Linguistics  (LIJ1)

Linguistics is concerned with the knowledge, structure and use of language. The BA in Linguistics involves the study of the human capacity for language in all its expressions. Anyone with an interest in language or human nature will enjoy the study of Linguistics. Because language is a uniquely human attribute, questions of what we know when we know a language, how we acquire linguistic knowledge and how we use it in language production and comprehension have been pursued for many hundreds of years, raising fundamental questions about human cognition and behaviour. Our students learn how to deal with these issues in an intellectually stimulating and nurturing environment. These questions are so wide ranging that they overlap with with many other subjects in the Arts programme. The skills acquired in the study of Linguistics can be transferred to other subjects with ease.

We facilitate our students in becoming critical thinkers who can assess competing theories and hypotheses, identify prejudices and assumptions, master data collection and analysis, and better appreciate and enjoy the varieties of languages around the world. This results in a lifelong interest in and study of language and the development of skills that are essential to successful learning. 

Our students develop strong communication skills alongside their research skills, learning how to express clearly the results of their research. The ability to analyze linguistic data is combined with the ability to express the analysis clearly, so that both research and communication skills are strong components of what is learned through the study of Linguistics.

The Linguistics programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and the use of the virtual learning environment. As a result of this approach, learning activities and assessment approaches include essays, exams, individual and group projects and assignments, oral presentations, wikis, and reflective learning. 

1 - Develop the ability to ask theoretically and empirically motivated questions about language structure and use
2 - Utilize a systematic approach to the identification, description and analysis of language phenomena and convey results clearly and accurately
3 - Evaluate the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and evidence, drawing on an understanding of the nature of linguistic theory
4 - Abstract and synthesize information; collecting, analyzing and manipulating data of diverse kinds
5 - Recognize problems; develop problem-solving strategies and evaluate their effectiveness
6 - Recognize and evaluate the ethical issues involved in the collection of data from informants in the field or from subjects in the experimental laboratory
7 - Understand how to formulate and test hypotheses when dealing with any kind of problem
8 - Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-motivation, effective organizational skills and time management
9 - Recognize systematic patterns in linguistic phenomena and apply this skill to other areas of study
10 - Present linguistic findings in clear, accurate diagrammatic forms
11 - Communicate research results clearly and effectively, in both oral and written modalities
12 - Utilize a systematic approach to the identification, description and analysis of language phenomena 
and write their results clearly and accurately
13 - Recognize problems and developing problem-solving strategies, evaluating 
their effectiveness
14 - Work independently, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation and effective organizational skills and time management
15 - Present linguistic findings in a clear, accurate diagrammatic form

Linguistics students have availed of opportunities to study abroad as part of their course. Exchange options include: • Augsburg, Germany • Paris, France • Barcelona, Spain • Valladolid, Spain • Bilbao, Spain • North Carolina, USA • Toronto, Canada • Tokyo, Japan

Studying Linguistics develops essential soft and transferable skills that will allow you to pursue a diverse range of careers, including: • Speech and Language Therapy • Language Teaching • Editing and Publishing • Journalism • Social Media • Business • Advertising • Software Development • Database Analysis • Localisation and Global Content Management • Natural Language Processing

Linguistics graduates often pursue further studies at UCD, specialising in one of the many areas of linguistics or exploring related areas such as Cognitive Science, Computer Science or Social Sciences. 

UCD School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
p. +353 1 716 8302
e. slcl@ucd.ie

Stage 2

Students must complete all four Stage 2 core modules and one Level 2 option module.

Stage 3

Students must select 25 credits from the list of option modules.

Stage 4

Students must select 25 credits from the list of option modules.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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Module Weighting Info