BA Modern Languages

The BA Modern Languages program at Birkbeck University of London is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern languages and cultures. The course covers three languages - French, German, or Spanish - and their associated literatures, cultures, and histories. Students will learn to analyze texts, films, and other cultural artifacts in their original language, as well as develop their critical thinking and communication skills. The program also provides opportunities for study abroad and work placements, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their language skills in real-world contexts. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge research methods, this course prepares students for careers in translation, interpretation, teaching, and other areas where language proficiency is essential.

Additional Information

Students can choose to specialize in a particular language or cultural area, such as French and Francophone cultures, German literature and culture, or Spanish film and culture. The course also offers a range of optional modules on topics such as language teaching, literary theory, and cultural studies. Birkbeck's location in central London provides access to a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions within easy reach.

Discover Your Language Potential at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is an ideal choice for students pursuing a degree in Modern Languages due to its strong research focus and commitment to interdisciplinary approaches. The university's Language Centre offers state-of-the-art language teaching facilities, including multimedia resources and language labs. Birkbeck's location in central London provides access to a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions within easy reach. Furthermore, the university's proximity to the British Library and other research institutions makes it an ideal place for students interested in pursuing advanced research in modern languages.

Graduates can pursue careers in education, publishing or commerce, and banking. This degree can also be useful in becoming a translator, interpreter, secondary school teacher, broadcast journalist, or English as a Foreign Language teacher. We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with Londons top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.

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 the judgement of academic potential. In this programme, you can focus on two of the following languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. 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 programme is also suitable for applicants at proficiency and native speaker level.