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Department of Language and Linguistic Science

Innovative modern language studies. Global expertise in linguistics.

An academic helping a student with work in the forensics lab.

Study with us

Our expertise spans the arts, humanities and sciences. We offer courses in modern languages, English language and linguistics.

Our courses will prepare you to understand languages and cultures, as well as succeed in a range of careers.

Discover our courses

Find scholarships and funding

Research

Two students carrying out research with an academic in the speech lab.

We're driven by what language is, and every aspect of it. Researching it allows us to unravel the complex web of communication and thought.

Our interdisciplinary research has a range of applications in health, social justice, equality and the legal system.

Explore our research

In the Department of Language and Linguistic Science - or LLS, as we fondly call it - you'll be taught by colleagues who are world-renowned experts in their respective fields. We are passionate about linguistic research and about language teaching.

Professor Monika S. Schmid, Head of Department

(QS World University Rankings 2025).
for the quality of our research in linguistics - according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).
1st in the UK for Iberian languages
(The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Dedicated facilities
We have specialist labs to study speech, forensics, psycholinguistics, translation and interpreting.

News

News

13 February 2026

Professor Monika S. Schmid collaborates on a new project to develop automated tools for detecting early cognitive decline.

News

13 February 2026

86 pupils from six schools visited the department for language workshops and a taste of university life.

News

13 February 2026

A new international project will use respiratory technology to explore how breath, laughter and sighs shape human interaction.

News

3 February 2026

New doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities available for a major census of urban and rural language in England and Wales.

Events

Event

Thursday 12 March 2026 4pm

Leading syntax and language creation scholar will speak on universal multilingualism and creolistics.

Event

Friday 13 March 2026 9.30am

Half-day event features presentations on Ewe, Setswana, Eegimaa and more.

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