Understand how different statistical and experimental methods can be used to answer questions about political phenomena. You evaluate the assumptions of standard statistical tests and the linear regression model, consider alternatives to those, and learn about causal inference.

The module looks at variation in the English Language as it is spoken in the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland), and discusses associated historical and sociolinguistic issues. The focus is on phonological variation, although salient syntactic, morphological and lexical features are also covered, illustrating with recordings wherever possible

This module looks at varieties of English in North America (USA and Canada), the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa), and the Caribbean. The module covers the historical development of these varieties and discusses their salient features. The focus is on phonological variation, although syntactic, morphological and lexical features are also considered.

This module builds on notions and topics approached and developed in psycholinguistics modules in Years 1 and 2. Now that you have an understanding of key concepts and processes, we will focus on current trends and recent research published on a range of aspects in the field. Resolutely driven by current research, the module focuses on how empirical study can advance theories on how language is stored and processed in the mind, how language is learned and how language is used. This will contribute to a more precise grasp of theories of language processing, representation, learning and use.

This module explores syntax from a cross-linguistic perspective and provides students with a deeper understanding of syntactic variation. We examine key concepts of grammatical organization as it is exhibited in the languages of the world. We look at syntactic variation, as well as the limits which seem to operate on this variation. We will explore a number of categories and concepts which are challenged when data from a broader range of languages is taken into consideration.

This module acquaints you with the fundamental principles and practices associated with new technologies in second language learning and teaching. It helps you explore the connection between second language acquisition theories and implementing different technologies in second language learning, teaching and socialisation. The module will also provide you with opportunities to examine how technology can support the development of linguistic and communicative competencies as learners engage in acquiring another language in and/or beyond institutionalised educational settings. In this module, you will also develop some basic skills in selecting, creating, evaluating and using technological resources/tools for second language teaching, with an understanding of how technology can be integrated into the language curriculum in theoretically and pedagogically sound ways.

Forensic Linguistics explores the ways in which linguistics intersects with public life. Topics include how linguistic knowledge is used in legal settings, such as analysing courtroom discourse, determining authenticity, or using linguistic analysis to determine a person's country of origin, a person's identity, or the authorship of a text. This module may also cover how linguistic discrimination effects individuals, and the legal rights granted to specific languages and language users, and how important information is communicated to minority language users.

This module presents you with a thorough survey of the interface between human language and computing. It covers both the history of language technology and the processing and generation of natural language by computers, and current major applications of linguistics in computer science and software development: e.g., automatic speech recognition, sentiment analysis, machine translation, and automated dialogue/chat systems.

This module introduces final-year undergraduate students from across the social sciences to the fundamental theories and analytical methods that underpin effective communication within various professional environments. The course aims to demonstrate how language can be strategically employed to achieve diverse objectives and will likely be of particular interest to students interested in going into careers in management and marketing. Key concepts such as discourse, influence, authority, emotion, and cross-cultural communication will be explored to provide insights into the factors that impact professional interactions and the tactics that can be utilised to enhance communication effectiveness. Throughout the module, you will not only develop a solid understanding of these theoretical concepts but will also have numerous opportunities to refine their own professional communication skills and techniques. Practical application of these skills will be encouraged across a variety of scenarios and settings, ensuring that you are well-equipped to excel in your future careers in management and marketing.

This module will equip you with an overview of variationist sociolinguistic theory and findings, you’ll focus on exploring social and linguistic constraints on variation and addressing contemporary variationist theoretical challenges.

This module offers an introduction to the discipline of cognitive linguistics and its application to second (L2) language learning and teaching. It focuses on cognitive linguistics views on the nature of language and language learning with specific reference to the L2 context. Cognitive linguistics sees meaning as the core of language both in relation to lexical items and grammar. Meaning is seen as closely related to general knowledge; grammar as shaped and constrained by general cognitive processes, by the needs of speakers in interaction, and by frequency of use. The module covers key concepts in the field, such as conceptualisation and construal, radial networks, encyclopaedic knowledge and its role in language comprehension and production, metaphor and metonymy, and embodied cognition.

How do we bring off the everyday miracle of having a conversation? This introduction to Conversation Analysis (CA) will examine the mechanics of interaction, showing us with how verbal and non-verbal actions are coordinated in time.

How do you select literature for a language class? What are the distinctive features of literature for classroom use? What practical activities can language teachers undertake using literature? Learn to incorporate literature into the language classroom. Examine novels, poetry and drama, and understand how to use drama in the classroom.

What fascinates you about linguistics? Work independently on an extended project of your choosing within linguistics, with supervision from our expert staff. Build your subject knowledge, as well as your research skills and project management abilities.

The group project is a research project that acts as a capstone to studies in English language and linguistics at undergraduate level. You will work in a small group (approx. 5 students) with a supervisor. You will be provided with a list of topic options from which you can choose; it will also be possible for you to propose your own topic and present this to a supervisor with relevant expertise. A topic proposal developed by you will need to be sufficiently focused for it to be agreed on between you and supervisor in a single meeting. You are tasked with putting together a multi-media creative assignment that tackles a topic within the area of language linguistics. This could include but is not limited to producing a podcast, blog, short video, animated comic, or pedagogical materials. You will then present your product (10 minutes) at the end of the module. You work together with other students but everyone will receive an individual mark.

The first term of the module begins with simple OLS regression and provides a framework for modelling strategy and variable selection. Students are then taken through extensions to the basic OLS model, with categorical predictors, interactions and non-linear terms. Next, we introduce models for categorical outcomes: binary logistic and multinomial logit. The term concludes with a discussion of practical topics in data analysis - how to deal with complex sample designs, weighting and non-response adjustments.