Information for Prospective Undergraduates
(UCAS code: Q100 BA/L)
Are you curious about our most crucially human attribute, language? Does a subject which straddles the divide between arts and sciences appeal to you? Then the course in linguistics may be for you.
The main requirement for studying linguistics is a lively curiosity about the nature of language. It may be that you've been struck by a language that puts its verbs in a different position in the sentence, or wondered why languages change (making Chaucer hard to understand, for instance), or been puzzled that automatic speech recognition software gets a perfectly clear word wrong, or realised that an utterance such as 'it's cold in here' may mean more than the words (understood: 'do close the window!'), or been excited to learn that languages as diverse as Welsh and Hindi have a common ancestor. Basically, if you've found yourself asking 'why?' or 'how?' in relation to language, linguistics is for you. Because linguistics is interdisciplinary we don't require specific A-level subjects, and welcome applicants whose profile is science-oriented as well as arts-centred. Some formal study of language, either through learning languages or through English Language A-level, does however serve as a good preparation. For information and advice on applying to Cambridge see the Admissions Office website.
| Studying Linguistics at Cambridge has given me every opportunity to explore the full scope of a discipline which is still developing in so many exciting directions, and then focus on the areas which I really enjoy. I've always been supported and encouraged by the renowned teaching staff, who challenge me to think in original ways and broaden my perspective at every opportunity. Amelia |
Please also see:
- MML Faculty Undergraduate Prospectus (PDF)
- What is Linguistics?
- Course structure and outline
- Recommended reading
- After your degree
- MML/Linguistics Open Days
- Cambridge University Open Days
