Modern Languages and Linguistics

Combine your passion for speaking languages with a fascination for how they work, by studying linguistics alongside one of ten languages.

You'll develop the spoken and written skills in your chosen language and explore the cultures and histories of the countries where the language is spoken.

Developing expertise in linguistics will help you navigate the uniquely complex phenomenon of language. You’ll explore language acquisition, structure and change, the mental and social processes that shape and sustain human interaction, as well as phonetics – the study of how speech sounds are physically produced.

Studying a language will complement this expertise as you’ll be able to use these linguistic concepts and theories to enhance your language learning. Your year abroad will further enhance your language learning.

In your final year, you'll develop a project on a topic of your choice to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have gained during this four-year degree.

This joint honours degree offers you teaching of the highest standard, in a research-intensive environment where enthusiastic experts and students come together to explore linguistics and languages.

You’ll also be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities organised by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies and Language@Leeds.

Choose one of the following languages
We offer the following languages at two entry levels: beginners or with prior experience (eg A-level or equivalent). If you have prior experience in Arabic or Thai, please contact us before applying:

- Arabic (from beginners' level only)

- Chinese

- French

- German

- Italian

- Japanese

- Portuguese

- Russian

- Spanish

- Thai (from beginners' level only)

You must include your chosen language in the ‘Further Details’ section of your UCAS application.

Areas of staff expertise in linguistics include: phonetics, syntax, multilingualism, child and adult language acquisition, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, language change, language and gender, discourse and pragmatics, and endangered languages.