Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) (Certificate of Higher Education)
Cert HE
Key information
Key information for 2026-27
Key information for 2027-28
Course Overview
Would you like to learn a new language or improve your proficiency while developing a deeper understanding of how language works in general? Our Certificate of Higher Education in Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) introduces you to linguistics as the scientific study of language, in addition to developing your language proficiency in a highly interactive classroom environment.
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Why choose this course?
- It is ideal if you want to study applied linguistics at the same time as learning a specific language at a more relaxed pace and build the academic foundation for further studies in linguistics and/or language and culture.
- It enables you to develop or improve your proficiency in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese, without needing prior knowledge of your chosen language.
- You will also gain a basic understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of 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.
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What will I learn?
The linguistics modules of this course allow you to learn about the structure and functions of language as well as how language is patterned and used. You will be introduced to the major areas of linguistics, including applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. You will also learn how to apply linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language teaching and learning to intercultural communication.
The language component of this course enables you to develop a higher level of proficiency over two years in a modern language, choosing from French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese.
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How will I learn?
This course is available to study part-time only and follows an evening timetable. It is taught via a combination of lectures and seminars mostly in interactive smaller groups.
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How often will I attend classes?
Part-time: One to two evenings a week, October to July.
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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
- 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.
- You will also join a community of mature and committed students from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds and learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, language, culture and literature.
- You will benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture from our affiliated research centres, such as the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), as well as from other public cultural events at Birkbeck.
Modules and Teaching
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Starting in October 2026
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Two years part-time, on campus
Course structure
You must complete modules worth a total of 120 credits.
- Year 1: one core module and a Language Level 1 or Language Level 2 module, depending on your proficiency in the language
- Year 2: one core module and a Language Level 2 or Language Level 3 module, depending on which language module you took in your first year
Please note you can only study one language on this certificate.
Year 1 core module
Year 2 core module
Language Level 1 modules
Language Level 2 modules
Language Level 3 modules
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Starting in October 2027
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Two years part-time, on campus
Course structure
You must complete modules worth a total of 120 credits.
- Year 1: one core module and a Language Level 1 or Language Level 2 module, depending on your proficiency in the language
- Year 2: one core module and a Language Level 2 or Language Level 3 module, depending on which language module you took in your first year
Please note you can only study one language on this certificate.
Year 1 core module
Year 2 core module
Language Level 1 modules
Language Level 2 modules
Language Level 3 modules
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Teaching
We encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching to help ensure you have the best learning experience and provide a range of different modes of learning to help you juggle study with work and other commitments.
What are the methods of teaching?
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, language lessons, supervised independent learning and projects, all supported by our virtual learning platform and a variety of learning and social activities.
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How will I be assessed?
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 examinations.
Please see individual modules for more details.
Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.
Entry Requirements
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. There is a written test and some applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
Please note: if you require a Student visa to study in the UK you will not be eligible to apply for this course due to UK visa regulations
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Part-time study
For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.
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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.
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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.
Fees
Two years part-time, on campus
Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026
Part-time home students: £4,225 per year
Part-time international students: £4,225 per year
Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027
Part-time home students: £4,350 per year
Part-time international students: £4,350 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.
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Birkbeck's Lifelong Learning Guarantee
If you've studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a reduction on the tuition fee of this course.
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Tuition fees and maintenance loans
Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don't have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.
Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to help cover living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.
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Can I apply for an international scholarship?
We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. View Birkbeck's available scholarships.
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 Certificate of Higher Education in Linguistics and Language, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
- a high level of proficiency in a chosen language
- cross-cultural awareness for the contemporary global world
- advanced linguistics knowledge for careers in language and communication
- independent study and research skills
- critical thinking about real-world social issues.
Studying this course will prepare you for advanced studies in linguistics, languages, literature or cultural studies. It will also prepare you for roles in a range of fields, such as:
- language teaching
- education and administration
- translation
- media and communication
- marketing.
Graduates from this course have gone on to be employed in schools, the NHS, non-profit organisations and NGOs, media production and social media marketing.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) (Certificate of Higher Education) (Cert HE)
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
Part-time
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Two years part-time, on campus starting in October 2026
Apply Now Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) (Certificate of Higher Education) (Cert HE) Two years part-time, on campus starting in October 2026