BA Linguistics

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

Linguistics is the scientific study of language, exploring language structure, language use in sociocultural contexts
and the representation of language in the mind, as well as explaining mechanisms of language production and
transmission of sounds. Language plays a pivotal role in all human activities, and this degree will introduce
students to the fundamentals of understanding how it works, including theories of grammar and the production of
speech sounds.

On this course, students will choose from a range of optional modules to pursue the areas that interest them. They can study in more depth topics such as how children acquire language, how bilinguals process two languages and how language changes over time. They could also explore issues around how language is used in different social contexts, or for different types of discourse such as social media or more formal written communication. In Year 1, students will take compulsory modules introducing them to the main principles of linguistics. They’ll also select from a choice of discovery modules from other courses within the school or across the University. It’s all valuable knowledge to build upon in Year 2, when they will enrol for compulsory modules on phonetics and syntax. Students then choose from a range of optional modules, covering three key broad areas: · formal analysis of language structure and sound · language processing, development and evolution · discourse studies and sociolinguistics Students will continue to benefit from the range of choice on offer in Year 3, selecting more optional modules and pursuing independent research to present in the Linguistics Dissertation. Combining theoretical study with both quantitative and qualitative research experience, including learning how to collect their own data, this course equips students with a wide range of skills as well as a deep and broad understanding of a crucial facet of human behaviour.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LING1065	Languages of the World	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING1100	Language: Meaning and Use	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)	PFP
LING1500	Key Skills in Linguistics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL1060	Language: Structure and Sound	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates may study up to 40 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL1090	Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL1401	Discourse, Culture and Identity	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Candidates may study up to 40 credits of discovery modules

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LING2330	Phonetics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)	PFP
LING2340	Syntax	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study at least 40 credits and up to 80 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LING2065	Data Science for Linguists	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING2131	Psycholinguistics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING2360	The Life Cycle of Languages	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING2370	Representation, Identity and Control	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING2380	Language and Gender	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING2390	Language Acquisition	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING2410	Language Change	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING2420	Interactional Linguistics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING2421	Multilingualism in Society	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Students may study up to 40 credits of discovery modules

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LING3200	Linguistics Dissertation	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study at least 40 credits and up to 60 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LING3065	Experimental Syntax	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING3180	Language and Gender	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING3190	Language Acquisition	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING3220	Representation, Identity and Control	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING3250	The Life Cycle of Languages	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING3290	Language Change	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING3310	Interactional Linguistics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING3350	Language Processing	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING3390	Linguistic Technologies	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LING3421	Multilingualism in Society	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LING3600	Sociophonetics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Students may study the following optional module:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL3650	Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Discovery Modules

Students may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules.

Last updated: 15/05/2026 11:37:02

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