Linguistics

BA (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Hons) NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

Language is something we take for granted but it is one of the most important skills we possess as human beings. It is hard to imagine any activity that does not involve language in some way. This makes linguistics (the scientific study of language) one of the most intriguing and interesting subjects. Linguistics asks, and answers, such questions as:

  • How are languages structured?
  • How is language acquired?
  • Why do no we not all speak the same way?

By studying linguistics you will find the answers to these and other questions. Some of the answers may surprise you, and some will prompt you to explore more profound and interesting questions.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

First Year
Modules are introductory in nature and provide an overview of the many interesting topics dealt with in Linguistics, including:

  • The sounds used in languages
  • The structure and meaning of words and sentences
  • The way language is acquired by children
  • How we use language to express ourselves and to communicate with others

Modules include: Language Acquisition & Language Disruption, Sounds in Languages, Language Use & Communication,Words & Sentences.

Second & Final Years
Modules provide a more in-depth analysis of the areas already introduced, as well as looking at other areas such as:

  • Global English
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Minority & Endangered Languages
  • Introduction to Translation
  • Meaning in Language
  • Corpus Linguistics
  • First Language Acquisition
  • Language Impairment

Linguistics modules comprise a lively mix of lectures and tutorials and hands-on exercises.

Assessment involves a stimulating combination of essays, language data problem sets, group projects, exams and presentations, so that students can fully demonstrate their learning and understanding.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why Study Linguistics at UCD (a student perspective)

How Will I Study
Study Linguistics
Study Linguistics (BSc Social Sciences) as a minor with one of the following:
Sociology Philosophy
Politics & International Relations Geography
International Study Opportunities

Students of Linguistics have availed of opportunities to study abroad as part of their BA, at universities in:

  • Augsburg, Germany
  • Paris, France
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Valladolid, Spain,
  • Bilbao, Spain,
  • North Carolina, USA
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Tokyo, Japan
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Studying Linguistics develops essential skills that will allow you to pursue a diverse range of careers, including:

  • Speech and language therapy
  • Language teaching
  • Editing & publishing
  • Journalism
  • Social Media
  • Business
  • Advertising
  • Software development
  • Database analysis

Some of these careers may involve graduate study beyond linguistics, but students can also pursue MA and PhD studies in one of the many areas of linguistics, as well as related areas such as cognitive science, computer science or sociology.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“Linguistics has offered me so much in expanding my understanding of language and how it is acquired and used. Through Linguistics, I have developed my critical thinking and my research skills, helping me excel in college. This has also been a useful tool in my life. Initially, I chose linguistics as my third subject but it quickly became my favourite. This was thanks to the exciting course content as well as the incredibly talented lecturers and staff, making for a truly enjoyable experience.”

Jason Andres, Graduate

Contact Information

UCD School of Languages, Cultures & Linguistics
Newman,
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 8302
Email: slcl@ucd.ie

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