Linguistics BA Honours

Explore how language works and how it's structured, from the physical properties of speech to how languages change over time.

Our Linguistics BA Honours degree focuses on developing your understanding of how language works, how we communicate, and the growth of language in the brain.

You'll explore linguistics in the context of English alongside other languages. You'll build a firm base of skills and knowledge. This will allow you to pursue many career paths - from journalism or data science to teaching or further postgraduate study.

In your first year, you’ll study a foreign language, modern or ancient, alongside Linguistics. Throughout your degree, you'll also follow a cutting-edge programme shaped by the research specialisms of our world-leading staff. You'll explore the latest ideas and most exciting areas of linguistics, such as:

• computational linguistics
• language variation and change
• psycholinguistics
• theoretical linguistics

At the end of this course, you'll become a confident and competent professional. You will become an expert in the scientific study of language, including sound systems, structure, and social context.

Study abroad

You can study abroad for one semester in your second year as part of this degree. In Europe we have links with:

• Ghent University, Belgium
• Leipzig University, Germany
• Groningen University, Netherlands
• Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

We also have links with universities in other parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, including, but not limited to:

• Monash University, Australia
• University of Sydney, Australia
• McGill University, Canada
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Vermont, USA

Work placement

During your degree, you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement. In your second and third years, you may choose to take the Career Development Module which offers academic credit for 50 hours of placement. You can choose to carry out your placement via part-time work, volunteering or in a local school. You will be assessed through a mixture of written work, presentations, and professional skills assessment.

In addition, you'll have the option to spend 9 to 12 months on a work placement with University support from our dedicated Careers team to help you secure your dream placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience working in the sector, putting your learning into practice, and developing your professional expertise. Previous placements have been in a range of sectors, including:

• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Sustainable Energy
• Politics
• Digital Media and Marketing
• Education
• Finance
• Museum and Heritage
• Travel and Tourism

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

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