Teach modern foreign languages (MFL)

Teaching modern languages offers challenges with big rewards. Choosing this path is not just about teaching vocabulary and pronunciation, it requires the commitment to developing real cultural awareness.

The main languages taught in schools are French, German and Spanish. Others include Italian, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Urdu and Bengali. There is a shortage of teachers available in these priority subjects and there is demand for high-calibre talent to take on the challenge.

The number of children taking a modern foreign language at GCSE will be almost a third higher in 2013 than it was in 2011 and is forecast to continue to grow, so there is a real need for talented language teachers.

Also a recent Government review of the national curriculum has recommended that all children from the age of 9 should learn a foreign language.

If you specialise in teaching modern languages at secondary level, bursaries of up to £20,000 are available for courses starting in 2012. The amount of bursary you will be eligible for depends on the subject you want to teach and your degree class. For further information, please visit our 2012/13 bursary information page.

Candidates from the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to apply for initial teacher training (ITT) need to have a university degree or the English equivalent, and be a confident and competent English speaker. To get information about qualification comparisons, you can contact the UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) on +44 (0)871 330 7033 or visit www.naric.org.uk for details of this process.

The TDA commissioned a grade comparison exercise, carried out by UK NARIC, of all international awards that are considered comparable to British Bachelor (honours) degree standard. To help determine postgraduate bursary eligibility, if you are a trainee with a degree from outside the UK you should consult your chosen training provider or refer to the equivalency table (PDF, 1.1MB).

The TDA offers support for you on the journey to becoming a modern languages teacher through tailored advice and information. Sign up to discover what a career in teaching languages has to offer.

Do you have what it takes? Find out how the TDA can support you along your path.

Our new enhanced service, Premier Plus, is available to those who wish to start training for a shortage subject such as modern languages, in the academic year 2012/13. You’ll be eligible for exclusive benefits including personalised advice from a named adviser.