English Linguistics (with optional sandwich year) BSc (Hons)

- Learn about the nature of language and gain an in-depth understanding of the forces that have shaped it over time- Gain transferable and cognitive skills for lifelong personal and professional development- Explore the practical application of language through analytical work, experimentation and quantitative analysis- Extend your degree by one year and complete a professional work placement giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market- Benefit from the input of our diverse community of students from all corners of the globeAre you intrigued by how sounds combine to form words, words form sentences and how people use language in various contexts for different purposes? These are just three of countless reasons to study English Linguistics at Winchester. Our fascinating course gives you insight into why we speak the way we do, how we communicate with others and how the English language was formed and transformed, from the spoken word to social media.English is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. On our three-year BSc programme you get to explore it in all its diversity and rich quirkiness. The course focuses on scientific methods and practical approaches to language study, incorporating laboratory, experimentation and research time as well as analysing phonetics (how sounds are produced), syntax (how words are combined to form sentences), semantics (the meaning of words), morphology (how words are built from smaller sentences) and the psychology and cognition of language.In Year 1, you are introduced to key concepts and skills that provide you with the analytic building blocks for language study. You can take fascinating optional modules such as Current Affairs or History of Forensic Science.In Year 2, you delve into the practical work of applied linguistics. A long and varied list of optional modules includes Applied Phonetics, Discourse Analysis, Language Acquisition and the close study of old English texts.During Year 3, you undertake a placement or complete a dissertation in English Linguistics. You may choose from specialist optional modules in areas such as Language Crimes, Speech and Language Disorders or Crafted Text.In the optional sandwich year you explore a career of your choice, gaining valuable work experience and a clear understanding of how to shape your fourth year of study. While it is ultimately your responsibility to secure the placement, you are supported before, throughout and after the placement. Students have worked in schools, publishing, libraries, archives, councils, charities, advertising agencies and more. Past employers have included the British Council, Houses of Parliament and NHS.With a thorough grounding in the genesis and uses of language, along with well honed writing, analytical and communication skills you are able to find rewarding careers in a broad range of areas. Our graduates go on to work in teaching, speech and language therapy, journalism, publishing, advertising, lexicography, human resources, libraries and the civil service.Whatever career you choose to pursue, an in-depth knowledge of how language shapes us and the world around us will have a positive impact on your everyday life.