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Linguistics

Linguistics

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Undergraduate Masters Research

Discover linguistics undergraduate degrees

You understand language as more than simply a means of communication. You appreciate how a society is shaped by the language of its people. At Essex we will help you explore not only how language is acquired, but also how it is used in contexts such as the media, the marketplace, courtrooms and conversations. From catching up over a coffee to settling global debates, language is one of humanity’s most powerful tools – we will help you understand it. 

Why choose Essex?
  • We are 1st in the UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • 92% of our Languages and Linguistics postgraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024)
  • You can choose to combine your study of linguistics with other specialisms such as learning a language, data science, or gaining a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
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Visit the Department of Language and Linguistics

Discover what it's like to study linguistics at the University of Essex. Meet the experts and discover more about life as an undergraduate in this welcoming Department.

Visit the Department of Language and Linguistics
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If you like linguistics, you might also like:
English language
English language teaching
Modern languages
Translation and interpreting

Explore postgraduate linguistics degrees at Essex

Through language we transmit knowledge and communicate with society, from inviting someone for a coffee to settling global political disputes, language is vital.

We are one of the largest language and linguistics departments in the UK, a place where talented students become part of an academic community that undertakes world-leading research. All of our linguistics courses offer expertise and insight, and learn analytical and practical skills that will serve you well throughout life.

Why choose Essex?
  • You are taught by lecturers internationally recognised for their language research.
  • Top 25 in the UK for linguistics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
  • We offer a wide range of specialisations – study applied linguistics, theoretical linguistics, sociolinguistics or psycholinguistics with us.

The Department of Language and Linguistics

Learn more about postgraduate linguistics degrees at Essex Discover career prospects for graduates of the Department of Language and Linguistics

Resources for linguists at Essex

Visit Babylab, a laboratory dedicated to studying how infants and children learn and develop Visit ESSEXLAB, a pioneering behavioural and social science laboratory at the University of Essex Discover more facilities in the Department of Language and Linguistics
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Learn more about postgraduate fees, funding and scholarships

Find a scholarship, discover postgraduate funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for postgraduate students at Essex.

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding
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Learn more about upcoming open days at the University of Essex and book your place.
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Find out how to apply to Essex and discover helpful resources to support your application.

Find linguistics research degrees

We have a large and thriving graduate research community. We provide an active and stimulating environment to carry out your doctoral research and offer six routes to a research degree.

Why research here?
  • You are taught by lecturers internationally recognised for their language research
  • Top 25 in the UK for linguistics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
  • We offer a wide range of specialisations – study applied linguistics, theoretical linguistics, sociolinguistics or psycholinguistics with us

Find your academic supervisor

Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex.

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Learn more about fees, funding and scholarships for research students

Find a scholarship, discover funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for research students at Essex.

Learn more about fees and funding for research students

Visit the Department of Language and Linguistics

Learn more about linguistics research degrees at Essex Explore research from the Department of Language and Linguistics

Resources for linguists at Essex

Visit Babylab, a laboratory dedicated to studying how infants and children learn and develop Visit ESSEXLAB, a pioneering behavioural and social science laboratory at the University of Essex Discover more facilities in the Department of Language and Linguistics

Our research clusters

African Languages Early Language Development English Language Teaching Experimental Linguistics Language Decline Attrition Ageing and Impairments

Language Policy and Multilingualism Language Variation, Identity and Interaction Linguistic Diversity and Theoretical Linguistics Second Language Learning and Teaching

Our centres and networks

Visit the Centre for Language Development throughout the Lifespan Discover the Bilingualism Matters research network Explore the Research in Primary Languages research network
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