Can I start BA Turkish Language Studies as a complete beginner?

Yes. The beginner strand assumes no prior Turkish; students with A-Level Turkish or heritage proficiency join an accelerated strand. Both groups converge in year two at intermediate-to-advanced level.

Does BA Turkish Language Studies include a Turkey-based study period?

A structured Turkey study trip is part of the on-campus route in year two. Online and distance students complete an equivalent intensive language and area immersion programme that can include independent travel where feasible.

What language level do I leave BA Turkish Language Studies with?

Most graduates reach CEFR C1 in Turkish — advanced operational proficiency. Heritage speakers can graduate at C2. The assessment programme is designed to give you certifiable evidence of your level by graduation.

Does BA Turkish Language Studies cover Ottoman Turkish?

Selected Ottoman Turkish exposure for research purposes — enough to navigate scripted source material relevant to a dissertation topic — is included. Specialist Ottomanist work belongs in a postgraduate degree, which several graduates pursue elsewhere.

Is BA Turkish Language Studies useful for translation or diplomatic work?

Yes. Translation theory and practice runs from year two. BA Turkish Language Studies graduates have entered translator training, Civil Service Fast Stream and international institutional roles. Most who continue into translation take a specialist Master's after graduating.

BA Turkish Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The BA Turkish Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a three-year UK honours degree for students taking Turkish from beginner or post-A-Level level to advanced proficiency, alongside structured study of Turkish literature, political history and contemporary Turkey. The Turkish-speaking world is one of the largest underserved language markets in UK higher education, and this degree exists to take it seriously.

This is Turkish taught as a major regional and global language — not as an exotic option but as a working competence. By the end you can read modern Turkish prose, follow Turkish broadcast news, write a short academic argument in Turkish and discuss Turkish politics with informed scepticism.

Key Features

UK honours degree in Turkish language studies — three years full-time, with online and distance routes.
Two language strands — beginners and post-A-Level (or heritage-speaker) entry points.
Turkish literature modules from late Ottoman to contemporary, with selected Ottoman Turkish exposure.
Modern Turkey module covering Republic-era history, political system and contemporary debate.
Translation theory and practice from year two — literary, journalistic and commercial.
Final-year dissertation in English or Turkish on a linguistic, literary or area-studies topic.

What You Will Learn

The BA Turkish Language Studies is structured around the working competencies a Turkish-language graduate is hired or admitted on — advanced language proficiency, regional and cultural literacy, translation craft and academic writing. You finish at CEFR C1 in Turkish with the cultural literacy to work across Turkish-speaking contexts in the UK, Turkey and the wider Turkic world.

Turkish language — reading, writing, speaking, listening to CEFR C1 level.
Turkish grammar — morphology, syntax, agglutination, register.
Turkish literature — late Ottoman, Republic-era, contemporary fiction and poetry.
Selected Ottoman Turkish exposure — basic script reading for research purposes.
Modern Turkish history — late Ottoman, Republic, multi-party era, contemporary period.
Translation theory and practice — literary, journalistic, commercial.
Sociolinguistics of Turkish — regional varieties, the Turkic family, Turkish abroad.
Academic writing in English and Turkish — citation discipline, comparative analysis.

Who This Course Is For

School leavers with A-Level Turkish or beginners willing to work intensively from week one.
International students seeking a UK Turkish degree taught in central London.
Heritage speakers of Turkish wanting a formal academic credential in the language and area.
Career changers preparing for translation, diplomatic, journalism or commercial roles linked to Turkey.

Career Pathways

BA Turkish Language Studies graduates compete strongly across translation, diplomatic, international business, journalism and cultural-sector employers with Turkey, the wider Turkic world or the UK Turkish diaspora in their remit. Typical first-destination roles include:

Turkish Translator (literary, commercial, public-sector)
Turkey Markets Analyst (financial services, consultancy, trade body)
Bilingual Communications Specialist (NGO, embassy, cultural institute)
Foreign Service Officer (Turkey desk — after relevant Civil Service entry)
Editorial Researcher (Turkey-related coverage in UK media)
Cultural Programme Coordinator (Yunus Emre Institute, partner cultural body)

Graduates progress to a Master's in Turkish studies, translation, Middle Eastern studies, international relations or comparative literature at LSJHML or another UK university.

Entry Requirements

Three A-Levels at BBC or above (or international equivalent — IB 28 points, BTEC DMM, or accepted national qualification).
GCSE English Language at grade 5 or equivalent English proficiency test.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
A short personal statement; A-Level Turkish welcome but not required (beginner strand available).
Mature applicants (21+) without standard qualifications may apply with a portfolio and short interview.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.