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Linguistic Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Graduate Certificate

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year part-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Part-time | On campus

Course overview

This Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies is ideal if you wish to gain an understanding of the fascinating social, interpersonal and psychological aspects of human language and communication systems, and enhance your academic skills in linguistics but do not have a degree in a relevant subject.

  • Why choose this course?
    • This course gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge in both the theory and practice of linguistics, language and communication.
    • You will learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise.
    • You will develop an understanding of linguistics and apply its concepts in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.

  • What will I learn?

    Throughout this course you will learn what linguistics is, how language is structured, how it develops in children, how it shapes and is shaped by society, how it varies across time and space, and how it changes over time. You will also learn how to use linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language learning or speech therapy to intercultural communication.

  • How will I learn?

    This is an undergraduate-level qualification that will prepare you for postgraduate study. It is available to study part-time over one or two years and follows an evening timetable.

  • How often will I attend classes?

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

  • 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 by experienced specialists at Birkbeck since 1965. Our centre of teaching and research excellence in applied linguistics has contributed greatly to the field over the years.
  • 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. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.
  • Read a blog post by Professor Penelope Gardner-Chloros that considers what linguistics is.

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.

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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent; other qualifications may be considered, if you have relevant professional/personal experience.

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.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • 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.

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Fees

Graduate Certificate: One year part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £3,780 per year
Part-time international students: £6,950 per year

Graduate Certificate: Two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £1,890 per year
Part-time international students: £3,475 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 the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

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 with a Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • linguistics knowledge and communication
  • independent study and research skills
  • critical-thinking skills
  • cross-cultural awareness of the contemporary global world.

Graduates can pursue career paths in media and communication, teaching, education and administration or marketing. Possible professions include:

  • English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher
  • speech and language therapist
  • translator
  • interpreter
  • lexicographer.

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 directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Linguistic Studies (Graduate Certificate) (Graduate Certificate)

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.

Starting in October 2026

Part-time