Advice from a current university student studying English Language and Linguistics

OP

Original post by kijeta

Hi Ellie,
Which A-level subjects, in your opinion, are the most useful for pursueing Linguistics in uni?
Thanks :smile:

Hi Kijeta!

In my opinion, the most useful A-Level you could take to support a linguistics degree is definitely A-Level English Language as it briefly touches upon a few different sectors of linguistics. For example, one area of my English Language A level that sparked my decision to pursue a linguistics degree surrounded the sociolinguistic topics on language and gender, and the theories and areas we explored within the A-Level set me up really well for my studies on the topic at University. Language change was also an area of my A-level that I found incredibly interesting, and at University it supported me a lot with modules in historical linguistics and historical pragmatics 🙂

Other areas that may assist you in pursuing Linguistics at University are dependent on the area of Linguistics you are most interested in, for example if you were most interested in sociolinguistics like I previously mentioned, a sociology A level may be quite beneficial as it will expose you to various sociological theories and concepts - you'd be surprised at how many cross-overs there are between subjects!

I hope this helps!

Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 4

OP

Original post by d7an

what was the process like getting a teaching job whilst in uni? was it difficult due to your age?

Hello!

The process itself was not as difficult as I thought it would be as I had a lot of voluntary experience that really helped me within the interview and application processes. At the University of Sheffield, we have a volunteering hub within the Students Union and I went there quite often to gain experience working in a school environment and with children/students. I would say that this was definitely the most beneficial decision I could have made as it really set me apart from other applicants, so gaining experience is definitely something I would recommend to all aspiring teachers. The careers support team at my University were also on hand to offer any advice, and I also utilised the Teacher Training advisor that is freely offered by the Department for Education to all aspiring teachers.

Alongside my English Language and Linguistics degree, I also had the opportunity to pick up additional modules, so I decided to do two additional modules in the education department to better prepare myself for my teaching journey. I wouldn't say my age had any influence really on the process - they are very welcoming to recent graduates and I know a lot of people that are the same age as myself that are also pursuing a career in teaching 🙂

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away! I hope this helps.

Ellie (3rd year English Language and linguistics student)

Reply 5

kijeta

11

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

Hi Kijeta!

In my opinion, the most useful A-Level you could take to support a linguistics degree is definitely A-Level English Language as it briefly touches upon a few different sectors of linguistics. For example, one area of my English Language A level that sparked my decision to pursue a linguistics degree surrounded the sociolinguistic topics on language and gender, and the theories and areas we explored within the A-Level set me up really well for my studies on the topic at University. Language change was also an area of my A-level that I found incredibly interesting, and at University it supported me a lot with modules in historical linguistics and historical pragmatics 🙂

Other areas that may assist you in pursuing Linguistics at University are dependent on the area of Linguistics you are most interested in, for example if you were most interested in sociolinguistics like I previously mentioned, a sociology A level may be quite beneficial as it will expose you to various sociological theories and concepts - you'd be surprised at how many cross-overs there are between subjects!

I hope this helps!

Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Thanks very much for your response, Ellie.

I don't study English Language for Alevel, but I'm looking to get into linguistics, would that be much of a hinderance?

I have done quite a bit of research on linguistics, whether for my EPQ or otherwise (mostly just bona fide hyperfixations), so I hope that'll remedy the lack of Eng Lang?

On a similar note, is a basic knowledge of linguistics required to get into most unis? Obviously as it's not offered as an A-level subject, I assume most unis won't have expected applicants to know much about it.

Reply 6

OP

Debate & Current Affairs Helper, Study Forum Helper

Original post by kijeta

Thanks very much for your response, Ellie.

I don't study English Language for Alevel, but I'm looking to get into linguistics, would that be much of a hinderance?

I have done quite a bit of research on linguistics, whether for my EPQ or otherwise (mostly just bona fide hyperfixations), so I hope that'll remedy the lack of Eng Lang?

On a similar note, is a basic knowledge of linguistics required to get into most unis? Obviously as it's not offered as an A-level subject, I assume most unis won't have expected applicants to know much about it.

Hi again,

One thing I would hugely recommend checking is the entry requirements for the University course you are looking to apply for as some may have an A-Level in an English related subject as a key condition for entry. By the sounds of it, you already have a base knowledge of linguistics due to the research for you EPQ so if having an English A-Level is not a requirement, you should be absolutely fine as long as this research is detailed within you personal statement alongside the reasons why you have such a keen interest in the area.

I highly doubt most Uni's will have an expectation that you have the equivalent of an A-Level's knowledge on the subject of linguistics, but as I previously said, listing your research and interest in the area within your personal statement will put you in a really good position when it comes to the application process.

If you have any other questions about this, or about writing a personal statement, please feel free to ask away!

I hope this helps! :smile:

Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 7

emm4nuella

19

Original post by kijeta

Thanks very much for your response, Ellie.

I don't study English Language for Alevel, but I'm looking to get into linguistics, would that be much of a hinderance?

I have done quite a bit of research on linguistics, whether for my EPQ or otherwise (mostly just bona fide hyperfixations), so I hope that'll remedy the lack of Eng Lang?

On a similar note, is a basic knowledge of linguistics required to get into most unis? Obviously as it's not offered as an A-level subject, I assume most unis won't have expected applicants to know much about it.

hi @kijeta i don't take english lang a level, but i have applied for linguistics with psychology, sociology and spanish :smile:

Reply 8

Artjen

Original post by kijeta

Thanks very much for your response, Ellie.

I don't study English Language for Alevel, but I'm looking to get into linguistics, would that be much of a hinderance?

I have done quite a bit of research on linguistics, whether for my EPQ or otherwise (mostly just bona fide hyperfixations), so I hope that'll remedy the lack of Eng Lang?

On a similar note, is a basic knowledge of linguistics required to get into most unis? Obviously as it's not offered as an A-level subject, I assume most unis won't have expected applicants to know much about it.

Hi Kijeta

Take a look at Newcastle University's Linguistics course. They actively encourage applicants with a background in psychology, maths, sociology and other sciences. There are plenty of other unis who do not ask for it. So no, English language is not a prerequisite.

Reply 9

kijeta

11

Original post by Artjen

Hi Kijeta

Take a look at Newcastle University's Linguistics course. They actively encourage applicants with a background in psychology, maths, sociology and other sciences. There are plenty of other unis who do not ask for it. So no, English language is not a prerequisite.

Does maths play a big role in linguistics?

Reply 10

OP