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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: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology 20
Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics and pragmatics 20
Dealing with Data 20
Optional Modules Credits
Introduction to German history, culture and society 20
Introduction to Linguistics 20
Academic Study and Research Skills 0

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
Sociolinguistics 20
Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20
Pragmatic Theory 20
CHiLD: Current Hypotheses in Language Development 20
Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching 20
Experimental Practicum 20
Philosophy of Linguistics 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 develop your own interests by choosing from topics linked to your lecturers' research specialisms. These include syntactic and phonological theory, second language acquisition, language origins and evolution, child language acquisition and language change. 

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

 

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Level D (HE Further Advanced): German for Professional and Academic Purposes 20

You will also choose one of the following three modules:

ModuleCredits
Short-form Dissertation 1: English Language and Linguistics 20
Short-form Dissertation 2: English Language and Linguistics 20
Dissertation/T&I Project  20
Optional Modules Credits
Sociolinguistics 20
Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20
Pragmatic Theory 20
CHiLD: Current Hypotheses in Language Development 20
Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching 20
Philosophy of Linguistics 20
Short-form Dissertation 1: English Language and Linguistics 20
Short-form Dissertation 2: English Language and Linguistics 20
Language and Ageing 20
Advanced Second Language Acquisition 20
Laboratory Phonology 20
Medieval and Early Modern Meaning: English Historical Semantics 20
Current Issues in Linguistics 20
New Words in English 20
Dissertation/T&I Project 20