Linguistics

The Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and diverse aspects of human language. This programme is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for analyzing the structure, use, and cognitive processes of language across various contexts. Throughout the course, students explore phonetics, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, gaining insights into how languages function and vary worldwide. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical abilities, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as language teaching, speech and language therapy, translation, computational linguistics, and linguistic research. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced labs and library resources, supporting their experimental and research activities. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies with optional modules that may include psycholinguistics, forensic linguistics, language acquisition, and multilingualism. The University of Essex's vibrant academic community and collaborative learning environment foster engaging discussions and knowledge exchange. Emphasis is placed on employability and real-world application, with opportunities for internships and practical placements. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from expert faculty members dedicated to student development. Upon graduation, students will possess a nuanced understanding of language phenomena and the analytical tools to investigate linguistic questions, empowering them to pursue further academic research or enter professions in linguistics and related fields. The programme prepares students to critically analyze language in societal, technological, and intercultural contexts, making them valuable contributors to a linguistically diverse and dynamic global workforce.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year you take three compulsory modules and one optional module. During your second and final years, all your modules are optional. However, you must take three Linguistics modules. For BA Linguistics one of your optional modules can be from across the faculty each year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Foundations of Sociolinguistics;
Foundations of Psycholinguistics;
Foundations of Linguistics; and
one linguistics, language or social science option

Year 2

Three linguistics options; and
one linguistics, language, social science or project option

Year 3

Three linguistics options; and
one linguistics, language, social science or project option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Linguistics program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive insight into the scientific study of language, exploring the intricate structures and systems that underpin human communication. This programme is designed to provide a solid foundation in various subfields of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, alongside the study of language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics. Students will engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, gaining valuable analytical skills to examine how languages function and evolve across different social and cultural contexts. The course often incorporates innovative research methods and opportunities for hands-on learning, such as corpus analysis and experimental techniques.

At Essex, the curriculum is delivered by experts actively involved in cutting-edge linguistics research, creating a stimulating academic environment. The program is suitable for students with diverse interests, whether they aim to pursue further academic research, work in fields such as language technology, translation, education, or language policy. Throughout their studies, students may have the chance to participate in collaborative projects, attend linguistics conferences, and access state-of-the-art facilities including specialized software and laboratories.

The program also emphasizes employability skills, encouraging critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication. It provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, computer science, and anthropology, which broadens students' understanding of language in a broad societal context. Graduates of the MSc or BA in Linguistics from the University of Essex are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, publishing, speech therapy, language consultancy, or tech industries involving natural language processing and machine learning. The university’s location and established academic networks further support career development through placements and internships in relevant sectors.

In addition, the university ensures flexible learning options with full-time, part-time, and online study modes, accommodating diverse student needs. The learning environment is contemporary and inclusive, with access to extensive resources such as a well-stocked library, online databases, and linguistic datasets. Overall, Essex’s Linguistics program aims to develop linguists who are not only knowledgeable about the structure and function of language but also equipped to apply their skills in real-world situations, contributing to society and advancing the understanding of human language.