Linguistic Studies (Taught)

This Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies is ideal if you wish to gain an understanding of the fascinating social, interpersonal and psychological aspects of human language and communication systems, and enhance your academic skills in linguistics but do not have a degree in a relevant subject.

Why choose this course?

• This course gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge in both the theory and practice of linguistics, language and communication.

• You will learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise.

• You will develop an understanding of linguistics and apply its concepts in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.

What you will learn

Throughout this course you will learn what linguistics is, how language is structured, how it develops in children, how it shapes and is shaped by society, how it varies across time and space, and how it changes over time. You will also learn how to use linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language learning or speech therapy to intercultural communication.

How you will learn

This is an undergraduate-level qualification that will prepare you for postgraduate study. It is available to study part-time over one or two years and follows an evening timetable.

Highlights

• Applied linguistics has been taught by experienced specialists at Birkbeck since 1965. Our centre of teaching and research excellence in applied linguistics has contributed greatly to the field over the years.

• 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. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• linguistics knowledge and communication

• independent study and research skills

• critical-thinking skills

• cross-cultural awareness of the contemporary global world.

Graduates can pursue career paths in media and communication, teaching, education and administration or marketing. Possible professions include:

• English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher

• speech and language therapist

• translator

• interpreter

• lexicographer.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.