Skip navigation
Language Teaching and Languages (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

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

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
Apply

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

If you would love to become a proficient linguist, while also developing the skills and knowledge to become an effective teacher of modern languages or of English, then this course is for you. Why choose this course?

  • You will be able to choose from a suite of linguistics modules developing your understanding of how language is acquired, structured and used, or raising your knowledge of the psychological processes involved in language production and perception.
  • You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching in multiple languages.
  • You can fully improve your language skills and learn up to two languages, from a choice of French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
What you will learn You will learn about the science of learning languages as well as the theory and practice of teaching languages. You will study the associated cultures of your chosen language(s) through a range of options in literature, film, visual arts and society. If you decide to study one language, you will ideally have reached at least A/S- or A-level or equivalent in that language before starting this degree. To study two languages, you can study one from beginner’s level and the other from a higher level (A/S or A-level or equivalent). Korean is only currently available from beginner to intermediate level. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. You will join us in weekly language classes, while classes for the linguistics and culture modules are part lecture, part activity and part open discussion. You can also choose to practise your skills in a work placement or teaching placement in the UK, or by teaching English in one of the countries whose language you are learning - subject to availability. If you choose the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution in Europe or Japan, depending on the language you study. There is a minimum language requirement of A2 for European languages when starting this course. 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
  • We are surrounded by cultural institutes relevant to the study of languages and literature, such as the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies, Goethe Institute, German Historical Institute, Institut Français, Instituto Cervantes, and Japan House London.
  • The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields in the London area. Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research also hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars you can attend given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this course, you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including:
  • independent critical thinking and judgment
  • conceptual, analytical and communication skills
  • the ability to write lucid, logical and well-structured prose in both English and the chosen target language(s)
  • confidence to engage with evolving media.
Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including:
  • 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, essays, written test and oral and listening comprehension tests.

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:

  • 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

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
No data
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
No data
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 £5760 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5760 Year 1
Scotland £5760 Year 1
Wales £5760 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

Home students: Year 2+: £9,535 per year International students: Year 2+: £18,060 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.
Language Teaching and Languages (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS