Linguistics
BA Honours
- UCAS code: Q100
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2020
Explore how language works, how it is structured and what it does, from the physical properties of speech, to how languages change over time, in this linguistics degree.
Fees (per year)
- UK/EU: £9250
- International: £18000
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAA-ABB
- IB: 34-36 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This three-year Linguistics BA Honours degree focuses on developing your understanding of how languages work, how we communicate, and the growth of language in the brain. You'll build a firm base of skills and knowledge to pursue many career paths.
As well as studying a modern language, you'll also follow a cutting-edge degree programme shaped by the research specialisms of our world-leading staff. This ensures your studies explore the latest ideas and most exciting areas of linguistics, such as:
- computational linguistics
- language variation and change
- psycholinguistics
- theoretical linguistics
You'll become a confident and competent professional by learning about fundamental topics in linguistics, such as; phonetics, grammar and sound patterns and the social contexts in which languages are learnt.
Quality and ranking
- 7th in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
- 94% overall student satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019
- top 100 – Linguistics category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
- top 200 – Arts and Humanities category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research, and course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or numbers of students interested in an optional module.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Your first year lays the foundation for analysing and describing language, focusing on topics such as word and sentence structure and general phonetics/phonology.
In addition, you will choose one foreign language to study intensively, from a selection of ancient and modern languages across the School of Modern Languages and the School of History, Classics and Archaeology.
Modules
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Level B (HE Intermediate) French | 20 |
| Level B (HE Intermediate) German | 20 |
| Introduction to Linguistics | 20 |
| Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish | 20 |
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
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Phonological Theory | 20 |
| Syntactic Theory | 20 |
You will develop your own interests by choosing from topics linked to your lecturers’ research specialisms. These include syntactic and phonological theory; low-educated second language and literacy acquisition; language origins and evolution; child language acquisition; language change; and discourse analysis.
There are extended study and dissertation modules that give you the chance to investigate a topic that you are passionate about.
Modules
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings, plus weekly study groups.
You also spend around 25 hours per week on class preparation, reading, writing, and other forms of independent research recommended by your tutor.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
Skills and experience
Practical experience
Studying at Newcastle means you will benefit from regular field trips organised by the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. These include visits to:
- The Wordsworth Trust (Dove Cottage)
- Lindisfarne
- Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children's Books)
- Beamish Museum
- the Great North Museum
- Northern Stage
Business skills
You'll have the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in the cultural industries in Stage 3. This experience will develop your communication and management skills as well as your ability to work in a team.
Research skills
You can complete a dissertation in your third year, investigating a topic that you are passionate about. You will also be offered a range of opportunities to participate in staff research projects.
Chat to a student
Studying at Newcastle means that I haven't had to choose between my love of linguistics and my love of foreign languages - I can pursue both my passions with the support of two dedicated faculties to guide me.
Opportunities
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in your second year. We have links with:
- Agder University, Kristiansand, Norway
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Ghent, Belgium
- Groningen, Netherlands
- Leiden, Netherlands
- Leipzig, Germany
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
We also have study abroad links with three universities in Canada – Dalhousie, McGill and New Brunswick – available through our Non-EU Study Abroad exchange programme.
Find out more about Study Abroad
Work placement
In the third year of your degree you can apply to undertake a work placement in a cultural industry. This is an opportunity for you to relate the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout your degree and apply them to real-world scenarios.
Your placement will be an integrated part of your degree which will last for one day per week for about 10 weeks. It will be assessed through the submission of a Project Work Diary and a Final Report which together form the Placement Portfolio.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus, in the Percy Building. You'll join a lively community of students, academics, authors and professionals.
You'll have access to a digital media lab – for students with documentary and film-making modules – a PC cluster, a student-led cafe, and plenty of spaces to work and socialise, all based in the School.
You will have exceptional library provision from our award-winning Library Service, which houses over one million books and a huge range of electronic resources.
Newcastle University Students' Union is home to the award-winning student newspaper, The Courier, giving you the opportunity to develop your creative writing and journalism skills.
Our teaching is closely linked to the programme of the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA), giving you regular contact with leading creative artists. You'll also have access to the diverse programme of events organised by NCLA throughout the year, including spoken-word events and creative writing courses.
Find out more about the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Visiting speakers
The School hosts an annual visiting speakers' programme and poetry readings and film screenings also take place during the year, organised by students or staff.
Your future
English students acquire a range of valuable skills, which they can transfer to many different employment situations. Your literary and linguistic training can be used in journalism, librarianship, teaching and the highly competitive fields of writing, acting and directing.
You will also gain other skills such as the capacity to analyse and summarise material, to communicate, to work to a deadline, to argue a case, to work independently as well as collaboratively, and to think logically.
This is excellent preparation for a wide number of professions and as such, our graduates have gone on to a variety of career areas including editorial, marketing, PR and other forms of media. Others have gone to work in law, politics, HR, teaching and supporting specialist learning.
Employability at Newcastle
96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.
Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).
Make a difference
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ inititiative.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
A Level
AAA-ABB
International Baccalaureate
34-36 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)
UK Students
£9250
International Students
£18000
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
There's no better way to get a feel for Newcastle University than to come and visit our beautiful campus, located in one of the UK's most exciting student cities. The dates are now confirmed for our Undergraduate 2020 Open Days:
• Friday 26 June
• Saturday 27 June
• Saturday 19 September
Each open day is from 9am to 4pm.
Sign up for alerts, and we'll let you know when you can book to attend next Open Day.
You can also meet us at exhibitions across the UK.
Or you can join us for an event at our London Campus.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
We don't have any virtual events scheduled at the moment. Keep checking our events calendar for more information.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By Phone
Contact us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333. We're open 9.00 to 17.00 every week day except Wednesday (10.00 to 17.00).