Four streams to choose from
When you take a BA in International Languages and Cultures, you choose a single stream.
Chinese
Japanese
Spanish
French
International Languages and Cultures
International Languages and Cultures at Waikato offers four streams - Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. With advanced language skills, you'll meet the world's need for multilingual and culturally sensitive speakers, enhancing your business and social skills and preparing you for success in a multicultural work environment.
We offer many possibilities to study languages and enable you to use multimedia applications to make international communication easier. You'll significantly increase your marketability and open doors for adventurous overseas job opportunities. Our languages programme is QS-rated in the top 250 subjects in the world.
We offer a range of options for studying languages with papers in Chinese, French, Japanese, Te Reo Māori and Spanish. You can choose to major in International Languages and Cultures endorsed in Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish or take language papers to round off your degree. We allow you to combine languages with other courses, such as law or science, to further enhance your preparation for the workforce.
Students also benefit from travelling abroad to study their language through immersive learning opportunities. Chinese students, for instance, travel to China to gain first-hand language skills and cultural understanding.
Waikato gives you the space to become versatile to deal with texts in a variety of media formats to meet communication and translation needs. The International Languages and Cultures programme at Waikato is highly reputed and increases employability for those seeking job opportunities in other cultures and with different people groups.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study International Languages and Cultures in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
Study International Languages and Cultures as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Hospitality Operator
- International Lawyer
- Tour Guide
- Translator or Interpreter
- Travel Agent
Papers
Available International Languages and Cultures papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE131 | Chinese Language 1: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| An introductory paper designed for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese. It takes an integrated approach involving all four of the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students with prior knowledge of Chinese should consult the Convenor of Chinese regarding placement. | ||
| CHINE132 | Chinese Language 1: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of CHINE131/CHIN131 and focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an elementary level. | ||
| FRNCH131 | French for Beginners 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Learn the basics of written and spoken French communication including greetings, family, city life and daily routines. No previous knowledge of French is needed. | ||
| FRNCH132 | French for Beginners 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Deepen your knowledge of French from FRNCH131 or two years' secondary study in a range of contexts including past events, travel and careers. | ||
| INTLC101 | International Languages and Cultures | 20B (Hamilton) & 20G (Online) |
| A cultural perspectives paper with a thematic focus on languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America. | ||
| JAPAN131 | Japanese 1: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper assumes no previous knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. | ||
| JAPAN132 | Japanese 1: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper continues from JAPAN131. | ||
| SPNSH131 | Spanish for Beginners 1 | 20A (Hamilton) & 20G (Hamilton) |
| The first of two papers which offers an introduction to Spanish language for real beginners. The emphasis is on communication underpinned by knowledge of the grammatical system of the language. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and it takes students towards level A1 of the Common E... | ||
| SPNSH132 | Spanish for Beginners 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| The continuation of SPNSH131. This paper aims to build confidence in the language skills already acquired. Equal attention is given to each of the skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and takes students to level A2 of the Common Europe... | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE231 | Chinese Language 2: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an intermediate level. | ||
| CHINE232 | Chinese Language 2: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of CHINE231. | ||
| FRNCH231 | French Language Intermediate 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Building on prior knowledge of French, this paper you will help you to work toward level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and learn about the French-speaking world | ||
| FRNCH232 | French Language Intermediate 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper extends knowledge of French acquired in FRNCH231 and takes students to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| INTLC221 | Understanding East Asia | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper offers a critical examination of historical traditions and contemporary life in East Asia, with a focus on China and Japan, and their roles within a global context. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of Chinese and Japanese. | ||
| INTLC222 | European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| This paper explores aspects of European and Latin American cultures, history and society. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of French and Spanish. | ||
| JAPAN231 | Japanese 2: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper continues from JAPAN132. In combination with JAPAN232 it completes the main corpus of grammar and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence. | ||
| JAPAN232 | Japanese 2: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper continues from JAPAN231. In combination with JAPAN231 it completes the main corpus of grammar and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence. | ||
| SPNSH200 | Spanish for Business and Tourism 1 | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| In this intermediate paper, students will acquire knowledge of Spanish in a practical and professional context related to business and tourism. Additionally, students will acquire geographic literacy and cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and basic linguistic competence in Spanish. | ||
| SPNSH201 | Spanish for Business and Tourism 2 | 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Online), 20G (Hamilton) & 20G (Online) |
| Continuing from Spanish for Business and Tourism I, students will develop further skills in geographic literacy and cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world as well as linguistic competence in Spanish. This will provide a solid foundation in the vocabulary and discourse used in Spanish when dealing with different types ... | ||
| SPNSH231 | Intermediate Spanish 1 | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| This intermediate language acquisition paper enables students to gain competence in grammar and conversation as well as in Spanish and Latin American cultures and conversation. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and it takes students to level B1 of the Common European Framework of R... | ||
