Linguistics

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Linguistics designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of language. This programme combines theoretical analysis with empirical research, enabling students to explore the fundamental structures and functions of language, as well as its social and cognitive aspects. Throughout the course, students examine a wide range of topics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, along with language acquisition, bilingualism, and language change. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, analytical abilities, and research skills, fostering a nuanced appreciation of linguistic diversity and universality. Students benefit from close collaboration with leading academics in the field, participating in lectures, seminars, and independent projects that encourage active engagement and original inquiry. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, integrating insights from psychology, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy. The Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources, supporting students in their academic and personal development. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, language technology, publishing, and various areas requiring strong analytical and communication skills. The program is designed to challenge and inspire students, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of human language and to address real-world linguistic issues. With a focus on both linguistic theory and practical application, the Cambridge Linguistics degree aims to cultivate versatile graduates capable of critical analysis, innovative research, and effective communication, making a significant impact across diverse professional fields.

Linguistics is divided into a one-year Part I and a two-year Part II, and teaching is delivered through a mixture of lectures, supervisions and practical sessions. A typical week involves four hours of lectures, two hours of supervisions (in groups of six students in Part I, and two students in Part II), and one to two hours of practical classes.

Assessment is by written examination, and practical exams in phonetics, as well as a dissertation in the final year.

Year 1 (Part I)

Part I provides a foundation across a wide range of linguistics taught within the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. You take the following four papers:

• Sounds and Words – an introduction to phonetics, phonology and morphology
• Structures and Meanings – looking at topics including sentence construction, semantics and pragmatics
• Language, Brain and Society – considering language and its relation to cognitive and social phenomena
• History and Varieties of English – a linguistic analysis of contemporary variation and historical change in English

Year 2 (Part IIA)

Part II allows you to specialise in the areas which particularly interest you. There’s a wide choice of topics to choose from, taught by the Department as well as other faculties and departments.

In Part IIA, you take four papers chosen from a wide range of options dealing with different linguistic levels and perspectives, which may include the following (not all options are offered every year):

• Phonetics
• Phonology
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Historical Linguistics
• History of Ideas on Language
• History of English/History of French
• Language Acquisition
• Psychology of Language Processing and Learning
• Language Typology

Year 3 (Part IIB)

In Part IIB, you take:

• Linguistic Theory – a general theory paper
• two further papers from the remaining Part IIA options

For your fourth paper, Part IIB also includes an element of individual research as you write a dissertation of 8,000-10,000 words on a topic of your choice.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

Admission assessment

All applicants for Linguistics are required to take a written assessment at interview, if interviewed.

Assessment format

• Structured analysis of language data (20 minutes)
• Analysis of quantitative data (20 minutes)
• Short essay (20 minutes)

 Linguistics Admissions Assessment Specification

You do not need to register or be registered in advance for the assessment at interview – the Colleges provide details of arrangements in the letters inviting applicants to interview.

Please note that your performance in the assessment at interview will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

Financing studies for the undergraduate Linguistics program at the University of Cambridge are primarily funded through a combination of government-sponsored loans, scholarships, and personal resources. Students from the UK are eligible to apply for government-funded financial aid, which can cover tuition fees and provide maintenance support throughout their period of study. The UK government offers tuition fee loans that are repaid after graduation once the student’s income exceeds a certain threshold, making higher education more accessible. Maintenance loans are also available to help cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and study materials, and are repayable under the terms set by the Student Loans Company.

International students planning to study Linguistics at Cambridge often seek alternative funding options. The university and various external organizations offer a range of scholarships and bursaries targeted at international students, which can significantly offset tuition costs. These awards are highly competitive and are usually based on academic excellence or financial need. In addition, some students pursue external funding sources such as private scholarships, grants, or sponsorship from their home countries to support their studies.

Cambridge University also provides information on work opportunities for students, including on-campus employment and internships, which can supplement funding and provide valuable academic and professional experience. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of part-time work in accordance with visa regulations and university policies.

Students are advised to start their financial planning early, applying for available scholarships and loans well in advance of their course start date. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance on application procedures and eligibility criteria to ensure students are aware of all available support options. Overall, while studying Linguistics at Cambridge involves tuition fees and living expenses, multiple funding pathways are in place to help students manage the financial demands of their degree and focus on their academic achievements.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).