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BA Modern Languages(French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish)

Birkbeck University of London, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

The BA Modern Languages course at Birkbeck University of London offers students the opportunity to study five modern languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. This interdisciplinary degree allows students to explore the cultural, historical and linguistic aspects of these languages, as well as their roles in contemporary society. Students will learn how to communicate effectively in each language, develop a deep understanding of the cultures associated with them, and cultivate critical thinking skills. The course is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in fields such as translation, interpretation, teaching, or cultural exchange.

Additional Information

Students can choose to specialize in one language or study a combination of two or more languages. The course also offers opportunities for studying abroad and participating in language immersion programs. Birkbeck University of London is located in the heart of London, providing students with access to a diverse range of cultural events, exhibitions, and resources.

Experience the Best of Modern Language Studies at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is a leading research institution in the field of modern languages. Our faculty members are experts in their fields and provide students with high-quality teaching and mentorship. The university's location in central London offers students unparalleled access to cultural events, resources, and networking opportunities.

Why You Should Study This Course

Our BA Modern Languages gives you the opportunity to specialize in one or two languages from a choice of French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

If you choose to study one language, you will normally enter with at least AS- or A-level (or equivalent) in that language (except Japanese, which allows beginner-level entry), and your eventual degree title will be one of the following to reflect this specialization*: 

  • BA French Studies 

  • BA German Studies

  • BA Japanese Studies 

  • BA Spanish and Latin American Studies 

Graduates can pursue career paths in education, publishing, commerce, and banking. Possible professions include:

translator

interpreter

secondary school teacher

broadcast journalist

English as a Foreign Language teacher.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - 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.

General Eligibility

You must have at least A-level/B2 (CEFR) competence in one of your two languages, unless the stronger of your two languages is Japanese, in which case GCSE-level (70% of the content that is needed to pass the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N5) is sufficient. Your second language can be at any level from beginner onwards. The course is also suitable for applicants at proficiency and native speaker level.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

What You'll Study

1 Year 1
  • Doing Languages

  • Cultures and Applied Linguistics

2 Year 2

SURVEY OPTION MODULES:

  • Advanced Seminar in Japanese Culture and Society

  • Contemporary Literature in French (Level 5)

  • Manga and Anime (Level 6)

  • Popular Culture in Japan and East Asia

  • Theorising Japanese Cinema

  • Word and Image: Constructing the Other in the Hispanic World (Level 5)

3 Year 3

CULTURE OPTION MODULES:

  • Culture and Crisis (Level 5)

  • Culture and Image

  • Culture and Text

  • Reading Transnational Cultures

  • Representations of Love, Desire, and Sexuality

  • Rethinking Japan: Introduction to Modern Japanese Society and Culture (Level 4)

  • Themes in European and Japanese Cinema

  • Themes in the European and Japanese Novel

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.0
  • TOEFL78
  • PTE58
  • Duolingo79
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.

Additional Information

This course is available: Part-Time, 4 Years (Course fee for local: 6935; Course Fee For International Students: 12015 )

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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