Your first year lays the foundation for analysing and describing language, focusing on topics such as word and sentence structure (morphology and syntax) and the sounds and sound systems of language (phonetics and phonology).

Alongside your Linguistics modules, you will also choose one foreign language from a choice of French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Latin or Ancient Greek. Module information for all language choices will be available when you begin your course.

You’ll have the option to study your chosen language at beginner or intermediate level, depending on your previous experience.

You will develop your knowledge of core aspects of grammar and sound patterns and 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 developed over time.

Modules

You must take two of the following modules:

Phonological Theory (20 credits)

Syntactic Theory (20 credits)

Pragmatic Theory (20 credits)

You will develop your own interests by choosing from topics linked to your lecturers' research specialisms. These include syntactic and phonological theory, low-education second language and literary acquisition, language origins and evolution, child language acquisition and language change.

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

Compulsory modules

You must select one of the following modules:

Short-form Dissertation 1: English Language and Linguistics (20 credits)

Short-form Dissertation 2: English Language and Linguistics (20 credits)

Long-form Dissertation: English Language and Linguistics (40 credits)