Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language and, given that language impinges on virtually everything we do, it is a broad and interesting subject.
linguistics

Why study Linguistics?

Linguistics at the University of Waikato is a top 250 QS-rated programme and will deepen your appreciation for language, as well as provide essential understandings relevant to any career where language is a key component.

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

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Scholarships and prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

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.

For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice, please contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: alpss@waikato.ac.nz

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.

Browse Linguistics papers