What actually is a linguistics degree?

I'm currently looking at degree options, and am very interested in a modern languages and linguistics degree, but I can't find much info on what a linguistics degree is? What do we study about, and what type of things would I be putting on my personal statement?

Reply 1

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by unclear-eyelid

Hello,

Thanks for your really interesting question, and it's great that you are looking into different sorts of degrees and courses. In terms of what is linguistics, a broad definition is that it is the study of the evolution of language and how language starts and continues to develop - you would study how the building blocks of language, how sounds and then words develop, basically the foundations of how we communicate. English linguistics would also study how children learn to speak and communicate, and how the initial sounds morph into words as understanding grows. It's not just about the theory though, at Chester university, English language degrees which are the study of English linguistics, analyses how languages and dialects form in a real - world and conversation based communication. Amazing isn't it and super interesting!
If you would like to learn more about English language degrees the link to the webpage for the course that Chester University has is: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/english-language-ba-hons/. On this webpage you will find lots of in depth information about the course content, what and how you will study it, how the degree is assessed, as well as career options afterwards.
I saw also that you are interested in modern language degrees too, Chester has an excellent modern languages department (the English department is too, I should've added above!!). There are a large number of language courses taught, so it depends on which language it is that you are interested in as to the content of the course you would study. I would suggest that you have a look at the webpage - the link is: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/modern-languages-ba-hons/. As you will see from this webpage there are lots of pathways available depending on the language you want to study.
I would highly recommend that you attend one of the Open Days at Chester University. During the Open Day you will be able to visit the department, and talk to the tutors who will tell you more about the course. You will also be able to speak to all the student support staff- the accommodation team, the finance department, academic skills etc, who will be able to give you loads of information about university life. The Open Days also provide an opportunity to have a tour around the campus and the accommodation rooms, by current students, so you will see the university from the student's perspective and be able to ask any questions you have.
The next Open Day is June 21st - here is the link to the booking and information page if you are interested: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/visit-us/open-days/.

I hope I've been of some help, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Hopefully we will see you at an Open Day soon,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by unclear-eyelid

Linguistics is the formal study of language as a(n abstract) concept/structure, rather than learning a particular language. For example you might learn about syntax (in general) and about e.g. x-bar theory, and how to diagram sentences using that theory. You will also learn the basics of phonology and phonetics and might have e.g. a linguistic data set from some (probably unfamiliar) language (e.g. Chukchi) and have to analyse the phonology and/or morphology of that data set and write out some phonological rules for it. Semantics and pragmatics are also part of modern linguistics and kind of errs on the philosophical side a bit for semantics.

It's probably easiest to get an introductory book on linguistics (e.g. Jean Aitchison's teach yourself linguistics) and/or look at some content on linguistics topics generally :smile:

Reply 3

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by unclear-eyelid

Hi,

I studied a BA in English Language and Linguistics, at The University of Sheffield and am now studying an MA in Language and Education. I know a lot of people are unsure by the meaning of linguistics and how this presents in terms of academia, I advise you have a look at our course information for a breakdown of what the course entails, through the module breakdown and explanations. Hopefully this will clear up and answer any of the questions you may have around the subject.

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2025/linguistics-and-modern-languages-cultures-ba

I hope this helped, let me know if you need any further guidance :smile:

Olivia (4th year)💫