Course summary

How does language work? Why do we develop accents? What makes human language such a unique way of communicating? Linguistics offers a fresh insight into the human mind, combining arts and sciences into one captivating subject. We currently stand as one of the country’s largest Linguistics and English Language departments, meaning that we have a wide range of optional modules available to you throughout your degree programme. Our world-leading academics cover a very wide range of language study specialisms, and our students benefit from their expertise in lectures, seminars, tutorials, and supervisions. They will teach you from day one in small classes designed to challenge you as a linguist. Whether you want to analyse vocal anatomy or how a native Russian speaker thinks compared to a Thai speaker, we are likely to have a member of staff who specialises in your particular area of interest. Our impressive facilities include both a Phonetics Lab and Psycholinguistics Lab which students are encouraged to use throughout their degrees. You’ll begin your degree with modules including Linguistics and English Language. In your second year, you’ll study subjects such as English Phonetics, English Grammar, Sounds of the World’s Languages and Structures of the World’s Languages. In the third, you’ll pick two modules from Corpus approaches to English Language, Advanced English Phonetics, Cognitive Linguistics and topics in phonetic and phonological theory. You’ll complete your degree with a dissertation in which you carry out in-depth research into a topic which interests you. We’ll assess your progress through coursework and exams and you’ll have regular meetings with your academic advisor, who will provide support and encouragement. You may be interested in applying for an internship if you are considering further study beyond your undergraduate degree. Your degree could open doors to jobs in speech therapy and language technology. You will have the opportunity to develop analytical and investigative skills, which are valued by employers such as law firms, management consultancies and the media. Linguistic awareness is a real boost when working for international and multicultural companies and organisations.