BA in Intercultural Communication (Full Time) BA in Intercultural Communication (Full Time) Birkbeck, University of London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1563773744Birkbeck-University-1.jpg
Birkbeck, University of London
Course Description
This course allows you to study intercultural communication while also familiarising yourself with communication in different cultural contexts: French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. You can choose to study the language itself or focus on the cultural context in which the language is spoken, choosing from a range of modules covering literature, film, history, visual culture and philosophy, among other cultural fields.
For the intercultural communication component, you will learn how communication practices differ across cultures and you will be introduced to communication practices in various international and work-related contexts. You can choose to focus on professional communication or on the mechanics of language structure and use.
As well as introducing you to the field of intercultural communication, this course will improve your awareness and understanding of communication norms in different cultures. It will also help you develop professional communication and employability skills for working in international contexts.
Course Content
The programme comprises 360 module credits, of which 180 are normally taken in language/culture and 180 in linguistics and communication.
The language and culture modules tend to specialise in contexts relating to French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. If you choose to take language modules, you can start at beginner or near-beginner level and attain a language level equivalent to at least one year’s study beyond A-level. Many of the modules relating to the culture of the language studied are primarily in that language, while the cross-cultural modules are taught in English.
YEAR 1 CORE MODULES
- Approaches to Language (Level 4)
- Approaches to Study
YEAR 2 CORE MODULES
- Intercultural Communication in Business Contexts
- Language, Culture, and Communication
YEAR 3 CORE MODULES
- Intercultural Communication Portfolio
- Professional Communication Skills
CULTURE OPTION MODULES
- Cultural Perspectives on German History
- Exploring Contemporary Germany (level 5)
- Film and Politics
- Imagining France: An Introduction to French Studies
- Reading the Signs: Text and Image in French Culture
- Reading Transnational Cultures
- Rethinking Japan: Introduction to Modern Japanese Society and Culture (Level 5)
- Spanish Pragmatics
- Studying the Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and Native American Worlds
- Theorising Japanese Cinema
- Understanding Culture: Language and Texts
LINGUISTICS OPTION MODULES
- Identity in Applied Linguistics Research Level 6
- Investigating Language
- Language and media (level 5)
- Language and media (level 6)
- Language Teaching Research Level 5
- Language Teaching Research Level 6
- Linguistics Final Year Project
- Multilingual and Multicultural Individuals Level 5
- Multilingual and Multicultural Individuals Level 6
- Psycholinguistics (level 5)
- Psycholinguistics (level 6)
You will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of modules in the course of your study. Please note that the list of option modules is only indicative and not all modules are available every year. Please check with the programme administrator which option modules are available in each academic year.
Course Intakes
Location | Start Date | Fees | Duration | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Classroom Birkbeck, University of London Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK |
October, 2025
|
UK/EU: |
3 years, Full Time |
Send Enquiry |
Entry Requirements
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.
This programme is suitable for beginner or near-beginner language entry levels.
UCAS TARIFF POINTS
104
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES
If you need extra support before starting an undergraduate degree, we offer a BA Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year degree, which provides an extra year of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.
Once you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.
ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES
We welcome applications from students on Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
Credits gained on the Certificate of Higher Education in Culture and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish) can be counted towards the degree.
INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
If you are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa.
The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:
- Courses of more than six months' duration.
- Courses of less than six months' duration.
- Pre-sessional English language courses.
International students who require a Tier 4 visa should apply for our full-time courses (with the exception of modular enrolment certificates of higher education and graduate certificates), as these qualify for Tier 4 sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).
Assessment Methods
Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.
Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.
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