Linguistics University of Cambridge

Overview

The Linguistics BA (Hons) at the University of Cambridge provides an intensive exploration into the properties shared by all human languages and the insights they offer into the mind. This multidisciplinary course combines methods from philosophy, engineering, and psychology to analyse how we communicate. Students engage with a variety of materials, ranging from medieval texts to modern brain imaging data.

Why Linguistics at the University of Cambridge?

Ranked first in the UK for the subject by The Complete University Guide 2026, the faculty offers world-class facilities. Students benefit from the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics library, a dedicated phonetics lab, and a Media Centre. Additionally, learners have access to the historic Cambridge University Library, one of the oldest and most significant collections in the world.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 29052 per year
• National fee: GBP 9790 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with a broad foundation before allowing for increased specialisation in later years. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Sounds and Words
• Structures and Meanings
• Language, Brains and Machines
• Linguistic Variation and Change

Year 2 and 3

• Phonetics
• Phonology and Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Historical Linguistics
• Language Acquisition
• Computational Linguistics
• Linguistic Theory

Careers with Linguistics

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for their transferable analytical and communication skills. Many alumni have secured positions at major global organisations, including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and the Foreign Office. The degree also serves as an excellent foundation for professional vocational training in several specialised sectors.

Common career paths for graduates include:

• Speech and language technology development
• Speech therapy
• Teaching and translation
• Forensic linguistics
• Diplomatic Service
• Law and interpreting

Furthermore, many students choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing postgraduate research at leading universities across Europe and North America.