Linguistics
The scientific study of language
Studying linguistics enhances your skills in systematic and logical thinking, by attending closely to language, its structure and use. Your study of linguistics will help you to develop an appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Linguistics provides the foundations for an understanding of the organisation, functions and relationship of language in society. The theories, concepts and applications you鈥檒l learn are relevant to all human languages in the world.
Specialise in the core areas of language structure聽
You鈥檒l focus on the traditional core areas of language structure, including the sound system (phonetics and phonology), grammar (morphology and syntax) and meaning (semantics and pragmatics). We鈥檒l teach you to examine how contemporary linguists deal with issues of language acquisition and use, computational applications of linguistics and intercultural communication.
Promote multilingualism, social justice & fight discrimination聽聽
Our academics and students are highly engaged in working with industry, government and community. You鈥檒l become an advocate in promoting multilingualism, social justice and fighting discrimination based on language. Our students and staff help communities in their efforts to maintain their languages and work with industry partners who support linguistically and culturally diverse clients.聽聽
Join HALSOC, the Voice for Humanities & Linguistics Students at UNSW, where you鈥檒l have access to a variety of resources and skills that will be invaluable in the workplace. The student society is currently focusing on improving awareness of the endangered nature of Aboriginal languages and working to highlight the importance of Australian Sign Language.
Discover the impact of language on multicultural communities
Intercultural communication is a key aspect of the study of human language. You鈥檒l expand your knowledge by studying linguistic diversity in urban settings and indigenous contexts by learning about language policies and how they impact multilingual and multicultural communities. In a globalised society, these skills are vital for a career in linguistics.聽聽
Pursue a career with linguistics聽
Whether it鈥檚 studying English, another language, or Indigenous languages, you鈥檒l be prepared for a professional career equipped with a wide range of skills.
Our graduates are employed in highly competitive careers, including those in:
- curriculum design and development聽
- editing and publishing聽
- 驳辞惫别谤苍尘别苍迟听
- international business聽
- non-government organisations聽
- 谤别蝉别补谤肠丑听
- teaching and education聽
- translation and interpreting聽
- language technology and natural language processing.
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Study
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We offer a wide range of courses in our undergraduate program including the study of the structure and use of language, syntax, phonology, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, semantics and pragmatics, language ecology and typology, and intercultural interaction.
Degree options
We offer the below undergraduate courses with a specialisation in linguistics:
- Bachelor of Arts聽
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Law
- Bachelor of Arts/Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce/Arts聽
- Bachelor of Computer Science/Arts
- Bachelor of Economics/Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Environmental Management/Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Arts
- Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine/Arts
- Bachelor of Science/Arts
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics)(Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Arts
In addition to the above courses, we offer the below undergraduate single degrees with a minor in linguistics:
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Undergraduate students who achieve high grades in their linguistics major are eligible to apply for an extra year of study towards an honours degree. This extra year of study will deepen your understanding of linguistics and extend your research skills. It also acts as a pathway to postgraduate research.
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Our degree is unique in its combination of a strong theoretical basis with practical applications. The courses are broad-ranging and cover applications of linguistics in a variety of fields, such as additional language acquisition, learning and teaching, working with bilingual and multicultural communities and expertise in intercultural communication.
You may also be eligible to apply for a .