BA (Hons) in Linguistics with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This BA Hons program in Linguistics with a placement year is highly ranked, being 3rd in the UK for Linguistics and 4th for Graduate Prospects according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. The course explores fundamental questions about language, including its origins, structure, how it is represented in the mind and society, and its variation across world languages. Students will examine topics like language acquisition, language impairment, and technological applications in studying language patterns. The course offers extensive optional modules that cover applied linguistics, forensic linguistics, computational linguistics, and the role of language in diverse contexts such as law, politics, health, and literature. Studying at Lancaster provides access to cutting-edge labs and world-leading staff, giving students practical research experience and exposure to a variety of language-related topics. The program develops critical thinking, data analysis, and innovative skills, preparing students for rewarding careers in linguistics and related fields.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster’s linguistics department is one of the largest in the UK and is ranked 3rd in the QS World Rankings 2024, reflecting its excellence in teaching and research. The course emphasizes hands-on experience through cutting-edge labs, expert staff involved in pioneering research, and a comprehensive curriculum that covers traditional and applied linguistics. The opportunity to undertake a placement year enhances employability by providing real-world work experience, whether in language technology, forensic linguistics, or other fields. Additionally, the course’s strong reputation and transferability of skills like data analysis, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving make it an excellent choice for students aiming to pursue diverse careers in the evolving job market, particularly in technology, law, healthcare, and education sectors.

Specialisation

While the course covers core principles of linguistics, students can explore a broad range of topics, including phonetics, phonology, grammar, pragmatics, forensic linguistics, computational linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and more. Optional modules allow students to focus on areas like language variation, history, teaching English, media language, language and cognition, and language origins. The program encourages specialization within these diverse fields, with options to develop tailored knowledge and skills aligned with individual interests and career goals.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should typically meet A-level requirements of AAB. Other accepted qualifications include the BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD, the IB with 35 points overall, and Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers with specific grades. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. There are no specific GCSE requirements, but overall GCSE performance will be considered during the application process. The course is open to students with varied educational backgrounds and relevant language skills, depending on the chosen entry pathway.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of this program can pursue careers in speech and language therapy, marketing, software engineering, academic research, and primatology or neuroscience. The program’s focus on developing analytical, research, and computer programming skills equips students for careers in AI, speech technologies, law, media, and education. The optional placement year helps build professional networks and can lead to permanent employment opportunities. The skills gained—such as data analysis, critical thinking, and language analysis—are highly valued across a variety of industries, especially those involved in technology, law, healthcare, and creative sectors.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for the program?

Typical entry requires AAB at A-level or equivalent qualifications, along with an IELTS score of 6.5. Specific pathways are available for students with different backgrounds, including those with BTEC, IB, or Scottish Highers.

Is there a work placement opportunity during the course?

Yes, the program includes a placement year between the second and final year, where students work in a professional setting for nine to twelve months. Support is provided to secure placements, and students remain enrolled at Lancaster University.