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Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Birkbeck, University of London

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: University of London

Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

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.

Open days

26Apr
Birkbeck, University of London - Undergraduate open day
Undergraduate
28Jun
Birkbeck, University of London - Undergraduate open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Would you like to become highly proficient in a language at the same time as developing an advanced understanding of how language works in general? Our BA Linguistics and Language offers you a unique combination of language learning and applied linguistics to prepare you for a wide range of professional opportunities in multilingual and multicultural contexts. Why choose this course?

  • You can choose to become highly proficient in French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish, or proficient in Korean. You will also explore the literature and culture associated with this language.
  • If you choose the International Experience route you will be able to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture during a year of studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
  • On this course you will join a community of diverse and committed students from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds and learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, language, culture and literature.
  • You will develop an advanced understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of language and apply it in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.
What you will learn You will learn about the structure and functions of language, and how it is patterned and used. You will be introduced to major areas of linguistics, including applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, and learn how to apply linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language teaching and learning to intercultural communication. You will have the opportunity to reach near-native standard in French, German, Italian or Spanish, or upper-intermediate or advanced level in Japanese, depending on your level of entry. We offer Korean from beginner up to intermediate level only. You will also study the associated literature and culture of your chosen language and develop skills of translating, summary writing and delivering written and oral presentations. How you will learn You can study either full- or part-time. The course has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. These consist of a combination of lectures and seminars which are designed to be small and interactive with some also offered online. On the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture. Your timetable may differ during this year abroad. Foundation Year 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. Highlights
  • Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965, so you will be taught by experienced specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence.
  • You will benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture from our affiliated research centres, e.g. the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), as well as from other public cultural events hosted at Birkbeck.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in publishing, education, policy-making or language education. Possible professions include:
  • translator
  • English as a Foreign Language teacher
  • publishing copy editor/proofreader
  • civil service fast-streamer
  • editorial assistant.

Modules

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

Assessment method

Assessment varies and includes coursework, written examinations, oral examinations and listening comprehension.

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.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

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

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. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Credits gained on the Certificate of Higher Education in Culture and Language can be counted towards the degree.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
International £18060 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

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.
Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS