Linguistics and Phonetics BA

Linguistics and Phonetics explores language structure, cultural use and the representation of language in the mind, as well as explaining mechanisms of language production and transmission of sounds.

Language plays a pivotal role in all human affairs and this degree will introduce you to the fundamentals of language, including theories of grammar and the production of speech sounds.

On this linguistics and phonetics course, you can choose from a range of optional modules to pursue the areas that interest you, such as psycholinguistics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, language contact and change, pragmatics, and discourse analysis.

Combining theoretical study with both quantitative and qualitative research, this course equips you with a wide range of skills as well as a deep and broad understanding of a crucial facet of human behaviour.

In your first year, you’ll take core modules introducing you to the main principles of linguistics and phonetics, as well as selecting from optional and discovery modules.

It’s all valuable knowledge for you to build upon in the following year, where you’ll compulsory modules on phonetics and syntax. You’ll then choose from a range of optional modules, covering three key pathways:

• Formal analysis of language structure and sound.

• Language processing, development and evolution.

• Discourse studies and sociolinguistics.

You’ll continue to benefit from the range of choice on offer in your final year, selecting optional modules and pursuing independent research to present in your Final Year Project.

Discovery modules from outside the department allow you to explore other interests. The ‘Language and Intercultural Understanding’ theme covers the challenges of working across cultures including intercultural dynamics or the impact of globalisation. Other themes include 'Media, Culture and Creativity' and 'Technology and Its Impacts'. You could even choose to learn another language.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use various types of assessment.

Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules you may also be assessed on components such as group work, reports, or oral presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB-AAB

Other course specific tests:

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.

• BTEC

  DDM-DDD.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M2 to D3, M1, M2 preferably including a foreign language

• International Baccalaureate

  34 - 35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers TO AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR AAAABB in Highers

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  European Baccalaureate: 75% - 80%

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A Linguistics and Phonetics degree will equip you with a wide range of skills. You’ll be able to study different approaches, some of which will be more arts-focused and others more science-oriented – and that means you have the opportunity to cultivate skills in a number of areas that employers highly value.

You’ll be able to study and analyse different types of data, both qualitative and quantitative, test your hypotheses and use technology to solve problems. You’ll also be a critical thinker with an advanced understanding of communication.

As a result, graduates have gone into a range of careers, including advertising, marketing, publishing, broadcasting, journalism, PR, tourism and the civil service.

Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in Linguistics or undertaken further training in careers such as law, teaching, speech and language therapy, forensic linguistics and speech technology.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placement

Alternatively, you can apply for a year in industry, also known as a work placement. It’s a great opportunity to gain invaluable work experience as part of your degree, and can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. You have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

As with study abroad, you do not have to decide whether to pursue a year in industry before you come to Leeds.

If you apply and are successful, you will work a graduate-level job in your third year, after which you will return to Leeds to complete your studies.

Dedicated staff from our School and the University’s Careers Centre will support you in finding and applying for suitable placements, and will be available throughout your work placement year.

Find out more on the Careers Centre website.