Linguistics and a Modern Language

Our aim at the School of English, Communication and Philosophy and the School of Modern Languages is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity and has a wealth of transferable skills.

On our 4-year BA Linguistics and a Modern Language programme, you’ll develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

Linguistics at Cardiff University has a distinctive character. You’ll be provided with a rigorous grounding in the analysis of the language (including key aspects of phonetics, morphology, and syntax) and have the opportunity to select modules on topics as varied as forensic linguistics, first and second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, media discourse and more. This part of the programme lets you shape your passion according to your interests, using the latest approaches to study with a critical eye and make connections to debates in the public sphere.

On the languages side of the programme, you can choose to study one of the three different languages we offer. These are Chinese, French, and Spanish.

We run two programme pathways. Those with an A level or equivalent competence in a modern language will take an Upper Elementary pathway. Those with limited or no knowledge of a modern language take our Elementary pathway.

You’ll explore the language you’re studying and its social, political, historical and cultural contexts from a global perspective. Through a variety of language learning resources and materials, and range of student-centred learning activities, you’ll develop your reading, writing, oral, listening and mediation skills.

An integral part of this programme is the opportunity to spend time working or living abroad to experience life in the culture of the language you are studying. You’ll have the choice of either studying at a partner university or completing a work placement in each semester.

It’s important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself, it involves the integrated study of language, culture, and society. As a BA Linguistics and a Modern Language student, you’ll find that often there are complementary issues and perspectives that link these subjects. Our joint honours programme offers challenging and stimulating modules emphasising diversity and celebrating cultural and linguistic mobility.

Graduating with a range of academic, linguistic, and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – the confidence to use them and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

A dynamic experience Combining the scientific study of language with the learning of a specific language, allowing you to understand culture as well as language learning processes better.

Extra-curricular activities A vibrant programme of events – such as language cafes and student societies - supports your language learning and immersion into the culture.

Skills for the future A structured skills programme embeds academic, transferable and employability skills into learning from the very beginning.

Employability focus Choose an optional of credit-bearing work placement and gain professional experience.

The world is your classroom Spend your third year studying or working in the country of your chosen language.

Language ambassadors Work with local schools and communities to promote language learning and provide mentorship.