Course summary
Would you love to become a highly proficient linguist while at the same time developing an understanding of how language works? As the science of language, linguistics studies everything to do with language, including how language is structured, how it develops in children, the ways in which it reflects society and culture, how it defines individuals and groups, and how it changes over time. Our Certificate of Higher Education in Linguistics and Language offers you the opportunity to learn about the central ideas and concerns of contemporary linguistics at one of the world’s top research-intensive universities. You will also learn a language from beginner level (French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish), which will enable you to communicate in a variety of social and work situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. The course has five possible routes, so that you graduate with one of the following awards based on which language you choose to study:
- Certificate of Higher Education Linguistics and French
- Certificate of Higher Education Linguistics and German
- Certificate of Higher Education Linguistics and Italian
- Certificate of Higher Education Linguistics and Japanese
- Certificate of Higher Education Linguistics and Spanish
- 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.
- Ours is a community of scholars with shared interests in interdisciplinary topics and cross-cultural research. Our affiliated research centres, the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), provide an important platform for this exchange.
- 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
The linguistics subjects are assessed entirely by coursework, mainly in the form of essays. The language components are also assessed by written work, as well as by unseen examinations.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
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
A level
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience as presented in your application, and on interview. No prior knowledge of the language you wish to study is required.
Additional entry requirements
Admission tests
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
There is a written test and some applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £4025 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £4025 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £4025 | Year 1 |
Wales | £4025 | Year 1 |
International | £4025 | 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
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700