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. The study abroad option is an exciting and informative experience for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university. In your final year, 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. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.