BA Language Studies and Linguistics
University of Essex
Key Information
Campus location
Colchester, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
BA Language Studies and Linguistics
Explore both the theoretical aspects of the language we use, and acquire the practical ability to speak another language. Any understanding of language enhances our self-awareness, inspiring us to address fundamental questions about our communication as human beings.
Linguistics is an increasingly important subject, impacting on areas in psychology, philosophy, education and artificial intelligence. It has real-world applications in such diverse fields as human rights, computer-assisted language learning, and the study of institutional language in settings such as doctor-patient interactions and interviewer-interviewee dialogues.
You will explore a wide range of core topics in linguistics, mastering key concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, and also investigate specialist areas including:
- Multilingualism and language impairment
- Language, identity and gender
- Metaphor, irony and style
- Language and the mind
- American languages
You also study up to two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, completing at least one language to a minimum of Proficiency level. These languages are widely used in the business world, and so having acquired near fluency, many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms.
We also offer a month-long summer course with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route.
We are 1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome home.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Sounds
- Words and Sentences
- Understanding Data in Linguistics
- Foundations of Sociolinguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year 2
- Research methods for language and linguistics
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Final Year
- Project: Linguistics
- World Language Structures
- Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Companies and organisations in the UK and abroad are struggling to find university graduates who are fluent in at least one other language, apart from English.
Being an Essex modern languages graduate places you in a very advantageous position. You will be able to speak and write fluently, or to a very competent standard, in up to two languages.
Our graduates go on to become teachers, translators, administrators and journalists amongst other jobs. The language skills they acquire enable them to work in diverse fields including banking, entertainment, media, education and tourism, as well as for a host of UK and international companies.
For example, one of our recent graduates is now a newspaper editor in Spain, while another teaches modern languages in Southampton.
We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Program delivery
Teaching methods include lectures, presentations and learning by teaching others