Linguistics is the study of the structure and history of languages, how different languages are formed and the links between them. Linguistics courses in the UK focus on the historical aspect of languages’ development and how they are in their present form, and how they impact culture and society.
A linguistics degree in the UK typically covers a wide range of topics related to the scientific study of language, including:
- Phonetics and Phonology: The study of speech sounds and how they are produced, perceived and used in different languages
- Syntax and Semantics: The structure and meaning of sentences in different languages
- Historical Linguistics: How languages change over time and how they are related to each other
- Sociolinguistics: How language varies according to social factors such as gender, class, and ethnicity
- Psycholinguistics: How language is processed and acquired by the human brain
- Applied Linguistics: The use of linguistic theories and methods to address practical problems in areas such as language teaching, translation, and language policy
Linguistics graduates are in demand worldwide in various fields, such as diplomacy, sociology, academics, and business. While studying in the UK, you can also work or study abroad, offering a diverse understanding of languages and their use.
Learn more about the best universities for linguistics below (Guardian University Guide 2024), and if you would like to study linguistics in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Top 10 Universities for Linguistics in the UK
Below is the list of the top ten universities in the UK for studying linguistics, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews' School of Modern Languages is a leading and diverse institution in the UK, housing seven departments covering Arabic and Persian, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Emphasising the symbiotic relationship between language acquisition and cultural studies, the school promotes a dynamic cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to engage in international experiences.
With extensive research interests spanning various periods and global cultures, the School excels in areas such as creativity, history, politics, and medical humanities. Recognised for its outstanding research, the school achieved top rankings in the recent UK national assessment (REF 2021).
- Suggested course: Comparative Literature (MLitt)
- Entry requirements: A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- International fee: £25,880
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has been a cradle of linguistic development for centuries. It has promoted the development of several global languages. Oxford’s Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is regarded as among the most prestigious globally, thanks to its world-class research and infrastructure. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Linguistics, allowing students to study one modern language of their choice together with linguistics.
Along with acquainting you with the literature and culture of the language, the programme aims to enhance your skills in psycholinguistics, phonetics, and phonology. You will explore the history and structure of many languages from Europe and worldwide. The course curriculum includes grammatical analysis, practical work, structure and use of that language in its modern form, and more. The third year requires you to spend abroad, where you will be working/studying at an educational institute.
- Suggested course: BA Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Entry requirements: A-levels - AAA; Advanced Highers - AA/AAB; International Baccalaureate - 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL
- International fees: £38,550
3. Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University's Department of Modern Languages offers diverse language courses in single or joint honours degree programmes, including French, Spanish, German, and Italian. The unique opportunity to study three languages, two at the beginner' level, sets Aberystwyth apart. Over four years, students develop high-level language proficiency, emphasising employability and language skills for professional life.
Specialist modules enrich the department's commitment to national and transnational societal understanding. With a focus on innovative teaching and outstanding feedback, Aberystwyth's Modern Languages Department ranks 3rd overall, 1st for Feedback, and 1st for Added Value in the Guardian University League Table 2024.
- Suggested course: BA Modern Languages
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 30-28 with 5 points in a relevant language at Higher Level.
- International fee: 16,520
4. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey's School of Literature and Languages is a leading institution focusing on studying texts and languages transcending national boundaries. Combining disciplines like English literature, creative writing, film studies, modern languages, linguistics, intercultural communication, and translation studies, the school ranks in the top 10 in the UK.
Notably, it holds the top 5 positions in Literature in English and French studies and the top 10 in Iberian studies for overall satisfaction, according to the National Student Survey 2023. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities, including interpreting labs, digital language labs, multimedia teaching labs, and specialised translation and subtitling software.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
- Entry requirements: A-level: BBB. Alternatively, ABC with grades of AB in the required subjects.
- International fee: £20,900
5. University of Cambridge
Cambridge University has been a pioneer centre of linguistic research and study for more than eight centuries. Its bachelor's degree in Linguistics is a perfect opportunity for students to go deeper into a range of fields, from historical linguistics to comparative syntax and language processing to computational linguistics. In the first year, students are introduced to different sounds and words. They learn about sentence construction, semantics and pragmatics and explore the history and varieties of English.
