Languages - Birkbeck, University of London

Why study Languages at Birkbeck?

Study Languages and Linguistics at Birkbeck, where research-led teaching combines theory and practice across modern languages, applied linguistics, and sociolinguistics. Our courses equip you with skills in language acquisition, phonetics, and cultural understanding, with opportunities for immersive study abroad. Learn from expert tutors in a supportive, intellectually vibrant environment that prepares you for careers in teaching, translation, research, and beyond.

The languages we offer are French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

Grow your career

Gain the skills to communicate, connect, and thrive across cultures with Languages and Linguistics at Birkbeck. You’ll develop advanced communication, analytical, and intercultural skills, alongside expertise in language structure, meaning, and use, preparing you for diverse global careers. International experience and professional development opportunities enhance employability.

Graduates have pursued roles such as:

translator or language teacher
international relations or diplomacy officer
publishing, media, or marketing professional.

Highlights

First Applied Linguistics university programme in the UK.
Close proximity to the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies, the Goethe Institute and more.
Member of the British Association of Applied Linguistics and International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language.

Come and meet us

Undergraduate Courses

Find out more about undergraduate courses and our flexible study options that are taught from our campus in central London.

Postgraduate courses

Our postgraduate courses in languages and linguistics offer you the chance to focus both your intellectual interests and career ambitions.

MPhil/PhD courses

Join the vibrant, diverse and intellectually invigorating community of MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck.

Top reasons to choose Birkbeck

Birkbeck is part of the prestigious University of London, our campus is in the city centre, and a number of our courses offer daytime or evening study options. Learn more about us.

How Birkbeck helped Richard pursue his passion for Japan and content creation

Richard’s journey from working in ramen shops in Japan to becoming a full-time content creator was made possible by Birkbeck’s flexible study model.

Our languages

You can study the language, history, art and culture of French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish speaking language areas at all levels under the guidance of world-leading researchers and teachers.

Our courses give you the chance to enrich and broaden your language skills. On some of our courses, you can work exclusively in English, enabling you to communicate to a high level in a number of subjects.

French

We offer a number of flexible, exciting modules and courses that allow you to develop your interest in French studies at every level.

German

Taught by native speakers of German, you'll learn the language and develop an in-depth understanding of modern German literature, film and history.

Italian

If you love Venice and Rome, opera, Italian film, Dante, Pirandello and Calvino, our Italian courses offer you the chance to learn the language and culture.

Japanese

Specialising in contemporary Japanese culture, our courses offer you the chance to study Japan's society, history, language, and culture.

Korean

Our latest language on offer, come learn about the culture of this increasingly important Asian country.

Spanish and Latin American Studies

We offer courses to suit range of levels, from short courses to degree programmes. You'll gain significant understanding of Spanish and Latin American cultures, as well as developing your langauge skills.

Study abroad opportunities

On some courses you can study abroad, allowing you to develop your language skills and knowledge of the culture

See courses offering study abroad option

Our cinema, arts spaces and buildings

You'll study in the building that was once the home of Virginia Woolf. Find out more about our buildings and facilities.

Unibuddy

Chat to our students on Unibuddy and find out what it's like to be a Birkbeck student. Unibuddy is a third-party provider, when you sign up you share your data with them on their terms.

Campus tours

Come and visit us for a tour of our central London campus.

Student Services

Find out more about the services we provide to you during your time at Birkbeck.