Linguistics BA

Linguistics is the scientific study of language: how it is structured, how it develops, and how it is used in society. Students explore everything from the sounds and grammar of language to its psychological, social and cultural dimensions. A Linguistics degree is perfect for those curious about how humans communicate.

Course Structure

Most Linguistics degrees last three years full time, or four years with a placement or study abroad option. Some universities offer joint honours with English, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Psychology or Computer Science. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, data analysis and independent research. Assessment is through essays, problem sets, projects, exams and a final-year dissertation.

Typical Modules

While each university designs its own programme, common modules include:

• Introduction to Linguistics

• Phonetics and Phonology (sounds of language)

• Syntax (sentence structure)

• Morphology (word formation)

• Semantics and Pragmatics (meaning in language)

• Sociolinguistics (language and society)

• Psycholinguistics (language and the mind)

• Historical Linguistics (how languages evolve)

• Language Acquisition (how we learn languages)

• Dissertation or Independent Research Project

Optional areas may include forensic linguistics, computational linguistics, bilingualism, language and gender, or discourse analysis.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements are between BBB and ABB at A level, or equivalent UCAS tariff points. Some universities have no specific subject requirements, but strong skills in essay-based subjects are valued.

Useful Entry Subjects

• A levels: English Language, English Literature, Modern Languages, Psychology, Sociology.

  
  

• BTEC: Applied Science, Creative Media, or Humanities-related subjects with strong analytical elements.

  
  

• T Levels: Digital Production or Education and Childcare may be relevant.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Higher Level English, Modern Languages or Psychology.

  
  

What Makes a Strong Application

Universities look for students who can show both analytical ability and a genuine curiosity about language. A strong application should highlight:

• An interest in how language works and changes across cultures.

  
  

• Wider reading, podcasts or documentaries related to language and linguistics.

  
  

• Good analytical and writing skills from previous studies.

  
  

• Evidence of curiosity, such as learning new languages, analysing accents, or exploring how language is used in media.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Linguistics degree develops highly versatile skills, including:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving

  
  

• Research and data analysis

  
  

• Attention to detail and logical reasoning

  
  

• Communication and presentation skills

  
  

• Cross-cultural awareness

  
  

• Ability to apply theory to real-world language use

Personality Type It Suits

This degree suits students who are analytical, curious and detail-oriented, as well as those fascinated by culture, communication and human behaviour. It is also a strong fit for students interested in languages, psychology or computer science.

Career Options After Graduation

Graduates in Linguistics can pursue careers such as:

• Teaching (English, modern languages or English as a Foreign Language)

  
  

• Publishing, Editing and Communications

  
  

• Speech and Language Therapy (with postgraduate study)

  
  

• Forensic Linguistics and Legal Analysis

  
  

• Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing

  
  

• Media, Marketing and PR

  
  

• Translation and Interpretation

  
  

• Research and Academia

Typical Pay After Graduation

Starting salaries for linguistics graduates are typically £22,000–£26,000. With experience, careers in communications, publishing, speech therapy or computational linguistics can reach £35,000–£50,000, while senior roles in academia or industry may exceed £60,000+.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Students

Here are four accessible and engaging books:

“The Power of Babel” by John H. McWhorter – A lively exploration of how languages evolve.

“Through the Language Glass” by Guy Deutscher – On how language shapes the way we see the world.

“The Language Instinct” by Steven Pinker – A classic introduction to the psychology of language.

“How Language Works” by David Crystal – A comprehensive and accessible guide to linguistics.