Linguistics is the study of natural language. It covers the study of language structure (grammar), the study of meaning (semantics) and the social functions of language (sociolinguistics). It is a popular and expanding subject within NTU. This course will equip you with the tools for analysing language and for conducting your own research. You will discuss the immense power that our language has to construct and to constrain meaning.
To study this course you will not need any prior knowledge of grammar, foreign languages or technical terminology. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of language description and to some applications of linguistic theory. Throughout the course you will be introduced to ways in which linguists carry out research. Through this you will learn how to record and transcribe naturally occurring language, how to arrive at a hypothesis and how to test it scientifically.
We have recently launched several new modules which draw on our staff’s own and other contemporary research. This means that you will be studying the very latest developments in clinical linguistics, media discourse and child language acquisition.
Any questions?
General course enquiries
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Admissions enquiries
Telephone: +44(0)115 848 4200
Please note the following information for applicants
What will I study?
Year One
- Exploring English Language
- Introduction to Language and Linguistics
Year Two
- Child Language Acquisition
- Discourse Analysis
- Phonetics
- Communication Disorders
- Language and the Mind
- Semantics
- Sociolinguistics
Year Three
- Clinical Linguistics
- Language, Gender and Sexuality
- Clinical Pragmatics
- Media Discourse
- Literary Linguistics
- Pragmatics
- Psycholinguistics
- Dissertation
For full details of the modules available and details of what you will be able to study please download our module booklet. 
Degree options and UCAS codes
Linguistics is taken in combination with one or two of the following subjects as part of the BA Joint Honours programme. The number in brackets is the UCAS code for a Joint Honours degree in Linguistics alongside the listed subject:
- Chinese (Mandarin) (TQ11)
- Communication and Society (LQ31)
- English (QQ13)
- Film and TV (PQ3C)
- French (RQ11)
- German (RQ21)
- Global Studies (LQ91)
- History (QV11)
- International Relations (QL12)
- Italian (RQ31)
- Media (PQ31)
- Philosophy (VQ51)
- Spanish (RQ41).
How do you study?
The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects and a third drawn from a wide range of subjects within the School (including the University Language Programme). This enables greater flexibility in course selection. At the end of year one, students have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway.
How will I learn?
We use a range of assessment methods including essays, class tests, examinations, oral or poster presentations, and project work. By using different methods we ensure that your learning experience is varied and gives you transferable skills you can put into practice for years to come.
Your future career
During this course you will develop a broad range of skills including effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. This will give you a real advantage when it comes to securing a graduate-level job.
Recent graduates are working in the following areas: speech and language therapy, law, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, finance, and film and television scriptwriting.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all of our courses are vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
You can apply for this course through the UCAS website.
Find out more about applying for an undergraduate course at NTU.
