Is a Linguistics degree worth it?

Hi, I’m applying to university next week and I wanted to apply for a linguistics course, however i’m unsure if it has good prospects? I am very interested in the course, however I also want to be mindful about my options after uni and I could just read on linguistics to feed my interest instead of getting the degree.
Any advice would be appreciated!

Reply 1

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by The….

Hi,

I graduated earlier this year from an English Language and Linguistics BA degree and am now studying an MA in Language and Education. Firstly, it is lovely to hear we share a similar interest, however I am interested to know what you would like to do career wise and which area of Linguistics is it that you are interested in?

I loved my course and loved the combination of English Language and Linguistics, so maybe this is something you could consider? I would say a degree in staple subjects such as English or languages more generally will always look great on your CV, due to being so transferrable to so many different careers. However, I can appreciate university is a big commitment both timely and financially, especially if this could just be a hobby.

I would also advice you have a look on the website at the different Linguistic courses and have a read through the module outline and course content, this may help you decide.

I hope this helped, feel free to send me any questions over😀

Olivia (4th year)
BA in English Language & Linguistics
Current MA Student in Language & Education

Reply 2

The….

Hi thank you so much for the reply!

My interest in linguistics is new as I was initially looking into a psychology degree with an emphasis on language. Also, the degree I want to apply for is “Linguistics with Japanese”, so it is a dual degree as I am very interested in Japanese studies. However I do not know if this is just a hobby or if I actually pursue my interest in Japanese culture academically.

I’m not sure if the prospects of a linguistics degree are really for me, (i’ve done some research on careers) so i’m really hesitant to begin a degree in it.

Any advice?

Reply 3

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by The….

Hi thank you so much for the reply!
My interest in linguistics is new as I was initially looking into a psychology degree with an emphasis on language. Also, the degree I want to apply for is “Linguistics with Japanese”, so it is a dual degree as I am very interested in Japanese studies. However I do not know if this is just a hobby or if I actually pursue my interest in Japanese culture academically.
I’m not sure if the prospects of a linguistics degree are really for me, (i’ve done some research on careers) so i’m really hesitant to begin a degree in it.
Any advice?

Hi,

As cliché as this sounds, I think you have to go with your heart. I would say in order to complete a course at uni, you do need a lot of interest in the subject and modules, so the feeling it is a hobby may not be a bad thing, as you clearly hold this as an interest to you.

I would equally say do not base a degree solely on careers, as having a degree in general is a great achievement, which opens the doors to so many jobs, some not Linguistics specific.

I can understand this is a difficult decision and there are more factors to consider, such as finances, but do give these point a think.

I hope this helped, let me know if I can help further😄

Olivia (4th year)
BA in English Language & Linguistics
Current MA Student in Language & Education

Reply 4

The….

Original post by University of Sheffield Students

Hi,
As cliché as this sounds, I think you have to go with your heart. I would say in order to complete a course at uni, you do need a lot of interest in the subject and modules, so the feeling it is a hobby may not be a bad thing, as you clearly hold this as an interest to you.
I would equally say do not base a degree solely on careers, as having a degree in general is a great achievement, which opens the doors to so many jobs, some not Linguistics specific.
I can understand this is a difficult decision and there are more factors to consider, such as finances, but do give these point a think.
I hope this helped, let me know if I can help further😄
Olivia (4th year)
BA in English Language & Linguistics
Current MA Student in Language & Education

This really helped!! I’ve decided today to go with what I want to do and that only, I really want to hone my interests into my degree. So thank you!

Also, how are you finding your linguistics course? I’m leaning towards that :smile:

Reply 5

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by The….

This really helped!! I’ve decided today to go with what I want to do and that only, I really want to hone my interests into my degree. So thank you!
Also, how are you finding your linguistics course? I’m leaning towards that :smile:

Hi,

Ah great to hear that you think you know what your next steps are, I am really happy for you. I am also made up that you are swaying towards a Linguistics degree!

I graduated earlier this year from my BA in English Language and Linguistics degree, I loved it! I really enjoyed how you could taper the course to you and your interests, as most of second and third year are modules you can choose yourself, as opposed to mandatory ones. This meant I got to meet so many new people each session and my degree was as close to my interests as possible, skipping any grey areas which I didn't find as interesting.

All of the staff at Sheffield were amazing and offered such great support throughout. It was academically challenging at points, but the greatest sense of achievement at the end of it and graduation is the best day ever!

I am now studying an MA in Language and Education, as I wasn't quite ready to end my academic journey, and so far I am loving this too!

I hope this helped, let me know if you have anymore questions❤️

Olivia (4th year)
BA in English Language & Linguistics
Current MA Student in Language & Education