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Global Politics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Birkbeck, University of London

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: University of London

Global Politics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) with Foundation Year

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Are you seeking to combine the study of global politics with the study of modern language to a high level? As well as gaining competence in a language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean or Spanish), this BA Global Politics and Language allows you to acquire advanced knowledge of a range of cultural topics, while also focusing on the nature of politics at the global level:

  • international relations
  • political economy
  • war and security studies.
You will gain the skills necessary for political, sociological, historical and economic analysis in a learning environment that is supportive, radical and exciting. You will also have the opportunity to study a number of cross-cultural modules exploring specific themes across a variety of language-speaking areas. The languages component of this degree is designed to give you the chance to reach a high level of competence in a modern language of your choice and study the associated culture(s) of that language. You can choose French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish starting at the level of language learning that suits you, whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker. Korean is offered starting from beginner level. If you decide to take this language, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, so for example BA Global Politics with Korean, because we currently offer this language up to intermediate level only. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening. Highlights
  • Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London. Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects, encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.
  • We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.
  • You will also be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence in languages, a community of scholars with shared interests in interdisciplinary topics and cross-cultural research. Our affiliated research centres, the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), provide an important platform for this exchange.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in national and international government, pressure groups, research or education. Possible professions include:
  • journalist
  • civil service fast-streamer
  • governmental social research officer
  • diplomatic services operational officer
  • charity officer.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Tests, seminar logs, presentations and research essays across core and option modules. To complete the degree, you may design, research and write a dissertation. Assessment methods in languages include a variety of exercises testing skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening, coursework and a short project.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

There are no qualification requirements for this course.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £4765 Year 1
Northern Ireland £4765 Year 1
Scotland £4765 Year 1
Wales £4765 Year 1
International £9030 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Home students: Year 1&2: £4,765 per year Year 3+: £7,145 per year International students: Year 1&2: £9,030 per year Year 3+: £13,545 per year Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Global Politics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS