SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Structure

In linguistics, the introductory courses introduce key concepts in semantics, syntax, phonology and phonetics, and lay the foundation for work in succeeding years when intermediate, advanced and more specialised optional courses are available. Among the introductory courses in linguistics, Introduction to Phonology and Introduction to Grammatical Structure are core courses (i.e. courses which students must satisfactorily complete and pass in the summer examinations before being permitted to proceed to the next year of their degree). Compulsory units are obligatory.

All BA Students take 4 units per year. Over the course of the degree, single-subject degree students take a minimum of 9 units in linguistics and combined subject degree students take a minimum of 5 units in linguistics.

Year 1

Core Courses

Core courses must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

• Introduction to Grammatical Structure - 152900071 (1 Unit) - Full Year
• Introduction to Phonology - 152900070 (1 Unit) - Full Year
• General Linguistics - 152900069 (1 Unit) - Full Year

Open Option

Students choose 1 Open Option unit from another department.

Year 2

Core Courses

Core courses must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

• Intermediate Phonology - 152900062 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Intermediate Syntax - 152900032 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Meaning and Interpretation - 152900100 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1

1.5 Other Units

Students choose courses to the value of 1.5 Units from List A.

Open Option

Students choose 1 Open Option unit from another department.

Year 3

Compulsory Course

• Intermediate Semantics - 152900088 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1

Compulsory Courses

Choose courses to the value of 1 unit from the following options.

• Advanced Syntax - 152900033 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Current Issues in Phonology - 152900041 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Issues in Semantics - 152900021 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Dynamic Syntax - 152900093 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2

1.5 Other Units

Students choose courses to the value of 1.5 units from List A or B.

Open Option

Students choose 1 Open Option unit from another department.

List A (courses for year 2 or 3)

NB: Language in Africa is also available in year 1; available in year 3 only by permission of the Associate Dean Learning & Teaching.

• Language, Society and Communication - 152900083 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Morphology - 152900036 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1 - Not Running 2013/2014
• Psychology of Language - 152900082 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Phonetics - 152900094 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Topics in Lexical Semantics - 152900065 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2 - Not Running 2013/2014
• Language in Africa - 155900867 (1 Unit) - Full Year
• Altaic Morpho-Phonology - 152900096 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1 - Not Running 2013/2014
• Historical Linguistics - 152900037 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Linguistic Typology - 152900044 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1 - Not Running 2013/2014
• The structure of Bantu languages - 155901257 (1 Unit) - Full Year
• The Structure of Japanese 1 - 155900747 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• The Structure of Japanese 2 - 155900748 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Extended Essay in Linguistics (A) - 152900097 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Extended Essay in Linguistics (B) - 152900098 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Introduction to Arabic Linguistics - 152900095 (0.5 units Unit)

List B (courses for year 3 only)

• Issues in Semantics - 152900021 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Current Issues in Phonology - 152900041 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Advanced Syntax - 152900033 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1
• Dynamic Syntax - 152900093 (0.5 Unit) - Term 2
• Topics in the Structure of Chinese - 152900066 (0.5 Unit) - Term 1 - Not Running 2013/2014
• Independent Study Project in Linguistics - 152900009 (1 Unit) - Full Year

Programme Specification

• BA Linguistics - Programme Specifications 2012/13 (pdf; 36kb)

Teaching & Learning

Teaching & Learning

Each unit generally involves a 2-hour lecture and a tutorial, a 1-hour small-group discussion class each week. The tutorial is intended for further discussion of points made in the lecture and for the development of linguistic problem-solving skills.

Assessment varies according to the nature of the unit. Introductory courses are assessed in the end of year exams in May/June. Other units may involve written examinations, practical tests, course work, essays or a combination of these.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Destinations

SOAS BA Linguistics students gain the ability to engage in analytical thought, to carry out research-like work on unfamiliar data and to control and understand the use of language. Graduates leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers, both in business and in the public sector. These include written and oral communication skills, attention to detail,analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

How to apply

How to apply

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts

Scholarships

For further information visit the Scholarships section