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.
Linguistics
BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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As a general rule, pick the Irish/UK/EU option if you have been a legal resident of Ireland, any other EU or EEA country, the Swiss Confederation or the UK in recent years.
More detailed information is available at ucd.ie/students/fees/eufeeassessment/.
Study Abroad
This course is available through the following application route(s)
- Duration:
- 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)
CCC
Please note that A Level requirements are under review and will be updated in Nov 2024. For further information, please see here.
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
24
- Typical CAO Point Range
419
- Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
English, Irish, a third Language, 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
Curricular information is subject to change.
- Duration:
- 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)
ABB / BBBD / BBB + D AS Level
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
29
- Subject Requirements (Mathematics)
GCSE C / AS Level D / A Level E
IB SL 4 / HL 3
- Typical CAO Point Range
468
- 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
Curricular information is subject to change.
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
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - Min 2 of: 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 - Min 2 of: 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 - Min 2 of: 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 - Min 2 of: 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 - Min 2 of: 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 |
LING20080 | Meaning in Language | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
LING20090 | Sociolinguistics 2 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
LING20010 | Syntax 2 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
LING20020 | Phonology 2 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of: 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: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of: 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: 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 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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: 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: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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: 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. |
LING30200 | Research Creole Languages | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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: 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: 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 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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: 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. |
LING30200 | Research Creole Languages | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 25CR: 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 |
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
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Linguistics:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Arts Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN520 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN700 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
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 | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | BAU5 Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway 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. |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | SBU3 Social Sciences Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway 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. |
Apply |