This volume examines many of the complex issues regarding the language skills and professional competencies acquired by students studying Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at universities in the United Kingdom and across Europe. It also outlines the innovative pedagogical strategies, methods, and resources employed by language academics to help graduates transition from university into the world of work through their MFL studies. These issues were discussed at the Professional Competencies in Language Learning and Teaching conference that took place on 12th-13th July 2018 at the University of Nottingham. The conference that was organised as a collaboration between the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Confucius Institute of the University of Nottingham brought together researchers, practitioners, employers, and experts working on 21st century professional competencies and language education.