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Linguistics

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
3 Years
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
8 (180 credits)
Level:
Undergraduate
Award:
Bachelor of Arts
Next Intake:
September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level)

DDD

General Entry Requirements (IB)

24

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

A Level C for Maths/Stats

IB HL5 for Maths/Stats

CAO Points 2025

420

Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements

O6/H7 in English, Irish, a third Language, and three other recognised subjects

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Read more about Joint Honours
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
4 Years
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
8 (240 credits)
Level:
Undergraduate
Award:
Bachelor of Science
Next Intake:
September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level)

BBC / BCCC / BCC

+ C AS Level

General Entry Requirements (IB)

29

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

GCSE C / A Level E

(or AS Level D)

IB SL 4 / HL 3

CAO Points 2025

490

Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements

O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics and three other recognised subjects

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Read more about Social Sciences
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

Language is something we take for granted but it is one of the most important skills we possess as human beings. It is hard to imagine any activity that doesn’t involve language in some way. This makes Linguistics (the study of the nature of language) one of the most intriguing and interesting subjects.
 

About This Course

Language is something we take for granted but it is one of the most important skills we possess as human beings. It is hard to imagine any activity that doesn’t involve language in some way. This makes Linguistics (the study of the nature of language) one of the most intriguing and interesting subjects.

First Year

Modules are introductory in nature and provide an overview of the many interesting topics dealt with in Linguistics, including: • Sounds in Language • The structure and meaning of words and sentences • The way language is acquired by children • How we use language to represent ourselves and to communicate with others Modules include: Language Acquisition & Language Disruption • Sounds in Languages • Language Use & Communication • Words & Sentences

Second & Final Year

Modules provide a more in-depth analysis of the areas already introduced, with potentially core modules in Meaning, Phonology, SocioLinguistics and Syntax. Students can also choose from a large list of options: Global English • Intercultural Communication • Minority & Endangered Languages • Translation: Methods and Skills • Meaning in Language • Corpus Linguistics • First Language Acquisition • Language Impairment

Linguistics modules comprise a lively mix of lectures, tutorials and hands-on exercises.

Assessment involves a stimulating mix of essays, group projects, exams and presentations, so that students can fully demonstrate their learning and understanding.

Study Linguistics

Celtic Civilisation Irish/Gaeilge
Drama Studies Irish Studies
English Italian
Film Studies Latin
French Mathematics
German Music
Greek Spanish
History Statistics
Portuguese
Study Linguistics (BSc Social Sciences) as a minor with:
Sociology Philosophy
Politics & International Relations Geography

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. 

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select at least 2 modules from this list:
Students may progress with any 10 credits in Linguistics Level 1 modules offered at Stage 1.
LING10010 Language Use and Communication Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select at least 2 modules from this list:
Students may progress with any 10 credits in Linguistics Level 1 modules offered at Stage 1.
LING10020 Language Acquisition and Language Disruption Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select at least 2 modules from this list:
Students may progress with any 10 credits in Linguistics Level 1 modules offered at Stage 1.
LING10030 Sounds in Language Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select at least 2 modules from this list:
Students may progress with any 10 credits in Linguistics Level 1 modules offered at Stage 1.
LING10040 Words and Sentences Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select at least 2 modules from this list:
Students may progress with any 10 credits in Linguistics Level 1 modules offered at Stage 1.
LING10050 Introduction to Linguistics Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 LING20020 Phonology & Phonetics 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 LING20090 Sociolinguistics 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 LING20010 Syntax 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 LING20080 Meaning in Language Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Option Modules:
Students should select at least one option module.
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20100 Intercultural Communication Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Option Modules:
Students should select at least one option module.
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20130 Multilingualism Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Option Modules:
Students should select at least one option module.
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20060 World Englishes Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Option Modules:
Students should select at least one option module.
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20130 Multilingualism Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30030 Language Impairment Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30060 First Language Acquisition Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30190 Translation: Methods & Skills Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30220 Intercultural Communication Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30240 Language and Media Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30070 Syntax 3 Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30150 Research Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30210 World Englishes Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30230 Corpus Linguistics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30250 Forensic Phonetics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20130 Multilingualism Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30030 Language Impairment Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30060 First Language Acquisition Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30190 Translation: Methods & Skills Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30220 Intercultural Communication Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30240 Language and Media Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30070 Syntax 3 Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30150 Research Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30210 World Englishes Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30230 Corpus Linguistics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Select at least 25 credits:
Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options.
Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects).
Students may take additional option modules from this list in place of electives, if they wish.
 LING30250 Forensic Phonetics Spring  5

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

 

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

If you have ever wondered about the role of language in society and everyday life, Linguistics is the subject for you. I chose Linguistics at UCD because I’ve always been fascinated by how language conveys meaning, is acquired, and how it’s influenced by factors such as gender, race, and class. This course offers modules on language acquisition, phonology, and syntax, providing a diverse range of knowledge and skills that can be beneficial in so many ways. The faculty is composed of interesting and enthusiastic lecturers who make the learning experience enjoyable and engaging.

Conor Nolan, Student

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Linguistics:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU
DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Linguistics:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Apply
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
showAudience-audienceInt
SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Apply
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
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