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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

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

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.

Course summary

This BA Politics and Language offers you the opportunity to become competent in a modern language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean or Spanish) while also acquiring advanced knowledge of a range of cultural topics and an understanding of the nature of politics and government in contemporary societies. Why choose this course?

  • This course equips you with the tools to understand the nature of politics in the modern world and a thorough grounding in one or more modern languages.
  • It emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of the study of politics and languages, drawing on history, sociology, economics, anthropology, human geography and psychology as well as politics.
  • You will be taught by politics and language specialists who pride themselves on research-led teaching.
What you will learn This course provides you with a strong basis in British politics as well as encouraging you to think about politics from comparative and international perspectives. You will compare and contrast the institutions and practices of government in different societies and analyse different theories of politics and government. You can also choose from a number of cross-cultural modules across language-speaking areas. The languages component is designed to give you the chance to become competent in a modern language 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. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time. It is taught through lectures and seminars which take place in the evening. 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
  • 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 and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies, provide an important platform for this exchange.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this BA Politics and Language, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • high-level oral and written communication skills in English and at least one other modern language
  • research skills
  • skills in evaluating and assessing types of information
  • the ability to present yourself and make a compelling argument.
Graduates can pursue career paths in local and national government, policy work, research or education. Possible professions include:
  • journalist
  • charity officer
  • diplomatic services operational officer
  • civil service fast-streamer.

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 £2880 Year 1
Northern Ireland £2880 Year 1
Scotland £2880 Year 1
Wales £2880 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 2: £2,880 per year Year 3+: £7,145 per year International students: Year 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.

Provider information

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Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX

Clearing contact details

Clearing Enquiry form
Admissions Office

020 3907 0700

Course Clearing information

Additional information

Early Clearing: A-level Results Day: Our Clearing hotline opens at 8am on Thursday 15th August until 6pm and 9am on Friday 16th August until 6pm. From Monday 19th August our phone lines will be open 10.30 - 6pm (Mon-Thur) and 10.30 -5pm (Fri). Virtual Clearing Event - http://www.bbk.ac.uk/events/

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Course contact details

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Birkbeck Student Advice Service

0203 907 0700

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