Linguistics Degrees
Language is one of the more prominent ways in which we communicate. Through language, we are able to express ourselves, and is considered as one of the most important skills we possess as humans. Studying a linguistics degree will allow you to develop your understanding of language and communication, and how we interpret different types of linguistics. You will study a variety of modules, with opportunities to bolster your linguistic knowledge in a wide range of subject areas.
About Linguistics
Accreditation
The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be dependent on the specific content of your course. At undergraduate level, you can typically expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc). Further study will award research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Duration
Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study.
Your institution may offer part-time study options, which usually means that your degree will take four to six years. You may also be able to take a foundation programme, which is useful if you do not meet the entry requirements for your degree.
Fees
Annual tuition fees for UK students are capped by the UK government. For the 2019/20 academic year, they are £9,250. This is subject to change each year, and will be updated on your institution website.
The fees displayed below are an example of typical annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate linguistics degrees. Actual tuition fees can be found on the institution webpages.
Typical Annual Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate - £9,250
Topics Covered
Undergraduate
An undergraduate degree in linguistics will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. You could study modules on phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, sign language linguistics, and grammar. The majority of undergraduate degrees will be designed to suit those who have limited experience of studying linguistics, as well as challenging those who have previously studied or worked within linguistics. Your degree will be delivered through lectures and tutorials, as well as incorporating practical sessions. Assessment methods could include written work, presentations, group work, and a dissertation or major research project.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for a degree in linguistics will depend on where you choose to study. It will also depend on the level for which you are applying. An undergraduate degree will generally require that you have previously studied an essay based, qualitative subject, such as English language or literature. If you do not have a strong background in this area, but can prove that you are passionate about linguistics, some universities will still consider your application. You can display this through your personal statement, or admissions interview. For a postgraduate degree, you will be required to have an undergraduate degree in Linguistics, English Language/Linguistics, or a closely related subject.
Typical Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- A Level Grades - AAB-BCC
- UCAS Points - 136-104 UCAS points
- Required/Desired Subjects - English Language/Literature, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Modern Foreign Languages
Postgraduate
- Degree Requirements - 2:2 or higher
- Required/Desired Subjects - English Language/Linguistics/Literature, Modern Languages, History
Career Prospects
Graduates of a linguistics degree will find that there are a wide variety of career opportunities available to them. You will have developed a useful and transferable set of skills throughout your time at university. If you choose to work in a role directly related to your degree, jobs could include teaching, lexicography, speech and language therapy, and translation. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your role, jobs could include marketing, public relations, advertising, and copywriting.
