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.Ê

You'll also have the opportunity to reach near-native standard in one language - French, German, Italian or Spanish - or upper-intermediate or advanced level in Japanese, depending on your level of entry, while practising allied skills such as translating, summary-writing, and delivering written and oral presentations.

Career

Graduates can pursue careers in publishing, education, policy-making or language education. This Linguistics and Language course at Birkbeck, University of London can also be useful in becoming a translator, English as a Foreign Language teacher, publishing copy editor/proof reader, civil service fast-streamer or editorial assistant.