Has learning a new language always been an ambition? Are you fascinated by different cultures and want to know more? Do you know what intercultural communication is, or why these skills are becoming increasingly important?  

Understanding cultures, languages, behaviours and gestures helps to foster not only personal and professional growth but also societal inclusion.   

However, since the introduction of the higher tuition fees in 2012, the number of students studying a different language at a higher education institution in the UK has dropped by almost 25 per cent. Most of these students were studying for personal interest, and suddenly became priced out of study. This is a huge loss to society.   

Join Mirjam Hauck and Rosina Marquez-Reiter, from the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics, to find out about how new short courses are making these skills much more accessible, affordable and flexible. You can also test your cultural knowledge with our Twitter polls.