’s history, society, culture, and customs. You will be able to understand specific intricacies of Indonesian culture, working with cultural experts to help you uncover the unique heritage and politics of this fascinating and richly diverse island nation. 

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