ObjectivesThis is a three-year dual honours degree, combining the study of Linguistics and Philosophy. Linguistics and Philosophy is a degree that allows you to explore our dependence on language from different but complementary perspectives. While in Linguistics you will learn about the nature and development of different languages, in Philosophy you will discover that reflection on language is a key part of any inquiry into philosophical questions. Linguistics: Approximately half of your modules will be shared with students on the single honours BA in English Language and Linguistics. This concerns the structure, use, history and acquisition of English, and of natural languages more generally. There are a number of thematic pathways within the degree programme at levels two and three, including theoretical and comparative approaches, language and society, folklore and cultural tradition, and historical approaches to language. Dual degree students may take modules from within any of these pathways with the opportunity to study, for example, syntax, phonetics, sociolinguistics, language and gender, Middle English, and child language acquisition. The course structure on the linguistics side of the degree is relatively fixed at level one: you will take 40 credits of linguistics modules, including Sounds and Structures of English (20 credits combined), plus one of the following (History of English, Doing Linguistics, and Varieties of English). You may take additional English Language and Linguistics modules to make up your 40 unrestricted credits. Level one modules are intended to provide a foundation in linguistic theory and analysis, and to introduce you to topics that you may wish to explore in more depth. The course structure in your subsequent years is extremely flexible: you will choose approximately 50% of your modules (60 credits per year) from any of the modules offered at each level. This allows you to pursue your specific interests in linguistics and at the same time to integrate your linguistic studies with your developing interests in Philosophy. Philosophy: There is an exciting range of Philosophy courses taught by researchers who are experts in their fields. You can develop your understanding of the key areas of philosophy such as Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, Theory of Knowledge, Political Philosophy, Metaphysics and Logic through the course of your three years. We also have courses on major figures in the history of philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel and others. The Philosophy side of the degree is based on the principle of free choice, with no required modules.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements GCE/VCE A levels - ABB Scottish Highers - AAAA-BBBB Irish Leaving Cert. - AAABB-BBBBB International Baccalaureate - 29-35 points Core Requirements - Grade B in GCE A Level English Language (or other evidence of an appropriate interest in language).
Academic titleBA Linguistics and Philosophy
Course descriptionOur students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.
This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.
Find out how to contact the department
Typical First Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
The Sounds of English 10
The Structure of English 10
Critical Thinking 20
Doing Linguistics 20
History of English 20
Human Rights 20
Matters of Life and Death 20
Mind, Brain and Personal Identity 20
Philosophy of Art and Literature 20
Varieties of English 20
Areas of Philosophy 10
History of Philosophy 10
Key Arguments 10
Knowledge, Justification and Doubt 10
Philosophy of Religion 10
Philosophy of Science 10
Typical Second Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
A Sense of Place: Local and Regional Identity 20
Art and Tradition 20
Chaucer's Comic Tales 20
Cognitive Approaches to Language Acquisition 20
Descartes and The Empiricists 20
Ethics: Theoretical and Practical 20
Ethics: Theoretical and Practical 20
Ethics: Theoretical and Practical 20
Feminism 20
Feminism 20
Formal Logic 20
Formal Logic 20
Introduction to Old English 20
Language Politics and Language Policy 20
Language and Power 20
Lexicology 20
Morphology 20
Old English: Language, Texts and Culture 20
Paradoxes 20
Philosophy of Art and Literature 20
Philosophy of Law 20
Philosophy of Mind 20
Philosophy of Mind 20
Phonetics 20
Plato 20
Plato 20
Political Philosophy 20
Political Philosophy 20
Reference and Truth 20
Sociolinguistics 20
Syntax 1 20
Syntax II 20
The History of Persuasion 20
The Rationalists 20
The Rationalists 20
The Social Contract 20
Theory of Knowledge 20
Theory of Knowledge 20
Topics in Ancient Philosophy 20
Topics in Ancient Philosophy 20
Typical Third Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Advanced Logic 20
Aristotle 20
Desires of One's Own 20
Desires of One's Own 20
Dialect in Literature and Song 20
Dissertation 20
English Folklore: Language, Literature and History 20
English Folklore: Language, Literature and History 20
Epistemology 20
Feminism: Rationality and Politics 20
Generative Approaches to Language Acquisition 20
Generative Approaches to Language Acquisition 20
Hegel and His Critics 20
History of Linguistics 20
Hobbes and Hume 20
Kant 20
Language Change 20
Language and Gender 20
Later Modern English 1700-1945 20
Metaphysics 20
Morality, Identity and Freedom 20
Philosophical Problems 1 20
Philosophical Problems II 20
Philosophy of Language 20
Philosophy of Mathematics 20
Philosophy of Psychology 20
Philosophy of Science 20
Phonology 20
Possible Worlds 20
Pragmatism 20
Pragmatism 20
Semantics, Pragmatics and Discourse 20
Special Subject 20
Syntax 3 20
Syntax 3 20
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 20