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

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, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

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 and Mandarin Chinese are 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.