Modern Languages (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish),BA (Hons)

Would you love to develop your understanding of the cultures and values of different countries and become a highly proficient linguist in the process? Taught by world-leading researchers, our flexible and exciting BA Modern Languages opens a window onto other cultures. This well-established degree gives you the opportunity to specialise in one or two modern languages - French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish - and to study the literature, history, film, thought and visual culture associated with each language.

If you take two languages, you can study one from beginner level and the other from A-level (or equivalent), allowing you to raise your language skills to near-native standard in at least one language.* Your eventual degree title will name both languages, for example, BA French and Spanish.

If you choose to study one language**, you will normally enter with at least A-level (or equivalent) in that language and graduate with: 

• BA French Studies  
• BA German Studies, or
• BA Spanish and Latin American Studies

* Korean is a new addition to our languages portfolio - you can start at beginner level, but we currently only offer this language up to intermediate level.

** Please note that Italian, Korean and Japanese can currently only be taken together with another language. If you wish to study Japanese only, please see our separate page for BA Japanese Studies.

Why choose this course?

• The study of languages allows you to better understand other people, cultures and the worlds in which they live.
• The development of advanced communication skills and intercultural awareness is a key employability skill, allowing you to engage at a sophisticated level with the wider world.
• If you are interested in comparative literature and culture, you will find plenty of opportunities to develop this intellectual interest alongside modules which focus on specific languages.
• We also offer this course with an International Experience pathway which gives you the chance to spend a year abroad studying at one of Birkbeck’s partner universities in France, Germany, Italy, Japan or Spain.

What you will learn

You will gain a high level of proficiency in your language(s) and develop your cultural understanding through modules exploring literature, film, popular culture, history, visual art and linguistics. In addition, we offer a number of cross-cultural modules which allow you to analyse comparative themes across a variety of linguistic, cultural and historical contexts, from the Enlightenment to the present day. At the same time, you will master transferable skills such as essay writing, oral presentations and written reports, critical and logical thinking, and translating.

How you will learn

Teaching takes place in small-group seminars giving you plenty of opportunities to participate actively and interact with your peers and our experienced tutors, who are all experts in their fields. Language teaching is delivered in the target language, allowing you full immersion in your chosen linguistic area.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening, though this may differ during your year abroad if you choose the International Experience route.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.