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.

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
International Study Opportunities

Students of Linguistics have availed of opportunities to study abroad as part of their course. Exchange options include:

  • 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
  • Localisation and Global Content Management
  • Natural Language Processing
Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I chose to study Linguistics because I was curious about the way people speak. I wanted to know how accents are formed and how different factors such as age, gender or class influence the way you talk. I wanted to know why I couldn’t shake my foreign accent when speaking German. If you find any of this interesting, Linguistics is for you. One of my favourite parts of studying Linguistics at UCD is the faculty. The professors and lecturers are some of the most down to earth, open and lovely people, whilst also being superb and engaging educators. The other part is the realisation that a world without language is a world without humanity, and, with the knowledge I now have I would like to think I know a little more about what makes humans tick.”

Oisin O’Sullivan, Student

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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