About This Course
We tend to take our ability to produce and understand speech for granted until we try to learn another language, watch how a child learns a first language, or witness the effects of language handicap. Linguistics is the study of language structure and use, how languages are acquired, how they are used, and how they may be impaired. Because speech is so central to our existence it is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study.
Linguistics is the study of how language works and is used. Linguists look at not only how people learn, understand and speak language, but also at the way different people use language differently. Linguistics has a theoretical dimension but also an applied dimension – such as language technology, language policy and language in education.
The kinds of topics which are usually possible to study during your course also include how the brain categorises language, how children acquire a new language, historical changes in language grammar, and how we express meaning via the way we speak.
In the first instance you will learn about the grammar of English and/or Welsh (there are both English- and Welsh-medium modules available in each year), but you will also be able to find out about the grammars and speakers of other languages.
The role of languages in multilingual societies is another key feature in many of the modules you can take. Bilingualism – meaning a person’s ability to use more than one language, but also referring to communities where multiple languages are used – is a norm in many parts of the world, and you will get the chance to examine languages in their different social, political and cultural contexts, through the lens of linguistics. You will have the opportunity to learn about the ways in which different languages are different or similar in terms of their grammar, how society and language go hand-in-hand, and the functions and status that different languages have across the world.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Linguistics: Top 10 for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2019, 2020 & 2021).
- Teaching staff are active researchers - many with international reputations in the field.
- Excellent facilities, including an extensive book collection, recording and experimental equipment, and language laboratory.
- This course is an ideal foundation for many careers, e.g. teaching & caring professions, language technologies, speech and language therapy, editing and proofreading, and roles in communications.
Course Content
This course will be taught by a combination of lectures, tutorials and/or seminars, depending on the module and level. You will choose 120 credits of modules relating to Linguistics each year, where you start by learning the foundational knowledge required to study in this field in the different subdisciplines (year 1), proceeding to more in-depth intermediate-level study (year 2), before choosing what areas to specialize in (year 3). Modules are assessed on the basis of different kinds of coursework, including essays, reports, oral presentations, tests, exams, data analysis, etc. You will do a dissertation in your final year which represents an original research project which you will undertake under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
Most walks of life benefit from having language experts on their team. As a graduate of this course you will have the knowledge and understanding needed to go into fields like the media, translation, interpreting, publishing, teaching, civil service, speech therapy, community work (e.g. related to language policy and engagement), etc. In some cases you will need further training and qualifications beyond what this course provides. A career in research is also an option, as is postgraduate study.
EXPLORE MORE IN LINGUISTICS
Studying linguistics will enable you to learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. At Bangor you will study the ‘science’ behind language, including sounds (phonetics, phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), and meaning (semantics).
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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