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The linguistics topics you study are broadly similar to our Single Honours Linguistics degree.

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) and language variation and change.

Your language tuition involves two hours a week on speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.

You'll also have a weekly one-hour German grammar lesson. You complement this with classes aimed at helping you understand the culture and society of the countries where German is spoken.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Level B (HE Intermediate) German 20
The Nature of Language 20
Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Syntax and Phonology 20
Introduction to the Structure of Language 2: Morphology and Meaning 20
Language Variation and Change: Dealing with Data 20
Optional Modules Credits
Introduction to German history, culture and society 20
Introduction to Linguistics 20

The linguistics topics you study at stage 2 are broadly similar to our Single Honours Linguistics degree.

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.

In your German modules in the School of Modern Languages, you’ll develop your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. You’ll also develop your understanding of the culture and society of German-speaking countries, in preparation for your year abroad.

In addition, you can take modules in beginners' Dutch.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Level C (HE Advanced) German 20
Phonological Theory 20
Syntactic Theory 20
Year Abroad Preparation 0
Optional Modules Credits
Beginners' Dutch 20
Sociolinguistics 20
Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20
Monsters, Misery & Miracles: Heroic Life in Old English Poetry 20
Speakers as Wordsmiths: the creation of new words in present-day English 20
Experimental Methods in Linguistics 20
Multilingualism 20
Pragmatic Theory 20
CHiLD: Current Hypotheses in Language Development 20
It's not what you say, it's how you say it: Prosody and intonation 20
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition 20

You will spend your third year studying or working in a German-speaking country.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Year Abroad Tutor Posts 100
Optional Modules
You take one of the following optional modules:

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

You will also start an independent project. During this project you'll lead your own research in close collaboration with a faculty supervisor.

You can select your remaining modules from an array of choices, each of which is closely aligned with your lecturers’ active research specialisms. These currently include:

  • comparative syntax
  • phonological theory
  • second language acquisition
  • language origins and evolution
  • child language acquisition
  • language change

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Advanced Writing Skills 10
Optional Modules Credits
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Language for Professional & Academic Purposes 10
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Translation & Interpreting 10
Sociolinguistics 20
Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20
Monsters, Misery & Miracles: Heroic Life in Old English Poetry 20
Speakers as Wordsmiths: the creation of new words in present-day English 20
Experimental Methods in Linguistics 20
Multilingualism 20
Pragmatic Theory 20
It's not what you say, it's how you say it: Prosody and intonation 20
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition 20
Origins and Evolution of Language 20
Language in the City 20
Extended Study 1: Linguistics and English Language 20
Extended Study 2: Linguistics and English Language 20
Language and Ageing 20
Comparative Syntax: English in a cross-linguistic context 20
Advanced Second Language Acquisition 20
Laboratory Phonology 20
From Input to Output: The Blackbox of Child Language Acquisition 20
Philosophy of Linguistics 20
Medieval and Early Modern Meaning: English Historical Semantics 20
Dissertation 20