Course summary

Would you love to become a highly proficient linguist, while also developing the skills and knowledge you need to become a teacher of modern languages or of English? When you study the new BA Language Teaching and Languages, you will have the opportunity to learn up to two languages, one to near-native standard. You will study the science of how we learn languages as well as the theory and practice of how we teach languages effectively. You will also have the opportunity to practise your skills in a work placement, either in the UK or teaching English in one of the countries whose language you are learning - subject to availability. If you decide to study two languages, chosen from French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, one can be studied from beginners’ level, and in at least one you can raise your language skills to near-native standard. If you study one language only, then you will normally have reached at least A/S- or A-level or equivalent in that language before starting this degree. Throughout this languages course, you will increase your cultural understanding through options in literature, film, the visual arts and society. You will also be able to choose from our suite of linguistics modules, developing your understanding, for example, of how language is acquired, structured and used in social situations and contexts; or of the psychological processes involved in language production/perception. 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 be taught by specialists from our Department of Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics, a centre of teaching and research excellence.

• In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Modern Languages and Linguistics achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 73% of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.

• The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication) in the London area. 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.