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

BA (Hons)

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: Q104

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with International Experience


    UCAS code: Q106

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: Q105

  • Six years part-time, on campus with Foundation Year

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year | with International Experience

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: Q104

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with International Experience


    UCAS code: Q106

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: Q105

  • Six years part-time, on campus with Foundation Year

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year | with International Experience

Course Overview

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 in social situations and contexts 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, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary team.
    • It offers you a broad and balanced degree in which you can fully engage in the improvement of your language skills and learn up to two languages, from a choice of French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin Chinese.
    • It will help equip you to work or study in a country in which one of the languages you are studying is spoken.

  • What will I learn?

    On this course, you will learn about the science of how we learn languages as well as the theory and practice of how we teach languages effectively. You will study the associated cultures of your chosen language or languages through a range of option modules in literature, film, the visual arts and society and acquire advanced knowledge of a range of comparative cultural topics.

    If you decide to study one language on this course, you will ideally have reached at least A/S- or A-level or equivalent in that language before starting this degree. Then you will be awarded the BA Language Teaching and French, for example, if your chosen language is French.

    If you decide to study two languages, you can study one from beginner’s level and the other from a higher level (from A/S or A-level or equivalent). You will be awarded the beginner’s level language as BA Language Teaching ‘with’ that language. So, for example if you decide to study Spanish at the higher level, and French at the beginner’s level, you will be awarded BA Language Teaching and Spanish with French.

    Korean and Mandarin Chinese are currently available on this course from beginner to intermediate level, so if you decide to study one of these languages on its own you will be awarded it ‘with’ that language, for example, BA Language Teaching with Korean. If you decide to study either of these languages as a second language at beginner’s level, for example with French as your higher-level language, you will be awarded a BA Language Teaching and French with Korean or a BA Language Teaching and French with Chinese.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening, and some language classes on Saturday daytime depending on the languages you choose. You will join us in weekly language classes which employ a task-driven syllabus, while classes for the linguistics and culture modules are part lecture, part activity and part open discussion to provide you with an interactive, stimulating experience.

    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.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Three to four evenings a week, October to July; this may differ during your year abroad.

    Part-time: One to two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Foundation Year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study during an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This option is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, 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.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree.

  • International Experience

    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, to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture. There is a minimum language requirement of A2 for European languages when starting this course. Your class timetable will also depend on the partner institution and may differ from the above.

  • Pathways

    This course is a Pathway of Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) BA (Hons) which has additional Pathways to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals:

    BA English and Linguistics

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • Teaching takes place in our central London location in Bloomsbury, a stone’s throw from research libraries and all the cultural richness that London has to offer by way of theatre, museums and galleries.
  • We are surrounded by cultural institutes relevant to the study of languages and literature, such as the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies (at Senate House), Goethe Institute, German Historical Institute, Institut Français, Instituto Cervantes, and Japan House London.
  • 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 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.

Modules and Teaching

School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication

The school's teaching and research is highly interdisciplinary, spanning cultures and periods. Academic and practice-based study will equip you for a career in the creative and cultural industries.

Visit the school

Entry Requirements

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.

This course is suitable for all language entry levels, from beginner to proficiency, including native speaker level if you choose to study French, German, Italian, Spanish or Japanese. If you decide to study Korean or Mandarin Chinese, then these languages are available at beginner entry level.

For the four-year full-time International Experience route, there is a minimum language entry requirement of A2 for European languages.

  • Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?
    • Three years full-time or four years full-time with International Experience: 112 points (e.g. A-levels BBC)
    • Four years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

    For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth.

  • Part-time study

    For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

  • Alternative entry routes

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DMM

  • Year abroad

    Please note you must make satisfactory progress during Years 1 and 2 of your degree to be eligible for a year abroad. Students may elect either to study at one of our partner institutions or to take up a work placement. Additionally, the non-UK partner institution may set its own entrance criteria, including, but not limited to, academic criteria, language requirements and visa requirements.

    In instances where a student does not meet the eligibility criteria for an approved year abroad or if it is not completed for another reason, their registration may be transferred to the corresponding BA degree pathway without the ‘with International Experience’ designation. Students electing to enter for the competitive assistantship scheme must meet the criteria set by the British Council. 

    If you are a Student visa student, please be aware that you will initially be provided with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to study for the first two years of your course while at Birkbeck. During your third year of study at an overseas institution, you will be required to obtain a visa for that specific country. When you return to the UK to complete your fourth year, Birkbeck will issue you with a second CAS so that you can apply for another Student visa for your final year. You will therefore need to make a total of three visa applications: two for Birkbeck and one for the overseas institution.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    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.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students: £13,875 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £14,490 per year

Four years full-time with International Experience, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students, 3 years of study: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students, 3 years of study: £18,500 per year
Full-time home students, international year: £1,465 per year
Full-time international students, international year: £2,775 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students, 3 years of study: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students, 3 years of study: £19,320 per year
Full-time home students, international year: £1,505 per year
Full-time international students, international year: £2,900 per year

Four years full-time with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students, Year 1: £5,760 per year
Full-time international students, Year 1: £18,500 per year
Full-time home students, Year 2+: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students, Year 2+: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students, Year 1: £5,760 per year
Full-time international students, Year 1: £19,320 per year
Full-time home students, Year 2+: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students, Year 2+: £19,320 per year

Six years part-time with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £2,880 per year
Part-time international students, Year 1&2: £9,250 per year
Part-time home students, Year 3+: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students, Year 3+: £13,875 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £2,880 per year
Part-time international students, Year 1&2: £9,660 per year
Part-time home students, Year 3+: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students, Year 3+: £14,490 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BA Language Teaching and Languages, you will have gained an array of important 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, at an appropriate level, 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.

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.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Study routes for Language Teaching and Languages (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese) (BA (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2026-27

Full-time

Part-time

2027-28

Full-time