Language and Linguistics

Language and Linguistics at Aberdeen is the fascinating exploration of human language and how speech evolved, creating a bridge between sound and meaning. You will study the ways in which we acquire languages as children and adults, how languages vary and change over time and gain the knowledge and skills to open up a wide variety of careers.

Language is the very essence of what makes us human, setting us apart from all other species. Linguistics helps us analyse, discuss and model this fascinating human attribute so that we understand ourselves and human societies more fully. You will explore how languages evolve over time, how the brain processes speech and language, social factors and different dialects of English, how we learn second languages and much more. This is a fast-moving field. Our understanding of language grows all the time with new discoveries in neuroscience, animal behaviour, archaeology and palaeontology, sociology and psychology and new applications of linguistics theory in industry, medicine, and forensic science emerge year on year.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop will make you very attractive to employers, especially if you choose a career in the media, advertising and marketing, information and communication technology, publishing, language teaching and health-related professions such as speech and language therapy or work with blind or deaf people. You will enjoy all the benefits of learning and living in our friendly and vibrant international community, on our beautiful campus with great facilities for learning, sports and leisure and many opportunities to develop the extra skills to boost your employability and to broaden your horizons through studying abroad.

Course Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Language and Linguistics at Aberdeen takes a holistic approach to the subject and you will study a diverse range of courses throughout the programme. You will develop excellent analytical and communication skills that will help you prepare for a wide variety of careers. Some of the courses on offer include Communication and Language in Contemporary Society, Lexis and Semantics, Morphology and Syntax, Philosophy of Language, Discourse Analysis, Sociophonetics and The Sociology of Language.

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.