Birkbeck, University of London
Linguistic Studies GradCert
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Linguistic Studies GradCert and other courses in Languages and Area Studies at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Languages and Area Studies .

Overall student satisfaction
77 /100
10 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH19

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Languages and Area Studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £33500 £18000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £24500 - £45000 £9500 - £27500 £11500 - £43000


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH19

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25625 £23693 £27744
25-75 percentile range £22269 - £29904 £17937 - £29563 £21216 - £36573

Course Description

Why is human language unique, and unlike any other natural communication system? How do children learn their first language? Do women and men speak differently? Are some forms of English better than others? Why does language change through time?

Linguistics seeks to provide answers to questions such as those above, and many others. As the science of language, linguistics studies everything to do with language, including how language is structured, how it develops in children, the ways in which it reflects society and culture, how it defines individuals and groups, and how it changes over time. If you find these questions interesting, then you will enjoy studying linguistics.

Our Graduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies offers the opportunity for those who do not have a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject to gain an understanding of the social, interpersonal and psychological aspects of human language and communication systems, and to enhance their academic skills in linguistics. It provides training in aspects of both theory and practice in the field of linguistics, language and communication.

This is an undergraduate-level qualification that will prepare you for postgraduate study. Graduate Certificates/Diplomas typically take one to two years to complete and are made up of two, three or four modules at final-year undergraduate degree level (worth 60, 90 or 120 credits).

Highlights

  • Applied linguistics has been taught by experienced specialists at Birkbeck since 1965. Our centre of teaching and research excellence in applied linguistics has contributed greatly to the field over the years.
  • The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area. Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions.

The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in teaching, speech and language therapy, translating and interpreting. Possible professions include:

  • English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher
  • speech and language therapist
  • translator
  • interpreter
  • lexicographer
  • primary school teacher.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - 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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Linguistic Studies GradCert at Birkbeck, University of London

20% Process, plant and machine operatives
10% Engineering professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Engineering professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Process, plant and machine operatives
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Elementary occupations

Typical assessments include coursework essays of approximately 3500-4000 words.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

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. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Linguistic Studies, GradCert, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent; other qualifications may be considered, if you have relevant professional/personal experience.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Linguistic Studies GradCert

England UK £1800 year 1
Northern Ireland £1800 year 1
Scotland £1800 year 1
Wales £1800 year 1
International £3305 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Languages & Literature

    • #20 
    • #251 
    Linguistics
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

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