University of Sheffield English Language and Linguistics student - Ask me anything

Hey everyone!

I am a 3rd year English Language and Linguistics student here at the University of Sheffield.

Some facts about me:
- I stayed in University accommodation in my first year (Rivelin, Endcliffe to be exact)
- I have been a part of the English society for the duration of my degree, and have recently joined the feminist society
- I have accepted a place at a school in Sheffield to do my teacher training year starting September 2024. If you have any questions about how to become a teacher, or what the application process involves, please do ask away!
- I have a fair amount of experience with volunteering and the volunteering office at our Student Union; I currently have two voluntary placements across Sheffield
- I am campus tour trained, so any specific questions about buildings or locations are welcome!

I love walking in the Peak District, socialising with friends (especially on fun, themed fancy dress society nights!) and going to the theatre.

I have absolutely loved my time at the University of Sheffield so far, and I have actually fell in love with the city itself so much that I am not sure I'll ever leave!

I am online on Fridays, but if you have a more urgent question, query or discussion topic, feel free to message one of our current students (myself included) on The Ambassador Platform (TAP): https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/chat

I am looking forward to chatting with you all soon!

- Ellie :smile:

Reply 1

Artjen

Do you have any insight into why Sheffield has slipped so far down the Complete University Guide rankings in Linguistics from 2023 to 2024? Whilst appreciating that rankings are not everything! thanks.

Reply 2

Artjen

And also, what laboratory facilities do Linguistics students have access to? thanks again!

Reply 3

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by Artjen

Hi Artjen,

Thank you for your query! I'm going to get into contact with the appropriate people and try and find that out for you. As you said, rankings are not the only factor to consider when choosing a University, or a University course in this case. My experience as an English Language and Linguistics student here at Sheffield has been an amazing one thus far; the support and guidance I have received across the years I have been a student here has been incredible, and the course contents and expertise of my lecturers and tutors has been invaluable for my future endeavours within the Language and Linguistics community. As I am an English Language and Linguistics student, I have studied a broad range of both language, and linguistic modules, in addition to some Literature, Philosophy and Education modules. Optional modules are offered in some courses, including mine, and allow students to pick up modules in areas of interest that may not directly apply to their degree content. For me, as I am going into a teaching career, being able to pick up Education modules in addition to Language and Linguistics modules has been invaluable and was certainly a big attraction to the course for me when I was deciding which University and which course to choose before I started here.

Do you have any specific questions about the structure of the course, or about any modules/research projects? I'm very happy to help! I'll try and get back to you soon with more information regarding the rankings.

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 4

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by Artjen

And also, what laboratory facilities do Linguistics students have access to? thanks again!

Hi Artjen,

Thanks again for your queries! Would you possibly be able to give me a little more detail as to what facilities you are specifically referring to? Do you mean laboratory facilities that are used as a part of the course structure itself, or just the general laboratory facilities on campus (for example laboratories used exclusively by Biomedical students)?

As I am not exclusively a Linguistics student, I may not have undertaken modules that required the use of a Laboratory (if there is something specific that you are referring to). A majority of my studies take place in lecture halls and seminar rooms, and we have access to a variety of other facilities (for example, recording studios and journalism suites) to aid us in our research projects, assignments, exams and essays.

I hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing back from you :smile:

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 5

agb436

hi, i am looking to apply for English Language & Linguistics for 2024. do you have any advice as for personal statements? i see a lot of people including lots from different books - but personally that isn't what english is all about for me. thank you :smile:

Reply 6

Artjen

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Hi Ellie

Lancaster Uni's Linguistics department for example have recording facilities like you say, but also imaging equipment for brain activity and studying the vocal tract. Newcastle students can also use similar equipment, some shared with the Biosciences department. Eye tracking technology, stuff like that.

Thanks

Reply 7

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader

What's been your favourite area of linguistics to study? :smile:

Reply 8

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by Saracen's Fez

What's been your favourite area of linguistics to study? :smile:

Hi!

Thank you for your question! There are many areas of linguistics that I absolutely love but if I had to choose one I would say Language and Cognition has been my favourite area thus far. It is a second year module, and covers some underpinning theories, concepts and principles surrounding the field of cognitive linguistics. It explores the relationship between the human mind and language itself, which I find absolutely fascinating! I find myself thinking about certain areas of language and cognition in general day-to-day conversations; you'd be surprised how many linguistic theories and concepts you begin to notice and apply to your everyday life once you begin to delve into the complexities of language. As cognitive linguistics is a relatively new area of research, there is also plenty of scope for new studies in certain areas, which results in very interesting seminar discussions as this module gives students the necessary information to begin to undertake their own investigations into the world of language and cognition :smile:

Have you found any particular areas that spark your interest/any favourites? I'd love to hear about them!

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 9

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by agb436

Hello!

Thank you for your question! One piece of advice I would give regarding writing a personal statement for this course is to demonstrate your love and passion for the area. I completely agree that a lot of English-related personal statement advice does in fact relate to writing about and discussing the books they have read and enjoyed, and if this isn't the angle you'd like to approach the PS at, then that is absolutely fine.

