Linguistics

The development by human beings of the power to communicate with one another by means of language, and their subsequent and continuing co-operative use of that power in transforming the world they live in, are among the most significant determinants of the human condition. Scholars have been inquiring into the origins, history, mechanism, structure and social roles of language and languages since the very beginnings of the intellectual tradition. Courses in this section not only offer an introduction to the range of such inquiries and an opportunity to participate in them, but above all foster the idea that an attempt to grasp the nature of language is an indispensable part of any serious attempt to understand what it is to be human. 

Compulsory (core) course:

• AXL5301W Minor Dissertation

Elective courses:

• AXL4301F Language Contact and Bilingualism (May not be offered in 2016)
• AXL4303F Landmarks in Modern Linguistic Thought I (May not be offered in 2016)
• AXL4304S Special Topics
• AXL4305S Linguistics Approaches to the Study of Narrative (Not offered in 2016)
• AXL4306S Language Variation
• AXL4307F Typology and Universals
• AXL4309S Landmarks in Modern Linguistics Thought II (Not offered in 2016)
• AXL4312F African Linguistics
• AXL5302S Linguistic Anthropology
• AXL5310F Language Contact & Globalisation
• AXL5311F Research Methods in Sociophonetics (Not offered in 2016)
• AXL5312F Topics in Syntax

• Honours in Linguistics with an overall average result of not less than 60%. 
• Certified copies of official academic transcripts in ENGLISH (full transcripts for each tertiary institution attended)
• Certified copies of degree certificates in ENGLISH (for each tertiary institution attended where applicable)
• Applicants from universities situated in non-English speaking countries: TOEFL/IELTS certificate OR letter from previous tertiary institution stating “English as medium of instruction” for the programme
• Curriculum vitae (include work experience)
• A recent score (obtained within 3 - 5 years before application for admission) of at least 570 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• OR, noting that this may only be written at certain designated venues within South Africa, a score of at least 65% on the university's Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• International & refugee scholarships
• Merit awards