Linguistics and Philosophy

How does language relate to thought? Studying language alongside philosophy will give you a fascinating insight into humanity. You’ll also learn about the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophical discussion. This combined degree is provided by our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion and our Department of Linguistics and English Language.

Your first year includes introductory modules in Linguistics and Philosophy. In your second and final years you’ll study modules such as Structures of the World’s Languages, Sounds of the World’s Languages, Cognitive Linguistics and Topics in Phonetic and Phonological Theory. You will also be able to choose from a broad range of philosophy modules, including Continental Philosophy, Logic and Language, Aesthetics, and Moral Philosophy. You’ll specialise even further in linguistics too, with choices such as Psycholinguistics, Language and Social Identities and Language, Cognition and Culture.

You can also choose to write a dissertation, exploring a topic that you’re particularly interested in, and this is overseen by a member of staff from our departments who specialises in your particular area.

Your degree will stand you in good stead for careers involving analysis, assessment and the weighing-up of arguments. The linguistic, analytical and investigative skills you will have the opportunity to develop are valued by employers such as law firms, management consultancies and the media. Linguistic awareness is a real boost when working for international and multicultural companies and organisations.