The second year allows you to specialise in the area of your interest. You can choose from one of the many options, including morphology, history of English/history of French, language acquisition, computational linguistics, etc. In the third year, you study a general paper on linguistic theory. Cambridge is known for its global collaborations, presenting wide-ranging opportunities to graduates in different fields.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Linguistics
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA; International Baccalaureate: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
- International fees: £25,734
6. Swansea University
Swansea University's Modern Languages degree, featuring a year abroad, offers the flexibility to study one, two, or three principal languages, providing a gateway to diverse career paths. The programme includes cultural studies, education, and translation modules, emphasising language proficiency in French, German, or Spanish.
With a unique year abroad experience—whether in work placement or partner institutions—students enhance their global perspective and employment prospects. The Swansea experience, based on a picturesque campus overlooking Swansea Bay, involves expert teaching, personal tutors, language cafés, and optional Welsh modules.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Modern Languages
- Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate 32 points. ABB-BBC (UCAS tariff points 112-128) or equivalent.
- International fee: £19,200
7. University of Bath
The University of Bath offers a Modern Languages BA (Hons) programme, providing the opportunity to master two foreign languages while exploring the cultural, social, and political dimensions of the respective countries. The degree offers flexible pathways, allowing students to choose advanced languages studied at A-level or combine one with a beginner (ab initio) language.
Years 1 and 2 focus on linguistic and cultural aspects, while Year 3 involves studying or working abroad. The final year allows for specialisation through a dissertation or translation project and optional politics, translation studies, film, and sociolinguistics units.
- Suggested course: Modern Languages BA (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-level: ABB in three A levels. IB diploma: 35 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
- International fee: £22,800
8. University of Bristol
Bristol's School of Modern Languages provides world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in French, German, Hispanic, Portuguese, Latin American Studies, Italian, Russian, Czech, comparative literature, cultures, and translation studies. Degrees are flexible and multidisciplinary, allowing students to explore literature, society, civilisation, and culture in addition to language acquisition.
Renowned for innovative teaching and outstanding research, the school promotes a close-knit community and offers diverse extracurricular activities. With a rich year abroad programme reaching places like Haiti and Kazakhstan, combined with cutting-edge facilities, Bristol's School of Modern Languages is a premier UK language study centre.
- Suggested course: BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level. A-level: AAB.
- International fee: £26,400
9. University College London
UCL's Linguistics BA explores language capacity, covering phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The first year establishes a broad foundation with compulsory modules, including language acquisition. Year two offers intermediate modules and elective choices, fostering specialisation.
The third year centres on an independent dissertation and advanced modules, with flexibility in elective selections. UCL's renowned small-group teaching and LingSoc's mentoring provide a supportive environment. The programme's global reputation for teaching and research excellence, extensive facilities, and library access solidify UCL as a premier institution for linguistic studies.
- Suggested course: Linguistics BA
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 points, with a score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, preferably including English Language, with no higher level score below 5.
10. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick's BA Modern Languages with Linguistics combines language proficiency in at least two languages with in-depth linguistics study. Language options include French, German, Italian, and Spanish for the first language and Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish for the second (and potentially third) language.
The course is structured with a 75:25 split between Modern Languages and Linguistics, and students typically spend a year abroad for immersive learning through language assistantships, full-time study at partner universities, or work placements. The curriculum includes core language and linguistics modules with optional cultural modules.
- Suggested course: BA Modern Languages with Linguistics
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 34 to include 6 in a Higher Level language. You must take language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.
Study Linguistics in the UK
Are you considering studying a linguistics course in the UK? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London to get all your questions answered regarding course selection, entry requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to study for a linguistics degree in the UK?
You typically need A-levels, IB diploma, or equivalent qualifications to study for a linguistics degree in the UK.
How can I get a full scholarship to study for a linguistics degree in the UK?
Obtaining a full scholarship for a linguistics degree in the UK is uncommon. Scholarships are often based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination. You should explore scholarships from individual universities, external organisations, and government programmes.
Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for a linguistics degree?
UK universities with high acceptance rates for linguistics degrees are Aberystwyth University, University of Roehampton, and the University of Exeter.
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