BA Hons Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of the phenomenon of language. The ability to use language is something which separates human beings from other animals, and so helps to define what it means to be human. Linguists ask such questions as:
- Do the different languages of the world share any universal features?
- How does language relate to thought?
- How does a child acquire a first language?
- How do we understand spoken and written language?
- How can we use computers to aid the study of language?
To see how our staff answer some of these and other questions, see the A-level English Language pages on our web site.
Linguistics relies upon the empirical study of various aspects of language, such as the sound, grammar and meaning systems of different languages. The methods of study vary from computerised study of texts corpora, through acoustic analysis of sound patterns, to analysis of texts, interviews and audio-visual recordings of natural dialogues. Many of the issues addressed by linguistics are of central relevance to our society - for example the relationship between dialect and social prestige, the problems of education in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment, or the development of technology which will allow computers to produce and recognise speech.
What will I study?
In Part I you will take the following:
- Part I Linguistics
- A second Part I subject of your choice (perhaps English Language?)
- A third Part I subject of your choice.
In Part II you take eight units in total, four in each year. At least six units must be taken within the Department (you can choose to take up to two units in another department, as a 'minor'). The following courses are compulsory:
- LING202 The Structures of Language (to be taken in the second year)
- LING305 Topics in Linguistic Theory (to be taken in the final year)
- LING301 Linguistic Methodology (to be taken in the final year)
The remaining units can be selected from the Department’s list of courses.
What qualifications will I need?
We normally expect successful applicants to have AAB/ABB at A2 level, or equivalent, including an A or a B in English Language, or English Language and Literature, or a foreign or classical language. We normally expect three subjects at A-Level. However, the third A-Level may be substituted by the average of two AS grades, one of which should have been taken in year 13. Maths and a foreign language at GCSE are normally required for all degrees involving Linguistics.
How is my work assessed?
As in all courses, there are examinations at the end of the first year before proceeding to the second and final years. In the second and final years, you will normally take an examination for each course at the end of the year in which you study it. Coursework typically involves an essay (2000-2500 words) each term for each course, but it often comes in other forms. The weighting of coursework varies with departments: in the Department of Linguistics and English Language the final mark is usually based on 40% coursework and 60% examination.