By demonstrating some understanding of Language and Linguistics in an everyday context, you will be showing the person reading your statement that you have a clear interest and focus within the area. This could include sociolinguistic aspects (if you did English Language at A-Level, this includes areas such as language and gender, occupational language, language change etc) and aspects of daily communication that you find interesting (for example, the use of irony or raised intonation). The area of linguistics that sparked my initial interest in this degree course is how children acquire language. By discussing my interest in the area, my own personal experience of seeing my younger siblings acquire language and how I am greatly looking forward to exploring and researching this area further, this demonstrated that I have a clear desire and passion for the course. Other very interesting areas that my course mates and friends discussed within their PS actually referenced the TV show Vikings, as within that show Old English is spoken, and an area they were most interested in surrounded language change and historical linguistics.

Do you have a particular area of interest yet? As you can see, there is a multitude of different avenues you could take when writing a PS. I hope this helps!

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 10

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by Artjen

Hi Artjen,

Thank you for clarifying this. I am currently in the process of getting into contact with the relevant people who will be able to give me the specific list of facilities available to students, which I will attach to this thread as soon as I am able. As I have never had the need to use such facilities (due to the modules I have chosen thus far in my degree) I cannot speak from experience unfortunately. However, I do know that we have the Philippa Cottam Communication Clinic on campus, which is a clinic that gives students studying human communication*sciences courses the opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies. I also know that the Medical Teaching Unit on campus is where our students work alongside trainee medics to gain an excellent foundation for understanding human physiology and developmental biology, and I am sure that they have an array of similar equipment to what you have referenced.

Have you considered attending an open day here at the University? It will give you an opportunity to talk to professionals in the area you are interested in, and allow you to see the campus itself. I hope this helps, and apologies for the delayed response - I will find out as much as I can for you regarding the specific facilities!

-Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 11

KatieWestley

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

Hey everyone!
I am a 3rd year English Language and Linguistics student here at the University of Sheffield.
Some facts about me:
- I stayed in University accommodation in my first year (Rivelin, Endcliffe to be exact)
- I have been a part of the English society for the duration of my degree, and have recently joined the feminist society
- I have accepted a place at a school in Sheffield to do my teacher training year starting September 2024. If you have any questions about how to become a teacher, or what the application process involves, please do ask away!
- I have a fair amount of experience with volunteering and the volunteering office at our Student Union; I currently have two voluntary placements across Sheffield
- I am campus tour trained, so any specific questions about buildings or locations are welcome!
I love walking in the Peak District, socialising with friends (especially on fun, themed fancy dress society nights!) and going to the theatre.
I have absolutely loved my time at the University of Sheffield so far, and I have actually fell in love with the city itself so much that I am not sure I'll ever leave!
I am online on Fridays, but if you have a more urgent question, query or discussion topic, feel free to message one of our current students (myself included) on The Ambassador Platform (TAP): https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/chat
I am looking forward to chatting with you all soon!
- Ellie :smile:

Hi there. Can you let me know what living in Rivelin Halls was like? I'm hoping to stay there myself next year.

Reply 12

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by KatieWestley

Hi there. Can you let me know what living in Rivelin Halls was like? I'm hoping to stay there myself next year.

Hi Katie!

I really enjoyed my time at Rivelin in first year. I was lucky enough to have a deluxe room, but the standard en suite rooms were still a decent size. The accent wall in Rivelin is red (unless they have changed it since I stayed there) and the block itself was refurbished in the summer of 2022. The kitchen/living area is huge which made the social aspect so much better as we could host pre drinks and movie nights etc for our friends outside of the flat. Location wise its just round the corner from the botanical gardens which was lovely in summer, and it used to take me 20 minutes ish to get to the main University campus.

If you have any specific questions about things that I haven't mentioned here then feel free to ask away!

Ellie 🙂 (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 13

MrsProgers

Hi, how long does it take to get to the Edge from Rivelin?

Reply 14

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by MrsProgers

Hi, how long does it take to get to the Edge from Rivelin?

Hi!

Walking from Rivelin to the Edge took me around 3-4 minutes, if that. It is quite a short, direct walk that I used to do quite regularly and the Edge never felt far away from my flat. Hope this helps!

Ellie 🙂

Reply 15

seyaramudalige

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

Hey everyone!
I am a 3rd year English Language and Linguistics student here at the University of Sheffield.
Some facts about me:
- I stayed in University accommodation in my first year (Rivelin, Endcliffe to be exact)
- I have been a part of the English society for the duration of my degree, and have recently joined the feminist society
- I have accepted a place at a school in Sheffield to do my teacher training year starting September 2024. If you have any questions about how to become a teacher, or what the application process involves, please do ask away!
- I have a fair amount of experience with volunteering and the volunteering office at our Student Union; I currently have two voluntary placements across Sheffield
- I am campus tour trained, so any specific questions about buildings or locations are welcome!
I love walking in the Peak District, socialising with friends (especially on fun, themed fancy dress society nights!) and going to the theatre.
I have absolutely loved my time at the University of Sheffield so far, and I have actually fell in love with the city itself so much that I am not sure I'll ever leave!
I am online on Fridays, but if you have a more urgent question, query or discussion topic, feel free to message one of our current students (myself included) on The Ambassador Platform (TAP): https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/chat
I am looking forward to chatting with you all soon!
- Ellie :smile:

Hi, do you know by when the international students should submit their IELTS results? Thank you!

Reply 16

Anonymous #1

Hi, do you know by when the international students should submit their IELTS results? Thank you!

Reply 17

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by seyaramudalige

Hi, do you know by when the international students should submit their IELTS results? Thank you!

Hi!

I would recommend getting into contact with the department itself, or the designated contact for your region. You can find a contacts page via this link here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/contact/team . Which course are you interested in applying to/have applied to?

I hope this helps!

Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)