Linguistic Studies GradCert
Birkbeck, University of London
Key Course Facts
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).
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Modern Languages and Linguistics achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 73% of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.
You will be taught by specialists from our Department of Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics, a centre of teaching and research excellence. Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965.
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.
The School of Arts offers a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
- Mphil / PhD
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Linguistic Studies, GradCert.
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.
Tuition Fees Linguistic Studies GradCert
|England UK||£3010||year 1|
|Northern Ireland||£3010||year 1|
Additional fee information
Average student cost of living in London
|Water, gas electricity, internet (at home)||£50|
|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|
|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.
Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.
See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London
What students say about studying Linguistics in the UK?
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.
Where is this programme taught
|Program||University||Student satisfaction||Unemployed||Dropout||Tuition (UK)||Tuition (International)||UCAS Tariff||City|
|Linguistics with French BA (Hons)||The University of York||95%||0%||2%||£9250||£19600||142||York||On campus Full-time|
|Linguistics with Data Science (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons)||University of Essex||82%||0%||5%||£9250||£16850||126||Colchester||On campus Full-time|
|Economics/English Language & Linguistics MA (Hons)||University of Glasgow||85%||0%||0%||£27750||£70480||197||Glasgow||On campus Full-time|
|English Language and Linguistics BA (Hons)||Canterbury Christ Church University||84%||0%||20%||£9250||£14500||97||Canterbury||On campus Full-time|
|English Language and Linguistics BA (Hons)||The University of Sheffield||71%||0%||5%||£9250 £9250||£21450 £20000||157||Sheffield||On campus Full-time|
|Linguistics (Including Year Abroad) BA (Hons)||University of Essex||82%||0%||5%||£9250||£16850||126||Colchester||On campus Full-time|
|Chinese and Linguistics MA (Hons)||The University of Edinburgh||62%||0%||5%||£9250||£23100||193||Edinburgh||On campus Full-time|
|English Language & Linguistics/Mathematics MA (Hons)||University of Glasgow||79%||0%||0%||£27750||£70480||207||Glasgow||On campus Full-time|
|French and Linguistics (with a year abroad) BA (Hons)||The University of York||95%||0%||0%||£9250||£19600||159||York||On campus Full-time|
|English Language and Linguistics with Foundation BA (Hons)||University of Westminster||100%||5%||5%||£9250||£14400||114||London||On campus Full-time|