Study languages, cultures and applied linguistics

You will be taught by specialists in linguistics and non-Anglophone languages and cultures (French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Latin America) in a centre that prides itself on research-led teaching, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary unit.

When you study languages, cultures and linguistics at Birkbeck, you join scholars with shared interests in interdisciplinary inquiry and cross-cultural research. Our affiliated research centres - the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS) - provide an important platform for this exchange among students, researchers and the public.

All teaching takes place in Bloomsbury in central London, a neighbourhood filled with research libraries, theatres, museums and galleries.

courses across the school

Birkbeck Explains: What is linguistic landscape?

Dr Jackie Lou, Lecturer in Sociolinguistics at Birkbeck, explains what is meant by linguistic landscapes - the visual display of languages and dialects in public space.

Browse all our languages and linguistics courses

Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics at Birkbeck

Study Abroad

Our study abroad programmes allow you to immerse yourself in the language and culture of another country.

Our languages

Find out why Birkbeck is a great place to study and research French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

Birkbeck Applied Linguistics Society

The Birkbeck Applied Linguistics Society brings together students interested in applied linguistics and communications and related fields.

Our building and arts spaces

Based in the heart of academic London, our buildings were once frequented by the Bloomsbury Group. Find out about our teaching facilities, art spaces and cinema.

What is code-switching?

Professor Penelope Gardner-Chloros explains code-switching. The practice involves alternating between two or more languages, or language varieties, in the context of a single conversation. Hear when and why people might do it.

Meet the Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics academics

Meet the team supporting you

Contact us

Contact us if you need specific course advice that's not available on our site or if you're a PhD with research enquiries.

Staff list

Browse a list of the academic staff teaching you as well as the school staff who can provide help and guidance.

Open days

Come to Birkbeck and visit us in central London or watch an online campus tour.

MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE BIRKBECK

10 reasons to choose Birkbeck

Evening teaching allows many of our students to work, intern or volunteer during the day, so Birkbeck graduates are better placed to thrive in a competitive job market.

Student services

Birkbeck offers a range of help to current students, including disability support, counselling, financial help and academic support.

Student funding

Find out more about advice, support and funding opportunities for Birkbeck students at undergraduate, postgraduate and MPhil/PhD levels.

How to apply

Find out how to apply for any of our courses, including details about work experience, personal statements and supporting documents.

International students

If you're an international student wanting to study at Birkbeck, find out about our entry requirements, English language requirements and how to apply.