Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of human language. It addresses questions such as:
- How do people use language in various situations?
- What is the biological basis for language?
- Is language unique to the human species?
- How and why do languages change?
- How do we analyse the sounds, words and sentences of language?
- How do children learn language?
- How does language relate to other modes of communication?
Linguistics provides a basis for a variety of practical applications, including the teaching and learning of foreign languages, translating and interpreting,
facilitating cross-cultural communication, diagnosing and treating language disorders, developing language curricula in schools and improving literacy
skills. Linguists share an interest in language with those who teach foreign languages and literature, with psychologists, philosophers, computer scientists
and others.
Linguistics at UNSW
Linguistics at UNSW offers comprehensive programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and Higher Research degree levels. Our staff specialisations and research include bilingualism, business and language, intercultural communication, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, descriptive grammar, and language typology. Our program specialises in equipping students with the analytical tools to engage critically in the global exchange of ideas. Understanding the similarities and differences among languages will develop your analytical skills so you can become an excellent communicator and critical thinker.
Download the Linguistics Information Brochure (PDF) (1 Mb)
Careers
Studying linguistics at the University of New South Wales provides students with diverse tools to appreciate how language is organised, how language functions in society and its relationship to the way the mind works. Understand such issues as who has power at a meeting by the language used, how political leaders use language to sway voters, and how children learn to speak their mother tongue.
Linguistics graduate career options include:
- Language education - including teaching foreign languages
- Teaching English as a second language
- Literacy development
- Editing and publishing
- Translation and interpreting
- Language pathology
International Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to complete an international exchange for one or two semesters as part of their degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.
Program Information
Linguistics is offered as:
- a major or minor within the three-year Bachelor of Arts and related combined degree programs
- a fourth (honours) year for high achieving students
- postgraduate coursework programs in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Interpreting and Translation
- postgraduate research programs
The Linguistics major includes two first-year core courses followed by a selection of upper level courses.
The UNSW BA provides the opportunity to combine two disciplines from a choice of 35 majors and minors.
Many students combine linguistics with the study of a foreign language. UNSW offers beginner to advanced studies in: Chinese - Japanese - Korean - Indonesian - French - Greek - German - Spanish
Program Coordinator: Dr Mengistu Amberber
View Linguistics Studies options in the UNSW Handbook
2012 Courses
View course descriptions and course outlines.
