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English and Linguistics at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 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

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

Open days

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

Course summary

Our BA English and Linguistics gives you the opportunity to explore key theories in linguistics and literary studies, develop critical thinking, and acquire unique tools to examine and understand the role of the English language in the globalised, interconnected world. It is ideal if you wish to study linguistics, literature and culture together. Why choose this course?

  • It allows you to develop an advanced understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of language and apply it in a variety of contexts including intercultural communication, speech therapy, advertising and media, and language education.
  • By focusing on language in relation to aspects such as ethnicity, race, gender or sexuality, you will acquire the skills to formulate original research questions and apply principles of global linguistic citizenship in practice.
  • You will be able to choose modules to match your interests ranging from sociolinguistics; neurolinguistics; medieval, Gothic and Victorian texts to contemporary literatures from the Global North and South.
  • It gives you the opportunity, if you wish, to gain valuable professional experience through internship placements.
What you will learn On this BA English and Linguistics you will enhance your ability to critically respond to texts and address the most urgent issues of our times such as social inequality, migration, conflict, climate justice and what it means to be human. The English modules offer you knowledge and understanding of a breadth of literature from various historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present day. You will develop skills in the analysis of literature in its cultural and intellectual contexts and hone your abilities in critical thinking using key theoretical frameworks. Linguistics modules will develop your understanding of how the English language is acquired, structured and used. How you will learn The course is available to study full- or part-time. Teaching consists of lectures and seminars which take place in the evening in small, interactive settings on our campus in Bloomsbury. Some workshops are also offered online or on campus and online. 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
  • You will learn from scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, culture and literature and benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture from our affiliated research centres as well as from other public cultural events at Birkbeck.
  • Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this BA English and Linguistics, you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including:
  • cross-cultural awareness of the contemporary global world
  • advanced linguistics knowledge ideal for careers in language and communication
  • independent study and research skills invaluable for postgraduate studies and life-long learning
  • critical thinking about real-world social issues.
Studying this course will prepare you to progress to postgraduate studies in linguistics, literature, and/or cultural studies or roles in fields including:
  • media and communication
  • language teaching
  • education and administration
  • marketing.

Modules

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

Assessment method

English modules are assessed by essays. There is also the option of a final year dissertation. Linguistics modules are assessed entirely by coursework, mainly in the form of essays.

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.

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.
English and Linguistics at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS