Journalism and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

Our BA Journalism and Language combines the study of a modern language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean or Spanish) with development of journalistic skills relevant to a wide range of professional contexts. Not only will you become competent in your chosen language but you will also gain advanced knowledge of the cultures and societies of the countries in which the language is spoken. The journalism modules are taught by industry professionals with experience not only in how to write for different media and audiences, but also in how the industry works. By the end of this journalism and language degree you will have developed high-level journalistic skills, and an understanding of the cultural, political and industrial contexts of journalism.

The languages component of this degree is designed to give you the chance to reach a high level of competence in a modern language of your choice and study the associated culture(s) of that language. You can choose French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish starting at the level of language learning that suits you, whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker. Korean is offered starting from beginner level. If you decide to take this language, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, so for example BA Journalism with Korean, because we currently offer this language up to intermediate level only.

You will also have the opportunity to study a number of cross-cultural modules which will allow you to explore specific themes across a variety of language-speaking areas.

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.

This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening.

Highlights

Acquire up-to-date skills and knowledge from experienced practitioners at the heart of London's global media industry and leading academic researchers in the field, such as Professor Tim Markham, Joel McKim, Scott Rodgers and Justin Schlosberg.

You will also be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence in languages.

In film, media and cultural studies, Birkbeck fosters an especially research-intensive environment. We offer an extensive portfolio of internationally respected courses that span a variety of academic disciplines and engage with the latest ideas and techniques in journalism, media and cultural theory, arts policy and management, film and television studies, creative marketing, digital culture and East Asian cultural studies.

We also affiliate with a number of research centres and networks, including Birkbeck Interdisciplinary Research in Media and Culture (BIRMAC), Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image (BIMI), Vasari Research Centre for Art and Technology and the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS).

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in media and cultural institutions, journalism, public relations or professional communications. Possible professions include:

magazine/newspaper journalist

public relations officer

press sub-editor.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.