Language Studies and Linguistics

What is BA Language Studies and Linguistics?
BA Language Studies and Linguistics is a three-year degree, with opportunities to study abroad, taught at our Colchester campus.

This course combines the scientific study of language with the practical experience of learning and using another language. You'll explore how language works, how it shapes human communication and identity, and develop advanced proficiency in one or more modern languages.

Why this course
Language is central to human interaction, thought, and culture. Studying linguistics enhances our understanding of communication and provides insight into fundamental questions about how people learn, process, and use language.

Linguistics is an increasingly important discipline with connections to psychology, philosophy, education, and artificial intelligence. It also has practical applications in areas such as human rights, language learning technologies, and the analysis of communication in healthcare, legal, and professional settings.

This course offers the best of both worlds: a rigorous grounding in linguistic theory and analysis alongside the opportunity to achieve advanced proficiency in up to two modern languages. You'll graduate with a distinctive combination of analytical, cultural, and language skills that are highly valued by employers.

Who should apply

• Students fascinated by language, communication, and human behaviour

• Those who want to combine linguistic theory with practical language learning

• Learners interested in global cultures, multilingualism, and intercultural communication

• Anyone seeking a degree with both academic depth and strong career relevance

What you’ll learn

• Core linguistics: Study phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics

• Language and society: Explore topics such as multilingualism, language, identity and gender

• Language and cognition: Investigate language impairment, language acquisition, and the relationship between language and the mind

• Meaning and communication: Analyse metaphor, irony, style, and other aspects of language use

• Modern languages: Develop advanced proficiency in up to two languages from French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese

Your learning experience

• Interdisciplinary study: Combine theoretical linguistics with practical language learning

• Flexible language choices: Study up to two modern languages and complete at least one to Proficiency level

• Specialist modules: Explore topics including American Languages, multilingualism, language impairment, and language and identity

• Summer language opportunities: Students starting a language from scratch via the intensive route can access a month-long summer course with fees paid by the University

• Research-led teaching: Learn from academics in a department recognised for world-leading research impact

Careers and outcomes
A BA Language Studies and Linguistics develops a combination of analytical, linguistic, and intercultural skills that are valued across a wide range of professions:

• International business: Applying language expertise in multinational organisations and global markets

• Education and language teaching: Supporting language learning and communication development

• Translation and language services: Facilitating communication across languages and cultures

• Technology and language industries: Contributing to language technologies, AI, and digital communication

• Research and public sector roles: Using linguistic analysis to understand communication, behaviour, and society

• You'll graduate with near-fluent language skills, a sophisticated understanding of language and communication, and the global outlook needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.