Linguistics (including Year Abroad)

The BA Linguistics (including Year Abroad) programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth study of the structures, functions, and varieties of human language. This innovative programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in theoretical linguistics, alongside practical applications and real-world language analysis. Throughout the course, students will explore core areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, developing a nuanced understanding of how language is structured and used across different contexts.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new linguistic and cultural environment. This opportunity not only enhances language skills but also broadens cultural awareness and intercultural communication competencies. Students are encouraged to choose partner institutions across the globe, engaging in language practice and cultural exchange, which equips them with invaluable skills for international careers.

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and research expertise. Students undertake a variety of modules that include computational linguistics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and language technology, preparing them for diverse career paths, including academia, translation, technology, and language consultancy. Practical components such as language labs, workshops, and research projects ensure an applied learning experience.

The academic staff are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and support throughout the programme. The University of Essex’s vibrant research community ensures students are engaged with the latest developments and debates in linguistics. Upon graduation, students will have gained a global perspective on language phenomena, an adaptable skill set, and proficiency in at least one foreign language, ready to pursue careers in linguistics, speech therapy, publishing, or further academic research. The BA Linguistics (including Year Abroad) at Essex is an excellent choice for students passionate about understanding the intricacies of human language and eager to experience its diversity firsthand.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
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 offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
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

Year abroad

Year 4

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 BA Linguistics programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of the scientific study of language, encompassing various subfields such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical skills to examine how languages are structured, used, and evolve over time. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing them for careers in academia, computational linguistics, language teaching, and other sectors requiring linguistic expertise.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, where students can spend an academic year studying at a partner university in a different country. This experience enhances language proficiency, intercultural communication skills, and global awareness. It also provides an invaluable opportunity to immerse oneself in a different linguistic environment, compare different language systems, and gain international perspective on linguistic phenomena.

At Essex, the programme is delivered by qualified academics specializing in various aspects of linguistics, ensuring students receive high-quality, research-informed education. The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, and practical language exercises, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including linguistic laboratories and computer labs equipped with specialized software for phonetic analysis and corpus linguistics.

Assessment methods vary but typically include essays, coursework, presentations, and examinations, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and analytical skills in diverse ways. The programme emphasises the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, preparing graduates for higher study or employment in sectors where language expertise is valuable.

Graduates of the BA Linguistics programme at Essex are well-equipped for careers in language technology, speech and language therapy, translation and interpretation, educational publishing, and further academic research. The programme’s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience ensures students are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market that values linguistic skills and cultural competence.

Overall, the University of Essex’s linguistics degree offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience with the added advantage of international exposure, making it an excellent choice for students interested in understanding the complexities and beauty of human language.