Program Overview

---

Linguistics with Chinese or Japanese BA Honours

Overview

This four-year degree concentrates on developing your understanding of how languages work, how we communicate, and the growth of language in the mind. You'll explore linguistics in the context of English and either the Chinese or Japanese language.

Course Structure

The course is divided into four stages, each lasting one academic year. You'll complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

Your stage 1 modules will lay the foundation for in-depth analysis and description of language. They focus on topics such as:

• The structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax)
• The sounds and sound systems of language (phonetics and phonology)
• Language acquisition and language variation and change

Your language modules in the School of Modern Languages will provide you with a solid foundation in the language systems (grammar, orthography, and phonetics) of Mandarin Chinese or Japanese.

Stage 2

In your linguistics modules, you'll develop your knowledge of core aspects of grammar and sound patterns. You'll also work on how these apply to a range of languages.

You'll broaden your understanding of language study by exploring the social context in which languages are learned, used, and how they change over time.

In your Mandarin Chinese or Japanese modules, you'll continue to develop your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in preparation for your year abroad.

Stage 3

Your third year will be spent studying in either China or Japan. You'll have the opportunity to improve your language skills and confidence, and gain a first-hand appreciation for the language in context.

Stage 4

You'll continue to study advanced language modules in your chosen language, reflecting the fluency you will have gained during your year abroad.

You will also start an independent project, leading your own research in close collaboration with a faculty supervisor.

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

• Compulsory Modules:
  • The Nature of Language
  • Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology
  • Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
  • Dealing with Data
• Optional Modules:
  • Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese I
  • Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese II
  • Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese I
  • Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese II
  • Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese I
  • Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese II
  • Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese I
  • Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese II

Teaching and Assessment

You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops, and film screenings, plus weekly study groups.

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Coursework
• Dissertation or research project
• Essays
• Examinations – practical or online
• Group work
• Interviews
• Presentations
• Projects
• Reflective report/journal

Facilities and Environment

You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language, and Linguistics. The School is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus.

You'll have access to:

• A library of 1.4 million books and 54,000 journals on 26km of shelving
• The Percy Building's student common rooms, study areas, and café
• Northern Stage, Great North Museum & the Hatton Gallery for events and exhibitions
• The Students' Union for shops, societies, and gigs
• A digital media lab for developing documentaries and film-making
• The School of Modern Languages' Language Resource Centre

Your Future

English Language and Linguistics students acquire a range of valuable skills which equip them to pursue diverse career paths.

Your training can be used in:

• Teaching English as a foreign language
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Advertising, branding, and marketing
• Information services and data science

You will gain skills such as critical reasoning and problem-solving, project and data management, oral and written communication, collaboration, and independent research.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and we accept a broad range of qualifications.

The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2026 entry.

• A-Level: ABB. We welcome candidates with an A Level in Psychology, Sociology, Maths, or other Sciences.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 32 points. Candidates who have some background in Maths and Science may be interested in the cognitive/brain science and quantitative elements of the course. Candidates who prefer Arts and Humanities subjects may be interested in the historical, sociological, and literary elements of the course.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.

• Qualification: BA Honours Full-time: 4 years
  • Home students: Full-time: 4 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) Not Set
  • International students: Full-time: 4 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) £24,500

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year Abroad and Additional Costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Open Days and Events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.

You'll be able to:

• Explore our beautiful campus
• Find out about our vibrant city
• Discover what students think about studying at Newcastle

You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.

How to Apply

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• The UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• The UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• The UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Get in Touch

Call us on +44 (0) and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

Fill in our enquiry form

Receive regular updates by email

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on WeChat Follow us on Twitter

You May Be Interested In

• Chinese Studies OR Japanese Studies BA Honours
• Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours
• Modern Languages BA Honours

PAGE MENU

• Clearing
• Course Overview
• Quality & Ranking
• Modules & Learning
• Opportunities
• Facilities & Environment
• Your Future
• Entry Requirements
• Tuition Fees & Scholarships
  • How to apply
  • Support for your application
  • Sign up for an Open Day

Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU

Telephone: +44 (0)

Support us

• Press Office
• Job Vacancies at Newcastle University
• Maps & Directions
• University Site Index
• Freedom of Information
• Accessibility
• Policies & Procedures
• Photography Credits
• Legal
• Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement

Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat Weibo WeChat YouTube

Social media directory

Contact Us

2025 Newcastle University

    ```python