English and Linguistics

Our new BA English and Linguistics gives you the opportunity to discover 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 our globalised, interconnected world. This undergraduate degree comprises modules in English and linguistics allowing you to tailor your degree based on your interests and career path. The English modules give you the chance to gain knowledge and understanding of a breadth of literature from various historical periods from the early Middle Ages to the present day. You will:<br/><br/><br/>- develop skills in the analysis of literature in its cultural and intellectual contexts<br/><br/><br/>- hone your abilities in critical thinking using key theoretical frameworks, such as feminism, postcolonialism and psychoanalysis.<br/><br/><br/>In this way, we provide you with a toolkit to further identify and deconstruct hierarchies and systems shaping the world today. The linguistics modules develop your understanding of how the English language is acquired, structured and used in social situations and contexts (spoken/written), in literature and the media. You will:<br/><br/><br/>- identify and examine complex psychological processes involved in language production/perception<br/><br/><br/>- analyse varieties of English that emerged from colonial rule alongside contemporary urban linguistic landscapes and issues of intercultural communication<br/><br/><br/>- consider how to successfully apply this knowledge when teaching English.<br/><br/><br/>By focusing on aspects such as language and ethnicity, race, gender and sexuality, you will acquire the skills you need to formulate original research questions and apply principles of global linguistic citizenship in practice.<br/><br/>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 didnt achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. <br/><br/>**Highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.<br/><br/><br/>- Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965, so you will be taught by experienced specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence.<br/><br/><br/>- 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.<br/><br/><br/>- Based at the heart of one of the worlds most exciting cities, we combine lectures, seminars and workshops with visits to theatres and other cultural and artistic institutions, and we frequently collaborate with leading arts, cultural, theatre and dance and performing arts organisations, allowing you to ground your studies in real-world practice.<br/><br/><br/>- Our flexible evening study allows you to achieve your educational goals alongside your professional and personal ones.<br/><br/><br/>**Careers and employability**<br/><br/>Graduates of this degree can pursue career paths in:<br/><br/><br/>- the arts<br/><br/><br/>- editing<br/><br/><br/>- education<br/><br/><br/>- international organisations and businesses<br/><br/><br/>- journalism<br/><br/><br/>- languages<br/><br/><br/>- media<br/><br/><br/>- research<br/><br/><br/>- translation<br/><br/><br/>- writing.<br/><br/><br/>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.