BSc (Hons) in Language Sciences with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

Studying Language Sciences at Lancaster University offers you a chance to explore the science behind language, including how children acquire language and how machines understand and produce language. The course covers topics such as linguistic structures, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and language variation. You’ll learn through modules that investigate the sounds and structures of languages, language evolution, and the relationship between language, cognition, and society. Practical skills are emphasized through research labs and experimental methods, with opportunities to specialise in areas like forensic linguistics. The program aims to develop your analytical, experimental, and communication skills, preparing you for diverse careers in fields like AI, speech technology, law enforcement, and health.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster’s Language Sciences course is highly regarded, ranked 3rd in the world by QS 2024 and 3rd for Linguistics in the 2025 The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical research experience, supported by excellent labs like eye-tracking, EEG, and phonetics labs. It prepares students for rewarding careers in a rapidly evolving field by providing skills in data analysis, experimentation, and scientific thinking. The university’s strong reputation and focus on employability make this an excellent choice for students interested in the scientific study of language and its applications across various sectors.

Specialisation

Students can choose to specialise in areas such as psycholinguistics, forensic linguistics, and corpus linguistics. Optional modules in the third and final years include Forensic Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, and Language, Cognition and Culture, allowing you to tailor your degree according to your interests and career goals.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants typically need AAB at A level, with no specific GCSE requirements but overall good GCSE results. Other qualifications accepted include the Access to HE Diploma, BTEC DDD, and the International Baccalaureate with 35 points overall. English language proficiency is required, with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, and at least 5.5 in each component.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from Lancaster’s Language Sciences course can pursue careers in AI technology, speech and language technology, forensic science, speech and language therapy, and more. The skills developed—such as data analysis, experimental research, and linguistic expertise—are valued by employers like Google and Amazon. The program also serves as a solid foundation for further study in related master's programs.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Typically, AAB at A level, or equivalent qualifications like the IB with 35 points, are required. English language proficiency with an IELTS of 6.5 overall is also necessary.

Are there optional modules I can choose?

Yes, in the final year, you can select optional modules such as Forensic Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, and Language, Cognition and Culture to suit your interests.