About the Department


When you study a language at La Trobe, you gain access to an invaluable source of new information and experiences. Each language offers a unique window into one different ways of perceiving and interacting with the world.

La Trobe ranks 11th in Australia and in the top 250 internationally for Linguistics subjects, and 10th in Australia for Modern Languages subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018).

La Trobe also ranks in the top 3 universities in Victoria and ‘above world standard’ for Linguistics research, and our research in Language, Communication & Culture ranks ‘above world standard’ (Excellence in Research for Australia).

Most La Trobe students can learn a language while they complete their degree. By studying a language, you can develop a deeper understanding of it within the context of its cultural, literary, social and religious origins.

The following languages are available at La Trobe:


Our Linguistics subjects are ranked in the Top 200 globally by the QS World University Rankings.

Linguistics is understanding the structure and design of language, how language relates to thinking and how it functions in society. Explore how language develops and changes, and how it is acquired and learned. Linguistics is an excellent support for students with a language major and highly relevant to students with majors in areas such as Anthropology, English, Sociology, History, Archaeology, Computer Science, Philosophy, Education Studies and Law.