Linguistics
Stages 2 and 3 then give you the chance to extend your understanding, with various options introducing variations and varieties of English.
You also get to choose from a range of special topics, such as:
- semantics
- pragmatics
- the sociology of language
- the psychology of language
Offered by the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.
You have the chance to socialise with other students via the lively and active English Society

Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
Students taking three subjects in Stage 1 must take the following 40 credits:
Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
SEL1027 | Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Syntax and Phonology | 20 | 1 |
SEL1032 | Language Variation and Change: Dealing with Data (Pre-requisite SEL1027) | 20 | 2 |
Candidates taking two subjects in Stage 1 must take the above 40 credits, and either:
Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
SEL1008 | The Nature of Language | 20 | 1 |
SEL1028 | Introduction to the Structure of Language 2: Morphology and Meaning (Pre-requisite SEL1027) |
20 | 2 |
You should select a minimum of 40 credits and maximum of 80 credits from the modules below.
Note: Students choosing Stage 2 modules in Linguistics should note that some modules in Stage 3 have pre-requisites, so you will need to check what Stage 3 modules you're interested in and plan your module selection appropriately. You will not be allowed to take a module at Stage 3 if you have not passed the appropriate pre-requisite module or modules at Stage 2.
Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
SEL2000 | Phonological Theory (Pre-requisites SEL1027) | 20 | 1 |
SEL2086 | Introduction to Child and Adult Language Acquisition (Pre-requisites SEL1027) | 20 | 1 |
SEL2089 | Syntactic Theory (Pre-requisite SEL1027) | 20 | 1 |
SEL2091 | Sociolinguistics (Pre-requisites SEL1027 & SEL1032) | 20 | 1 |
SEL2212 | Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties (Pre-requisite SEL1032) | 20 | 2 |
SEL2223 | Speakers as Wordsmiths: the Creation of New Words in Present-Day English (Pre-requisite: SEL1027) |
20 | 2 |
SEL2229 | Experiential Methods in Linguistics (Pre-requisites SEL1027 and SEL1032) | 20 | 2 |
SEL2230 | Multilingualism (Pre-requisite SEL2086) | 20 | 2 |
SEL2234 | Pragmatics (Pre-requisites SEL1027 and SEL1028) (Capped at 45) | 20 | 1 |
You should select a minimum of 40 credits and maximum of 80 credits from the below table. You may opt to replace one of these modules by a module offered in Stage 2.
Many modules in Stage 3 contain pre-requisites so you will need to plan your module selection appropriately. You will not be allowed to take a module if you have not passed the appropriate pre-requisite module or modules.
Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
SEL3006 | Topics in Phonological Theory (Pre-requisite SEL2000) (Capped at 60) | 20 | 2 |
SEL3046 | English Grammar through Time (Pre-requisite SEL1027) | 20 | 1 |
SEL3056 | Language in the City (Pre-requisite SEL2091) (Capped at 60) | 20 | 2 |
SEL3326 | Extended Study 1: Linguistics and English Language | 20 | 1 |
SEL3327 | Extended Study 2: Linguistics and English Language | 20 | 2 |
SEL3349 | The History of Linguistic Ideas (Capped at 60) | 20 | 2 |
SEL3413 | Language and Ageing (Pre-requisite SEL2091) (Capped at 45) | 20 | 1 |
SEL3426 |
Comparative Syntax: English in a cross-linguistic context (Pre-requisites SEL1027 and SEL2089) (Capped at 60) |
20 | 2 |
SEL3430 |
Second Language Acquisition (Pre-requisites SEL1027 and SEL1028) (Capped at 60) |
20 | 1 |
SEL3437 |
Pragmatic Theory (Pre-requisites SEL1027 and SEL1028) (Capped at 30) |
20 | 1 |
SEL3438 |
Child Language Acquisition (Pre-requisite SEL2086) |
20 | 2 |
Get in touch
If you have any questions about choosing this subject as part of your Combined Honours degree, contact us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Subject adviser
Dr Geoff Poole - School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics