Language is a tool we all use instinctively, without necessarily understanding its precise structure. By studying Linguistics, you'll gain an inner working knowledge of language design and organisation. You'll learn about different sounds, words and clause structures, and how they work in world languages. You'll explore different cultures and societies to see how linguistic behaviour changes by location, as well as in various situations.
Your Linguistics studies will also give you a commanding understanding of the English language which can lead to careers in journalism, free-lance writing or academia.
The QS World University Subject Rankings has recognised the University of Waikato among the worlds top 250 universities for studying Linguistics.
Career opportunities
- Education Researcher
- Journalist
- Language Policy and Planning
- Language School Management
- Lexicography (Dictionary Writing)
- Second Language Teaching
- Speech Therapist
- Writer
Qualifications
Study Linguistics in any of these qualifications
Papers
100 level
| Old Worlds - New Worlds | ARTSC110 | 15.0 Points |
| Social Science Theory and Action | ARTSC111 | 15.0 Points |
| English.Confidence | ENGLI113 | 15.0 Points |
| Describing Language | LINGS131 | 15.0 Points |
200 level
| Language Analysis | LINGS201 | 15.0 Points |
| Exploring English: From Grammar to Discourse | LINGS202 | 15.0 Points |
| Language, Society and Culture | LINGS203 | 15.0 Points |
| Wisdom, Language, and Communication | PHILO204 | 15.0 Points |
| Brain, Cognition, and Development | PSYCH203 | 15.0 Points |
300 level
| Work Placement | FASS396 | 20.0 Points |
| History and Variation of French | FREN305 | 20.0 Points |
| Language Typology | LING302 | 20.0 Points |
| Sociolinguistics | LING304 | 20.0 Points |
| An Introduction to Second Language Teaching | LING306 | 20.0 Points |
| Special Topic | LING380 | 20.0 Points |
| Directed Study | LING390 | 20.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Ling) and GradDip(Ling)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Linguistics at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Linguistics MPhil Thesis | LING800 | 120.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Linguistics PhD Thesis | LING900 | 120.0 Points |
Subject links
Subject Requirements
Linguistics is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc. Linguistics may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
To complete a major in Linguistics, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in Linguistics, including LING231, LING302, LING304 and one other 300 level LING paper. It is recommended that students intending to major in Linguistics include LING131 and LING132 in the first year of their programme of study in order to meet prerequisites for study at 200 level and above.
To complete a supporting subject in Linguistics, students must include LING131, LING132 and LING231.
Students wishing to take Linguistics as a major or as a supporting subject are strongly encouraged to include a language skills paper in a language other than their first language in their programme of study. Such a paper would not count as a Linguistics paper for the purposes of the degree regulations.
Documents
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Undergraduate Handbook
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Career Moves
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
General & Undergraduate Enquiries:
Phone: +64 7 838 4932
Email: ling-fass@waikato.ac.nz