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Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year
Image from English and Linguistics with Foundation Year

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

English and Linguistics with Foundation Year

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the English and Linguistics with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London.

We're still busy gathering entry requirements for English and Linguistics with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London. Look out for more info soon.

Most popular A-levels studied

The English and Linguistics with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Linguistics
English studies
SubjectGrade
English LiteratureC
Drama and Theatre StudiesB
FrenchD
GermanB
HistoryC
SubjectGrade
English LiteratureC
HistoryB
Drama and Theatre StudiesC
PsychologyB
English Language and LiteratureC
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: Q333

Here's what Birkbeck, University of London says about its English and Linguistics with Foundation Year course.

Our BA English and Linguistics gives you the opportunity to explore key theories in linguistics and literary studies, develop critical thinking, and acquire unique tools to examine and understand the role of the English language in the globalised, interconnected world. It is ideal if you wish to study linguistics, literature and culture together.

Why choose this course?

  • It allows you to develop an advanced understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of language and apply it in a variety of contexts including intercultural communication, speech therapy, advertising and media, and language education.

  • By focusing on language in relation to aspects such as ethnicity, race, gender or sexuality, you will acquire the skills to formulate original research questions and apply principles of global linguistic citizenship in practice.

  • You will be able to choose modules to match your interests ranging from sociolinguistics; neurolinguistics; medieval, Gothic and Victorian texts to contemporary literatures from the Global North and South.

  • It gives you the opportunity, if you wish, to gain valuable professional experience through internship placements.

What you will learn

On this BA English and Linguistics you will enhance your ability to critically respond to texts and address the most urgent issues of our times such as social inequality, migration, conflict, climate justice and what it means to be human.

The English modules offer you knowledge and understanding of a breadth of literature from various historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present day. You will develop skills in the analysis of literature in its cultural and intellectual contexts and hone your abilities in critical thinking using key theoretical frameworks.

Linguistics modules will develop your understanding of how the English language is acquired, structured and used.

How you will learn

The course is available to study full- or part-time. Teaching consists of lectures and seminars which take place in the evening in small, interactive settings on our campus in Bloomsbury. Some workshops are also offered online or on campus and online.

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.

Highlights

  • You will learn from scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, culture and literature and benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture from our affiliated research centres as well as from other public cultural events at Birkbeck.

  • Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

  • Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BA English and Linguistics, you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including:

  • cross-cultural awareness of the contemporary global world

  • advanced linguistics knowledge ideal for careers in language and communication

  • independent study and research skills invaluable for postgraduate studies and life-long learning

  • critical thinking about real-world social issues.

Studying this course will prepare you to progress to postgraduate studies in linguistics, literature, and/or cultural studies or roles in fields including:

  • media and communication

  • language teaching

  • education and administration

  • marketing.

Source: Birkbeck, University of London

Course details

There are a few options in how you might study English and Linguistics with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London.

Check the

2 course options available.

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Department

School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication

Location

Main Site | London

Duration

4 Years

Study mode

Full-time including foundation year

Subjects

• English literature

• Linguistics

Start date

October 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
International£18,500 per year

The modules you will study

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

How you will be assessed

English modules are assessed by essays. There is also the option of a final year dissertation. Linguistics modules are assessed entirely by coursework, mainly in the form of essays.

Birkbeck, University of London student reviews

(3.8)
Based on 25 reviews from Birkbeck, University of London's students and alumni
5 star
25%
4 star
38%
3 star
29%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
All reviews

Showing 24 reviews

Foundation year student

1 year ago

Although i haven't engaged with the student union alot. Its been a not so bad experience. The student union does its best to solve issues.

(3)
Student Union

Foundation year student

1 year ago

The uni life is amazing. Students are respectful in terms of culture and diversity. Its fun to engage with new people and make new friends. London's a big city with lots of opportunities.

(5)
University life

Foundation year student

1 year ago

As its based in London. The cost of living is very high. But i cannot comment on the financial support offered as I did not take it.

(3)
Finance

Foundation year student

1 year ago

The service has been great. Teachers engage with students alot. Especially in seminars

(5)
Support

Foundation year student

1 year ago

Although i expected there to be a gym. But otherwise, the rest of the facilities such as the library or the student union experience has been fantastic.

(4)
Facilities

Foundation year student

1 year ago

Overall, my experience has been extremely great. I only attend university once a week while being a full-time student. Its always fun attending classes and studying in your own time, flexibility is one of the biggest benefits.

(5)
Overall

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Birkbeck, University of London

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

The English and Linguistics with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Using the options below, you can see ratings from students who took courses in each of these subject areas at this uni

Literature in English
English studies

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

97%

high

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

100%

high

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

89%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

100%

high

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

86%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

100%

high

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

86%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

89%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

89%

high

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

89%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

88%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

86%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

78%

low

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

100%

high

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

78%

low

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

89%

low

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

57%

low

How well organised is your course?

54%

low

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

78%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

78%

low

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

88%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

68%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

78%

low

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

86%

med

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

88%

high

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

100%

high

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

54%

low

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

86%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

92%

low

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

90%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

93%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

84%

low

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

88%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

84%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

76%

low

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

82%

med

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

87%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

95%

high

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

86%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

85%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

89%

high

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

87%

low

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

87%

low

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

63%

low

How well organised is your course?

61%

low

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

56%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

70%

low

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

76%

low

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

48%

low

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

71%

low

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

69%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

75%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

85%

low

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

55%

low

Student information

The English and Linguistics with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Linguistics
English studies
Mode of study
Full-time59%Part-time41%
Gender ratio
Female71%Male29%
Where students come from
International15%UK85%
Number of students35
Mode of study
Full-time61%Part-time39%
Gender ratio
Female73%Male25%Other2%
Where students come from
International8%UK92%
Student performance
2:1 or above80%
Number of students235
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about Birkbeck, University of London graduates who took English and Linguistics with Foundation Year - or another course in the same subject area.

English studies

Graduate statistics

65%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

80%

In work, study or other activity

40%

Say it fits with future plans

60%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

20%

Artistic, literary and media occupations

15%

Administrative occupations

10%

Business and public service associate professionals

10%

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from Birkbeck, University of London graduates who took English and Linguistics with Foundation Year - or another course in the same subject area.

English studies

Earnings

£25.6k

First year after graduation

£27.7k

Third year after graduation

£28.8k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to English and Linguistics with Foundation Year.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

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