Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese)

Would you like to become highly proficient in a language at the same time as developing an advanced understanding of how language works in general? Our BA Linguistics and Language offers you a unique combination of language learning and applied linguistics to prepare you for a wide range of professional opportunities in multilingual and multicultural contexts.

Why choose this course?

• You can choose to become proficient in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese. You will also explore the literature and culture associated with this language.

• If you choose the International Experience route you will be able to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture during a year of studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.

• On this course you will join a community of diverse and committed students from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds and learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, language, culture and literature.

• You will develop an advanced understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of language and apply it in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.

What you will learn

You will learn about the structure and functions of language, and how it is patterned and used. You will be introduced to major areas of linguistics, including applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, and learn how to apply linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language teaching and learning to intercultural communication.

You will have the opportunity to reach near-native standard in French, German, Italian or Spanish, or upper-intermediate or advanced level in Japanese, depending on your level of entry. We offer Korean and Mandarin Chinese from beginner up to intermediate level only.

You will also study the associated literature and culture of your chosen language and develop skills of translating, summary writing and delivering written and oral presentations.

How you will learn

You can study either full- or part-time. The course has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. These consist of a combination of lectures and seminars which are designed to be small and interactive with some also offered online.

On the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture. Your timetable may differ during this year abroad.

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

• Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965, so you will be taught by experienced specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence.

• You will benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture from our affiliated research centres, e.g. the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), as well as from other public cultural events hosted at Birkbeck.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in publishing, education, policy-making or language education. Possible professions include:

• translator

• English as a Foreign Language teacher

• publishing copy editor/proofreader

• civil service fast-streamer

• editorial assistant.

Course modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.