Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The BA Linguistics and Culture allows you to study linguistics together with a range of cultural topics associated with, or comparing, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Latin American cultures. In the linguistics component of the degree, you will learn about the structure and functions of language and how people use language to communicate information and meaning about themselves and their identity. You will learn how to construct and evaluate linguistic arguments and how to compare and evaluate different ways of analysing data. You will also explore the nature and limitations of various theoretical frameworks. By studying linguistics, you can develop a scientific, critical approach to understanding how language works and how it functions within society. A unique feature of the course is that you will learn how to apply linguistic methods and models to real-world problems and contexts. At the same time, you will gain advanced knowledge of the culture of one or more language areas (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Latin American), including literature, thought and cinema. You can also choose to explore comparative and cross-cultural elements. 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.
- 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.
- If you choose the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will have the opportunity to spend a year at a partner institution.
- 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
Assessment is mainly through coursework in the form of essays (linguistics modules) and a mixture of coursework and examination (culture modules).
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
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
Access to HE Diploma
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. You can join this course with your chosen language at any level, from complete beginner to native speaker level. A language placement test will be required for any students who wish to study at a higher level than beginner in their chosen language. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Credits gained on the Certificate of Higher Education in Linguistics and Language can be counted towards the degree.
Additional entry requirements
Admission tests
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
A language placement test will be required for any students who wish to study at a higher level than beginners in their chosen language.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6935 | Year 1 |
| International | £13215 | 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
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
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