Experimental Linguistics BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Experimental Linguistics BSc (2024)
Linguistics is the study of the capacity to use language. Considering the world's languages, students investigate their sound patterns (Phonetics and Phonology), grammatical structures (Syntax) and meaning (Semantics and Pragmatics). On the BSc, students acquire skills in research design and data analysis, and can explore a range of experimentally-based disciplines (eg, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, multilingualism). A study-year abroad is available on the International route
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
Programme starts
September 2023Application deadline
25 Jan 2023UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- At least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- BBB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- At least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects including one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology with no higher level score below 5. If Mathematics is offered at higher level, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 32 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A score of 15 points in three higher level subjects including one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your BTEC syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A-Levels at grades AAB. At least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
AAB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher), including one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology at Advanced Higher.
D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects including one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 2 (Level 4 for GCSE/IGCSE)
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
In the first year your modules are all compulsory, providing a foundation in both d linguistics, and statistics and giving you the opportunity to assess where your own interests and strengths lie.
In your second and third years you choose from a range of intermediate and advanced modules across three core areas of linguistics: Meaning (Semantics and Pragmatics); Pronunciation (Phonetics and Phonology); and Sentence Structure (Syntax).
Additionally you have mandatory modules in statistics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics and a practical laboratory in research design. In your final year, you will undertake a research project, involving a deep and sustained study of a subject in which you are especially interested.
In the second and final year, you can also take a module offered outside Linguistics; for example many students choose to take a language module taught by the UCL Language Centre.
What this course will give you
A broad foundation in linguistic theory with the ability to focus on chosen areas in greater depth alongside its interdisciplinary work (eg, neurolinguistics).
A wide range of transferable skills: broad understanding of language and languages; critical reading and argumentation; experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis.
A friendly, supportive, and stimulating environment: a focus on small-group teaching by staff known world-wide for their research excellence; new students are also supported and mentored by second-or final-year students under a scheme organised by the Linguistics student Society (LingSoc).
Opportunity to study abroad in the third year of the four-year International Route. Partner institutions are internationally recognised for their excellence in linguistics with locations including Canada, China, Italy, the Netherlands and the USA.
UCL Linguistics is known worldwide for its teaching and research excellence and the work of our staff appears in internationally acclaimed journals and books. You will also have access to extensive computer facilities and to a specialised on-site library in addition to UCL's main library.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Experimental Linguistics.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Your learning
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching (tutorials or backup classes) and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes. Typically, each module involves a weekly lecture of one or two hours, a one hour backup class in which you meet with a group of between five and 15 students and a staff member for discussion, and a virtual learning environment for materials (e.g. reading lists, lecture slides) and further discussion.
Assessment
Each module is assessed and examined separately, often by a combination of essays, coursework and examinations. Your performance in a module is always assessed in the same academic year in which you take it.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
Many Linguistics graduates from UCL continue studying at graduate level, often with a view to pursuing an academic career. Linguistics connects with many other disciplines and a number of graduates go on to work in these areas, e.g. natural language processing, teaching languages, especially English as a first or foreign language, speech therapy, advertising or the media.
Employability
In addition to subject-specific skills, you will also acquire the analytical, investigative and study skills essential for most graduate careers, which could include law, computing, commerce and industry.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £26,200 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2023/24 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.
Additional costs
This programme has no additional costs.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Further information is available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/study/undergraduate/bsc-experimental-linguistics.
Got questions? Get in touch
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