Explore the ideas and science behind the linguistic and reasoning abilities that make us human
Year of entry: 2025/26
V5Q3
Y50
3 years full-time
AAB (full entry requirements)
September 2025 (semester dates)
£9,250/£9,535 (to be confirmed) per year
£25,800 per year
Uncover and dissect the components that make human communication so special.
Through analysing human interactions, you’ll attain a rigorous scientific understanding of how language and communication work, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. At the same time, you’ll improve your ability to understand and explain complex arguments by using specialist techniques to systematically deconstruct ideas with mathematical precision.
Using the latest tools and technology, you’ll examine language in meticulous detail—revealing a new level of understanding that has the potential to change the way you see the world.
By learning to think methodically and construct coherent arguments, you're going to improve your ability to express yourself confidently and clearly in professional, academic and social situations.
Exposure to a diverse range of topics and ideas will nurture personal and technical skills that open up a world of opportunities for you. You could go on to use your linguistic knowledge to help people as a speech therapist, apply your data analysis skills to guide the government in a public sector job or utilise your creative problem-solving abilities to lead a team in any industry. Broad experience and practice tackling complex ideas will also be an ideal platform if you decide to go on to postgraduate study.
in linguistics (National Student Survey 2024).
Our expert researchers in philosophy and linguistics will guide you through carefully-selected modules that introduce you to a unique but complementary set of tools, enabling you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science behind language and communication.
Through a mix of theory, experimentation and data science, you'll enhance your understanding of language and uncover logical structures and distinctions that feed into your philosophical evaluations.
You'll study a mix of modules specific to philosophy and linguistics and others which traverse the area where the fields converge.
Through a mix of seminars, lectures and practicals, you'll learn intellectual and digital skills that you can use for the rest of your life in any academic or professional career path you choose.
There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.
You'll be introduced to some of the core concepts of philosophy and linguistics.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
You'll learn more about the connection between philosophy and language and see how data science tools can help us understand language in more ways.
You will study one option module. You can study a philosophy module, or an elective module with another department. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
You'll explore the interaction between computers and the mind, choose from a range of option modules and get to work independently on a chosen project.
For your independent project, you'll complete one of the following on a topic of your choice:
You will study four option modules. You will study at least two modules from philosophy and at least one from linguistics. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Get a taste of university-level study on one of York's free short courses, including our subject courses.
One of things I remember most fondly about York is the staff at the philosophy department. It was such an honour to have had the opportunity to discuss, debate and bounce ideas off of them. There is this culture of openness that I think really characterises the department; lecturers want their students to speak and challenge them.Furhaad, BA Philosophy
| UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|
| £9,250/£9,535 (to be confirmed) | £25,800 |
*In November 2024, the UK Government announced that the fee cap for full-time UK (home) students may rise from £9,250 to £9,535, starting from the 2025/26 academic year. We’ll publish any updates to fees on this page once they've been confirmed.
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2025/26 throughout the year.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
As part of your degree, you can choose to take a credit-bearing module in a variety of languages - from Medieval Latin to Japanese, to Arabic or Chinese.
Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
You’ll be empowered to actively participate in your own learning by asking questions, evaluating your thoughts and searching for answers. You’ll do this theoretically in group discussions and practically in hands-on laboratory experiments, under the supervision of a tutor who is an expert in the field. You’ll learn through a mixture of:
Additionally, every staff member has a 'Feedback and Advice Time' every week that students are encouraged to use for one-to-one contact and informal discussion. In your first year, you’ll also be able to get extra support in several ways:
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
You may use our state-of-the-art Language and Linguistic Science facilities to deconstruct and analyse language. We have three areas that you may use.
Comprising two experimental booths with black-out blinds so you can measure pupil response using the world’s most precise video-based eye trackers. Two additional workstations are used for behavioural experiments. These are equipped with multiple E-prime software licences, devices for recording response times and technology for controlling auditory stimuli. The lab also has a generous multi-purpose computer laboratory with access to linguistics software for experimental design and coding.
Using ultrasound imaging and electromagnetic articulography, you can track the movement of the tongue and lips in real-time to analyse speech.
Our professional recording studio can produce clear, quiet, professional recordings suitable for academic use.
You will be based in the departments of Philosophy and Language and Linguistics which are based on Campus West.
Teaching on this course takes place at various locations across Campus West including Vanbrugh, Derwent and the Spring Lane Building.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
Depending on your course and the modules you choose, you'll be assessed differently.
Essays, exams and coursework will make up most of your assignments, but there will also be some group work.
You'll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn't count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We'll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you in developing your academic skills.
We can make appropriate adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. See the University's disability support pages for further details.
All lecturers and seminar tutors are very supportive if there is something bothering you. Everyone knows about the struggle that might occur when starting university and you will receive help if you need it.
Lena, 2nd Year Linguistics student
Effective communication, critical thinking and project management skills are central to most careers. Studying Language, Logic and Communication will equip you with these skills and more, which translate readily into any work context.
Our graduates have an excellent record of pursuing fulfilling paths after graduation. Some of our graduates go on to further academic study or professional training in areas including law and journalism. After additional postgraduate training, graduates with a passion for linguistics have the option to enter careers in clinical linguistics (speech and language therapy), teaching, academic research and higher/further education, and forensic linguistics (forensic speech science).
You'll also gain confidence and skills from completing a demanding course and participating fully in university life.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| A levels | AAB |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDD |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3, M2 |
| European Baccalaureate | 80% overall |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points |
| T levels | We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels. |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Scottish Highers - AABBB Advanced Highers - not required for entry We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.
| Criteria | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Widening participation | If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation. |
| Contextual offer | BBB |
| EPQ | If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
| Core Maths | If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
| MOOCs | If you successfully complete one of our online courses in either Logic: the language of truth or Accents, attitudes and identity do let us know, as you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs. |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component |
| GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | Grade C / Grade 4 |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
| Other English language qualifications | We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates. |
For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
Department of Language and Linguistic Science, Department of Philosophy
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.
