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Linguistic Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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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

Course summary

This Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies is ideal if you wish to gain an understanding of the fascinating social, interpersonal and psychological aspects of human language and communication systems, and enhance your academic skills in linguistics but do not have a degree in a relevant subject. Why choose this course?

  • This course gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge in both the theory and practice of linguistics, language and communication.
  • You will learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise.
  • You will develop an understanding of linguistics and apply its concepts in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.
What you will learn Throughout this course you will learn what linguistics is, how language is structured, how it develops in children, how it shapes and is shaped by society, how it varies across time and space, and how it changes over time. You will also learn how to use linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language learning or speech therapy to intercultural communication. How you will learn This is an undergraduate-level qualification that will prepare you for postgraduate study. It is available to study part-time over one or two years and follows an evening timetable. Highlights
  • Applied linguistics has been taught by experienced specialists at Birkbeck since 1965. Our centre of teaching and research excellence in applied linguistics has contributed greatly to the field over the years.
  • Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • linguistics knowledge and communication
  • independent study and research skills
  • critical-thinking skills
  • cross-cultural awareness of the contemporary global world.
Graduates can pursue career paths in media and communication, teaching, education and administration or marketing. Possible professions include:
  • English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher
  • speech and language therapist
  • translator
  • interpreter
  • lexicographer.
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

Typical assessments include coursework essays of approximately 3500-4000 words.

How to apply

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. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent; other qualifications may be considered, if you have relevant professional/personal experience. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

To be confirmed
Linguistic Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS