Linguistics

The BSc in Linguistics at University College London offers students an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental aspects of language and the structural aspects of human communication. This undergraduate degree programme is designed to explore the science of language through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from areas such as phonetics, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, language acquisition, and psycholinguistics. Students will engage with a diverse range of linguistic theories and methods, equipping them with analytical skills necessary to examine how language functions in various social, cognitive, and cultural contexts. The programme places a strong emphasis on empirical research and data analysis, providing hands-on experience with linguistic data and tools, including corpus linguistics and experimental methodologies.

Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to study different languages, investigate language variation and change, and explore how language relates to identity, power, and social structures. UCL's Geography and Evolutionary approaches further enrich the curriculum, allowing students to examine the biological and cultural evolution of language over time. The programme also emphasises the importance of critical thinking and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in linguistics, education, speech therapy, artificial intelligence, language technology, and related fields. Collaborative projects, seminars, and placements are integrated into the course to enhance practical skills and professional development.

With access to world-class research facilities and renowned linguistics faculty, students will benefit from a stimulating academic environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, and innovation. The programme's modular structure offers flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether focusing more on theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, or interdisciplinary topics. Upon graduation, students will possess a solid theoretical foundation, robust research skills, and a broad understanding of the scientific study of language, making them highly equipped to pursue further academic study or enter the workforce with confidence.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In the first year your courses are all compulsory, providing a foundation in Linguistics and helping you assess where your own interests and strengths lie. The Experimental Linguistics BSc pathway also focuses on experimental methods to understand how language is acquired, processed and implemented in the brain.

In your second and third years you choose from a range of intermediate and advanced courses within a requirement to complete courses in the three core areas of: Semantics and Pragmatics, Phonetics and Phonology, and Syntax. You can also choose courses in psycholinguistics, including language acquisition.

Experimental Linguistics BSc students take fewer compulsory courses in phonetics and phonology, syntax, and semantics and pragmatics, and more courses in psycholinguistics (what representations and mechanisms are linked to process language), neurolinguistics (how those representations of mechanisms are implemented in the brain) and practical experience in research design and statistical data analysis.

In your final year, you will undertake a research project, involving a deep and sustained study of a subject in which you are especially interested.

You can also take optional courses offered outside Linguistics; for example, many students choose to take language courses taught by the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

A levels

Grades: AAA-ABB. Experimental Linguistics BSc pathway: AAA-AAB

Subjects: English Language, Mathematics or a science subject preferred. Experimental Linguistics pathway: at least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.

GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points: 34-38. Experimental Linguistics BSc pathway: 36-38.

Subjects: A score of 16-18 points in three higher level subjects preferably to include English Language, Mathematics or a science subject, with no score lower than 5. Experimental Linguistics pathway: A score of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects including one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology with no score below 5.

The English language level for this programme is: Good (Advanced for GCSE/IGCSE)

Funding

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries.

For Russian students applying for this programme there are 2 scholarships:

• IOE Erasmus Bursary
• IOE Vietnam International Education Development Scholarships - UG

In addition to subject-specific skills, you will also acquire the analytical, investigative and study skills essential for most graduate careers, which could include law, computing, commerce and industry. Recent national surveys show that UCL Linguistics graduates have above average employment rates and starting salaries after graduation.

Many Linguistics graduates from UCL carry on with the subject at graduate level often with a view to pursuing an academic career. Linguistics connects with many other disciplines and a number of graduates go on to work in these areas, e.g. teaching languages, especially English as a first or foreign language, speech therapy, advertising or the media.

Destinations

First career destinations of recent graduates (2012-2014) of this programme include:

• National Management Trainee, London Local Government
• Assistant Editor, Chambers & Partners
• Graduate Trainee Financial Consultant, Willis Group
• National Account Manager, Proctor & Gamble

*Data taken from the 'Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education' survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2011-2014 graduating cohorts six months after graduation and, where necessary, department records.

UCL is commited to helping you get the best start after graduation.