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High Drop-out Rate Alert

40% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.

Home›Birkbeck College›BA English

BA English

Birkbeck College

Full-time3 YearsSubject: Languages and Area Studies

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Course Score

C /60

Graduate Salary

£26,000

Satisfaction

85%

Degree Completion

60%

Professional Jobs

60%

Meaningful Work

55%

AI & Your Career

Based on real AI use at work (Anthropic research, 2026)

32%

Moderate AI impact

Average across where this course's graduates actually work

AI does some of the simpler tasks in these jobs, but most of the work still needs human judgement and skill.

Pick your path - AI impact varies by career

18%Teachers of English as a Foreign Language 22%Foreign Language Journalist 60%Language Policy Analyst 22%Cultural Attaché

AI impact by graduate destination

Business, Research and Administrative60%

Administrative55%

Business and public service associate48%

Media45%

Artistic, literary and media32%

🧭 Career Trajectories

This degree creates direct pathways into the jobs market. Explore the full career profiles and AI projections on our sister hub, WhatCareer.

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language

£25,000 - £31,000

Foreign Language Journalist

£25,000 - £32,000

Language Policy Analyst

£30,000 - £40,000

Cultural Attaché

£30,000 - £35,000

Expected Starting Salary

around the national median

Typical starting salary for Languages and Area Studies graduates

Start

Sep 2027

Graduate

2030

First job

~2031

£26,000

typical starting salary

£24,000

£32,500

Brightest = where most graduates land · fades where fewer earn that amount

· Languages and Area Studies graduates nationally earn £18,000-£37,000 (552 courses)

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey · includes all graduates regardless of career path chosen

Where Graduates Work

Top job roles graduates enter after this course

01

Artistic, literary and media occupations

★ Professional

15%

02

Teaching Professionals

★ Professional

10%

03

Business and public service associate professionals

★ Professional

10%

04

Teaching and Childcare Associate Professionals

★ Professional

5%

05

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

★ Professional

5%

06

Media Professionals

★ Professional

5%

07

Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation

5%

08

Administrative occupations

5%

09

Elementary occupations

5%

10

Managers, directors and senior officials

★ Professional

0%

Explore Career Pathways

Detailed guides and day-in-the-life profiles for careers related to this degree.

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Foreign Language Journalist

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Language Policy Analyst

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Cultural Attaché

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Outcomes

60%

Continuation

60%

Professional Work

55%

Meaningful Role

60%

Career On Track

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Satisfaction82%

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BAEnglish Literature with Foundation Year

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What comes next? 🎓

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