Language Teaching and Languages (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

Would you love to become a highly proficient linguist, while also developing the skills and knowledge you need to become a teacher of modern languages or of English?

When you study the new BA Language Teaching and Languages, you will have the opportunity to learn up to two languages. You will study the science of how we learn languages as well as the theory and practice of how we teach languages effectively. You will also have the opportunity to practise your skills in a work placement, either in the UK or teaching English in one of the countries whose language you are learning - subject to availability.

If you decide to study two languages, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish can be studied from beginners’ level, and in at least one of these you can raise your language skills to near-native standard. If you study one language only, then you will normally have reached at least A/S- or A-level or equivalent in that language before starting this degree.

If you decide to study Korean on this course, we currently offer this language up to intermediate level only. So, you will start at beginner level and your final degree award will be ‘with Korean’. For example, you will be awarded BA Language Teaching with Korean, if it is the only language you study. If you decide to study Korean as a second language along with another one, such as French, you will be awarded BA Language Teaching and French with Korean.

Throughout this language teaching and languages course, you will increase your cultural understanding through options in literature, film, the visual arts and society. You will also be able to choose from our suite of linguistics modules, developing your understanding, for example, of how language is acquired, structured and used in social situations and contexts; or of the psychological processes involved in language production/perception.

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.

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.

This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening. If you choose the International Experience route, this may differ during your year abroad.

Highlights

You will be taught by specialists from Birkbeck's centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary team.

The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication) in the London area. Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions.

If you choose the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will have the opportunity to spend a year at a partner institution or undertake a work placement in the UK.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in language teaching, as well as in education, law, the civil service and business roles. Possible professions include:

translator

English as a Foreign Language teacher

publishing copy editor/proofreader

civil service fast-streamer

editorial assistant.