A level courses

I'm going to college soon and I don't know what subject's to combine
I plan on taking historical linguistics in university and I don't know what subjects to combine with history and English language
Pls help,anything but maths

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Not quite sure what degree you’re looking at (i found limited results for ‘historical linguistics’). Check some uni requirements for courses youre interested in and see what subjects are required or preferred. If none, then choose a subject you enjoy and think you will do well in 🙂

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Khaolah

Hi @Khaolah,

As mentioned in the reply above, there's limited results for 'historical linguistics' - but from what I've read and gathered, it might be useful to do a modern foreign language for your third subject like Spanish, or French (not modern, but maybe even Latin?). If this doesn't spark your interest, it would be useful to do an essay-based subject for your third option such as Sociology.

It might even be helpful to do an EPQ on auxiliary language, this could help boost your personal statement and further prove your interest in the subject.

I recommend that you do your research and read up on universities that offer the course. Have a look at which A-Level subjects they recommend taking.

Hope this helps,
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Reply 3

McGinger

Do you mean Linguistics - Linguistics (BA) - Undergraduate, University of York
Or Ancient History - BA Ancient History (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester
Or Languages - Ancient Languages BA | Prospective Students Undergraduate - UCL – University College London

Reply 4

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by Khaolah

HI there!

What an interesting degree choice, its great to hear you've found your niche. Mind me asking which uni you are applying for?

As Danish has said, doing a foreign language alongside your Eng Lang and your History sounds like it would be a good addition. Did you do any languages at GCSE? Not only is this a good life skill in general but it will give you the chance to learn more about another culture's syntax, grammar, semantics etc which might give you a broader understanding of linguistics.

Check out the subject requirements for the course you're interested in, and if you've already ticked the boxes with Eng Lang and History then I would choose a third A level in a subject that you enjoy and are good at. Psychology or sociology might also be good suggestions as linguistics in part is about the place and use of language in social context by different societal groups.

I hope this helps and very best of luck 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 5

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post by Khaolah

Hey @Khaolah,

Following on from what others have said above, I'd definitely recommend studying a modern language. If you don't have any background in modern languages at GCSE, maybe consider another essay-based subject that works well with History and English Language, such as Psychology, Sociology or Government and Politics. If your school offers them, Classical Civilisations or Latin might be strong choices as well (admittedly, lots of schools don't have the facilities to teach these subjects).

Do you have any specific university or course that you intend to apply for? Lots of courses will list some recommended or suitable subject combinations alongside their entry requirements.

Best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

Khaolah

Original post by University of Bath

HI there!
What an interesting degree choice, its great to hear you've found your niche. Mind me asking which uni you are applying for?
As Danish has said, doing a foreign language alongside your Eng Lang and your History sounds like it would be a good addition. Did you do any languages at GCSE? Not only is this a good life skill in general but it will give you the chance to learn more about another culture's syntax, grammar, semantics etc which might give you a broader understanding of linguistics.
Check out the subject requirements for the course you're interested in, and if you've already ticked the boxes with Eng Lang and History then I would choose a third A level in a subject that you enjoy and are good at. Psychology or sociology might also be good suggestions as linguistics in part is about the place and use of language in social context by different societal groups.
I hope this helps and very best of luck 🙂
Holly
University of Bath

Thank you
I'm not sure of what university I'm going to because I'm just starting A-levels
I did not do any language for gcses
I suppose sociology is a good idea

Reply 7

Khaolah

Original post by Kingston Eve

Hey @Khaolah,
Following on from what others have said above, I'd definitely recommend studying a modern language. If you don't have any background in modern languages at GCSE, maybe consider another essay-based subject that works well with History and English Language, such as Psychology, Sociology or Government and Politics. If your school offers them, Classical Civilisations or Latin might be strong choices as well (admittedly, lots of schools don't have the facilities to teach these subjects).
Do you have any specific university or course that you intend to apply for? Lots of courses will list some recommended or suitable subject combinations alongside their entry requirements.
Best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Thank you
I guess I might try politics too

Reply 8

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by Khaolah

Thank you
I'm not sure of what university I'm going to because I'm just starting A-levels
I did not do any language for gcses
I suppose sociology is a good idea

My recommendation would be to go with something you think you will enjoy. If you are not sure which course you want to do yet, this is absolutely fine, you will have loads of time. From a quick google, it looks like neither Lancaster nor Manchester (2 very good unis for BA Linguistics) specify any particular subjects to take. History and English will already set you up well for the course, so perhaps try and think about a third subject that you will enjoy studying and do well in 🙂

All the best
Uni of Bath

(edited 1 month ago)