Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language in all its aspects including its structure, its diversity, how it changes and evolves, how people learn and make use of it to communicate.
Investigate the universality of human languages
Knowledge of linguistics equips you to understand things about the world’s over 6000 languages, from English to the Australian Indigenous language Pitjantjatjara to sign languages. By studying Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, you’ll enhance your analytical and critical thinking skills through rigorous practical and theoretical training.
You’ll ask questions such as: do all languages share similar properties? Does the language we speak determine the way we think? And how do languages vary over time in different societies? In applied linguistics, you’ll explore the practical and theoretical issues involving language learning. You’ll focus on the learning and teaching of second languages, language policy, multilingualism, language in education, the preservation and revival of endangered languages and the assessment and treatment of language difficulties. In this major, you’ll learn by being given problems to solve based on real examples from languages all over the world.
Where can Linguistics and Applied Linguistics take you?
With your specialist knowledge of language, your refined communication skills, and your ability to solve problems in a range of contexts, you will possess a transferable skill set valued by employers. You might go on to work in careers in a variety of fields, such as language teaching, IT and linguistic technology, translation and interpreting, working with Indigenous communities, speech therapy and audiology, marketing, journalism and publishing.
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Linguistics as a major, minor or electives. Develop advanced knowledge in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Linguistics through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in a Linguistics breadth track.
Graduate coursework
Build on your linguistics knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
Enhance your study of Languages
Overseas intensive subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an Language subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Language studies with authentic work experience.
Language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience a language first-hand by studying overseas for one or two semesters.