Program Overview

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The Language and Linguistics course aims to give students foundational knowledge of the areas of linguistic theory and its applications. These areas include

phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, historical linguistics, language acquisition

and

discourse analysis.

Primary teaching methods involve a mix of lectures and seminars both of which are heavily centred around working with examples of language data. In addition, a central element of a linguistics programme is the experience of independently collecting and analysing data and we aim to develop this skill in our students from the very first semester of the degree. Independent study and reading is also essential and the necessary study skills for independent study are developed over the three years of the degree. Assessment is by a mixture of data analysis exercises, essay based assignments, data centred research projects and formal examinations. The teaching team is made up of

international, research-active linguists

, educated in major Universities of Europe and the US.

We have designed our course to give you the flexibility to undertake a pathway which best suits your needs, so Language & Linguistics can be studied in conjunction with

Counselling Studies

. This allows you to combine your interest in language with the study of a vocational area in which effective use of language is central.

In second year, you can

study abroad

for a semester, for example in Switzerland, Germany or the US.

The programme offers students the opportunity to take up

placements

both locally and internationally in which their linguistics skills are applied in a range of English language teaching contexts.

The course lasts three years full-time. This course is also available by part-time study that can take a total of five years part-time.

Language and linguistics is a very mixed discipline. It is technical and analytical; it also requires personal reflection and observation, combined with a challenging attitude. The most important attribute that a candidate can have is a

genuine and passionate interest in language and language use.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

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Attendance

Each module usually involves two hours of lectures plus a one hour seminar each week. In addition, students are required to undertake substantial directed independent learning.

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Start dates

September 2023

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Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Students are taught primarily in blocks of two-hour lectures, plus one week of seminar per week. With three modules per semester, this means that the students would be in University for three days a week.

Assessement of the course is done through a variety of ways: coursework (individual and group), presentations, weekly assignments but also examinations.

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Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.