This degree will appeal to you if you are interested in and enjoy language: not just learning languages, but finding out how language works and what it does. It combines the opportunity to learn one or more languages with a study of theoretical linguistics.
The University Prospectus lists our normal offers. These are what we would generally make to students who apply to read for a degree programme in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. However, we look at all parts of your application ― GCSE results, reference, personal statement ― so the actual offer made to any individual may vary slightly from the normal offer.
If you are studying at a school in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, we will generally set the offer at ABC at A Level, preferably with a good grade in English Language or a foreign language (and we find students with good grades in a science subject often make good linguists). The lowest A Level can be replaced with two AS Levels at the same grade. This offer does not include General Studies A Level. If you study at a school in Scotland, we will generally set the offer at AABBB at Higher Grade (you can combine Highers and Advanced Highers). If you are taking an Access Course, or if you are studying for other qualifications, either in the UK or abroad, then you should contact the Selector: Dr. Hermann Moisl (hermann.moisl@ncl.ac.uk).
STAGE 1 LINGUISTICS
Introduction to English Syntax (10 credits) looks at sentence structures and ways of analysing them, and Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology (10 credits) is concerned with the sounds of language. Both modules teach you to think logically and analytically about language, using approaches from modern linguistics.
Introduction to historical linguistics (20 credits) traces the development of the English language from the earliest times to the present day.
The nature of language (10 credits) approaches the big questions in language study, introducing key figures in the field and topics such as humans, animals and language; language acquisition; language change; language and society; meaning and communication; and language and the mind.
Topics in language (20 credits) leads on from ‘The nature of language’, expanding on some of the topics and preparing for future work, for instance by considering standard and regional varieties of British and American English and ways of collecting, evaluating and displaying data about them.
Academic skills (10 credits) helps you to develop essential skills in researching and writing, mainly through web-based exercises.
Foreign language modules (40 credits) chosen from one of the following: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese or Japanese. You may start from scratch, or work from previous experience at GCSE or A level (or equivalent), depending on the language.
STAGES 2 and 3 LINGUISTICS
You take modules to the value of 120 credits in each of Stages 2 and 3. Over the two Stages you must take modules to the credit value given below (in brackets). The modules on offer differ somewhat from year to year, but for current modules please see Undergraduate Modules 2007-8 .
Core Linguistics/Language (taken in Stage 2) (Band 1) (40 credits)
Topics in linguistic theory (Band 2) (100 credits)
Extended study (taken in Stage 3) (Band 11) (20 credits)
Further modules from Bands 2 to 3 (80 credits)
(Up to 60 credits may be replaced by foreign language modules)
STAGE MANUALS (updating in progress)