Linguistics and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish),BA (Hons)

Would you like to become highly proficient in a language at the same time as developing an advanced understanding of how language works in general? Our BA Linguistics and Language offers you a unique combination of language learning and applied linguistics to prepare you well for a wide range of professional opportunities in multilingual and multicultural contexts.

Why choose this course?

• You can choose to become highly proficient in French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish, or proficient in Korean. You will also explore the literature and culture associated with this language.
• If you choose the International Experience route you will be able to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture during a year of studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
• On this course you will join a community of diverse and committed students from multilingual and multicultural backgrounds and learn from a community of scholars with a wide range of expertise in linguistics, language, culture and literature.
• You will develop an advanced understanding of linguistics as the scientific study of language and apply it in a variety of contexts including language learning, language teaching, speech therapy, intercultural communication, translation, and advertising and media.

What you will learn

In studying linguistics you will learn about the structure and functions of language, and how it is patterned and used. You will be introduced to the major areas of linguistics, including applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, and learn how to apply linguistics theories and concepts in real-world contexts, from language teaching and learning to intercultural communication.

You will have the opportunity to reach near-native standard in French, German, Italian or Spanish, or upper-intermediate or advanced level in Japanese, depending on your level of entry. We offer Korean from beginner up to intermediate level only. If you decide to take this language, or another in which you reach intermediate level only, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, for example, BA Linguistics with Korean. If you don’t meet the language level requirement for this degree you can gain a BA Linguistics and Culture instead in which you will have developed advanced knowledge of the culture of one or more of the language areas.

You will also study the associated literature and culture of your chosen language and develop skills of translating, summary writing and delivering written and oral presentations.

How you will learn

You can study this BA Linguistics and Language either full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. These consist of a combination of lectures and seminars which are designed to be small and interactive with some also offered online.

On the four-year full-time International Experience route, you will normally spend your third year at a partner institution to allow you to develop your language skills and your knowledge of the culture. Your timetable may differ during this year abroad.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.