English and Linguistics with Foundation Year

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.