Language and Linguistics BSc (Hons)

The Language and Linguistics course aims to give students foundational knowledge of the areas of linguistic theory and its applications. These areas include phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, historical linguistics, language acquisitionand discourse analysis. Primary teaching methods involve a mix of lectures and seminars both of which are heavily centred around working with examples of language data. In addition, a central element of a linguistics programme is the experience of independently collecting and analysing data and we aim to develop this skill in our students from the very first semester of the degree. Independent study and reading is also essential and the necessary study skills for independent study are developed over the three years of the degree. Assessment is by a mixture of data analysis exercises, essay based assignments, data centred research projects and formal examinations. The teaching team is made up of international, research-active linguists, educated in major Universities of Europe and the US.

We have designed our course to give you the flexibility to undertake a pathway which best suits your needs, so Language & Linguistics can be studied in conjunction with Counselling Studies. This allows you to combine your interest in language with the study of a vocational area in which effective use of language is central.

In second year, you can study abroad for a semester, for example in Switzerland, Germany or the US.

The programme offers students the opportunity to take up placements both locally and internationally in which their linguistics skills are applied in a range of English language teaching contexts.

The course lasts three years full-time. This course is also available by part-time study that can take a total of five years part-time.

Language and linguistics is a very mixed discipline. It is technical and analytical; it also requires personal reflection and observation, combined with a challenging attitude. The most important attribute that a candidate can have is a genuine and passionate interest in language and language use.