Linguistics and Philosophy

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Linguistics

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to the structure of language, as well as how language is used to convey meaning. In the following year you’ll study further core modules in the key areas of syntax and phonetics as well as choosing optional modules such as Psycholinguistics or Language and Gender. You’ll continue to benefit from this choice in your final year, with options including language acquisition and phonological theory.

Philosophy

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to topics such as ethics and logic and teach you to construct arguments. This will lay the foundation for the next two years, where you’ll continue to take a broad approach to philosophy by choosing modules from areas such as logic and language, philosophy of science, mind and knowledge or history of philosophy. By your final year you will also have highly developed research and analytical skills.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Language: Meaning and Use 20 credits
• Language: Structure and Sound 20 credits
• How to Think Clearly and Argue Well 20 credits
• LCS Academic Essentials

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Phonetics 20 credits
• Syntax 20 credits

Optional modules

• Ethics of Life and Death 10 credits
• Philosophy of Religion 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Final year project/dissertation

Optional modules

• Language and Gender 20 credits
• Language Acquisition 20 credits
• Sociophonetics 20 credits
• Philosophy of Mind 20 credits
• Feminist Philosophy 20 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Linguistics and Philosophy BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.