| SPNSH232 | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper is a continuation of SPNSH231. Students further develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and understanding Spanish. There is a focus on practical work, as well as written and spoken Spanish. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and takes students to level B2 of the Comm... | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE306 | Reading and Translation Skills | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper is designed primarily for native speakers of Chinese . It is taught bilingually and aims to improve students' bilingual reading skills and develop students' ability to translate from and into Chinese and English | ||
| CHINE307 | Political and Economic Modernisation in Chinese-speaking Asia | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the different models of political and economic modernisation adopted in the four predominantly Chinese-speaking regions of Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Note: This paper is taught in English. | ||
| CHINE321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops students' ability to translate from Chinese to English and vice versa, utilising a variety of readings. Note: This paper is designed for non-native speakers of Chinese only. Native Chinese speakers are eligible to enrol in CHINE306. | ||
| CHINE331 | Chinese Language 3: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Chinese Language Part 2. | ||
| CHINE332 | Chinese Language 3: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Chinese Language 3: Part A. | ||
| CHINE380 | Study Abroad | 20X (Block) |
| This paper involves intensive language and/or society and culture instruction at education institutions in Chinese-speaking Asia. | ||
| CHINE390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| This paper involves an investigation of a particular topic in the field of Chinese Studies. | ||
| FRNCH321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper applies translation theory, methodology and ethics to a variety of contexts including journalism and subtitling. | ||
| FRNCH331 | French Language Advanced 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper strengthens French language skills and introduces different registers such as formal and familiar French. It aims to take students to upper level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| FRNCH332 | French Language Advanced 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops advanced French using extended study of current affairs dossiers in a journalistic context. It aims to take students part way towards level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| FRNCH380 | Study Abroad: French Language Intensive | 20G (Block) |
| This paper will enable students who have passed the intensive summer school course in French offered by the University of New Caledonia to credit this study to their degree. | ||
| FRNCH390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20S (Hamilton) |
| At the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor, students undertake independent but guided research on a topic of the student's choice | ||
| INTLC380 | Study Abroad 1 | 20X (Block) |
| This paper will enable students to undertake appropriate individual study abroad programmes as part of their undergraduate degree. Each study programme should have a significant component of time spent offshore, with a series of assessments being agreed in advance with the paper convenor. | ||
| INTLC390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| At the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor, students undertake independent but guided research on a topic of the student's choice | ||
| JAPAN321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the methodology and practice of Japanese to English and English to Japanese translation, utilising a variety of readings and media such as recipes, user manuals and movie subtitling. | ||
| JAPAN331 | Japanese 3: Part A | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper for pre-intermediate learners continues from JAPAN232. In combination with JAPAN332 students learn additional grammar and vocabulary and are expected to make a great progress on the intermediate-level study of Japanese language learning. | ||
| JAPAN332 | Japanese 3: Part B | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper continues from JAPAN331. In combination with JAPAN331 students learn additional grammar and vocabulary and are expected to make a great progress on the intermediate-level study of Japanese language learning. | ||
| JAPAN380 | Study Abroad | 20X (Block) |
| This paper enables students to undertake appropriate individual study abroad programmes as part of their undergraduate degree. The programme should have a significant component of time spent offshore, with a series of assessments being agreed in advance with the paper convenor. | ||
| JAPAN390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20D (Hamilton) |
| This paper is designed for students to engage and learn research skills through a chosen research topic within the field of Japanese Studies. This paper gives students the opportunity to undertake research independently under the guidance of the Convenor or a relevant lecturer. | ||
| SPNSH300 | Spanish Internship | 20B (Hamilton) & 20C (Online) |
| This is an applied internship in Spanish that involves a total language immersion and an authentic application of previous Spanish knowledge in the form of professional collaboration and specified tasks. | ||
| SPNSH305 | Topics in Latin America | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper conducted in Spanish serves as an introduction to Latin American culture and literature. It considers a wide range of Latin American literary texts and epochs. It is intended to give students a comprehensive knowledge of constructed narratives within the literary canon and major forms of artistic expression. | ||
| SPNSH310 | Advanced Spanish Language | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This is an advanced language paper designed to enhance oral, aural and written proficiency in the language. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and takes students to level C1 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages. | ||
| SPNSH321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper applies translation theory to a variety of texts and contexts such as journalism,literature, humour, film, and subtitling. SPNSH321 takes students to level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages. | ||
| SPNSH380 | Study Abroad 1 | 20X (Block) |
| This paper enables students to take study abroad in Spain or in any other Hispanic country. | ||
| SPNSH390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20S (Hamilton) |
| This paper will enable students to undertake supervised individual study in the summer as part of their undergraduate degree. | ||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Subject Requirements
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the catalogue of papers for the most up to date information.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the catalogue of papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Note: Students with prior knowledge of the language they wish to specialise in must consult the Programme Convenor before enrolling in language acquisition papers.
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: intl-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: intl-grad@waikato.ac.nz