Linguistics with French BA Honours
- UCAS code: Q1R1
- Full time
- 4 years
Explore how language works and how it’s structured, alongside the study of French.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
Fees (per year)
- Home: Not set
- International: £23800
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This four-year Linguistics with French degree concentrates on developing your understanding of how languages function, how we communicate, and the growth of language in the mind.
You'll explore linguistics in the context of English and French. You'll build a firm foundation of skills and knowledge to pursue many potential career paths.
You will build your fluency in French alongside your study of linguistics. This will give you a unique perspective on the language. You’ll study French at an intermediate or advanced level depending on your previous experience.
In your third year, you'll immerse yourself in Francophone culture as you spend the year in a French-speaking country. You will improve your language skills and confidence, and gain a first-hand appreciation for the language in context.
Our cutting-edge programme is shaped by the research specialisms of our world-leading researchers. This ensures, that your studies explore the latest ideas and most exciting areas of linguistics, such as:
- first and second language acquisition
- language evolution and computational modelling
- language variation and change
- psycholinguistics
- theoretical linguistics
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
You'll study the same linguistics modules as students on the single honours Linguistics degree.
Your stage 1 modules will lay the foundation for in-depth analysis and description of language. They focus on topics such as the:
- structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax)
- sounds and sound systems of language (phonetics and phonology)
- language variation and change
- language acquisition and psycholinguistics
Your language covers speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
You'll have a weekly grammar lesson, complemented by classes aimed at helping you understand the culture and society of the countries where French is spoken.
Modules
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
France and the Francophone World | 20 |
Introduction to Linguistics | 20 |
Academic Study and Research Skills | 0 |
Through your compulsory modules you’ll develop your knowledge of:
- core aspects of grammar and sound patterns
- how these apply to a range of languages
You'll broaden your understanding of language by exploring the social context in which languages are learned, used and how they change over time.
In your French modules in the School of Modern Languages, you’ll develop your:
- reading, listening, writing and speaking skills
- understanding of the culture and society of French-speaking countries. This is in preparation for your year abroad
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Level C (HE Advanced) French | 20 |
Phonological Theory | 20 |
Syntactic Theory | 20 |
Year Abroad Preparation | 0 |
You will spend your third year studying or working (or a combination of both) in a French-speaking country.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Year Abroad Tutor Posts | 100 |
Optional Modules
Study Abroad (20 credits)
Year Abroad Work Placement Report (Semester 1) (20 credits)
Year Abroad Work Placement Report (Semester 2) (20 credits)
Year Abroad Project (Semester 2) (20 credits)
You'll continue to study advanced language modules in French, reflecting the fluency you will have gained during your year abroad.
You will also undertake an independent project, leading your own research in close collaboration with a faculty supervisor.
You can select your remaining modules from an array of choices, each of which is closely linked to your lecturers’ active research specialisms. These currently include syntactic and phonological theory; low-educated second language and literacy acquisition; language origins and evolution; child language acquisition and language change.
Modules
You must take one of the following modules (shown in the list below):
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Language for Professional & Academic Purposes (20 credits)
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings, plus weekly study groups.
You also spend around 25 hours per week on class preparation, reading, writing, and other kinds of independent research recommended by your tutor.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
Skills and experience
Practical experience
Studying Linguistics at Newcastle means you will benefit from access to our state-of-the-art Linguistics Laboratory. The LingLab hosts collections of language data for analysis of linguistic variation and change. It also hosts a range of equipment for advanced articulatory, phonetic and psycholinguistic research. Activities are supported by a dedicated lab manager.
You'll also have access to the award-winning Language Resource Centre in the School of Modern Languages. These facilities support your language learning, and encourage cross-cultural communication.
Research skills
As part of your degree, you will complete an independent research project in your final year. You will collaborate with a faculty member to investigate a novel topic that you are passionate about. You will also be offered a range of opportunities to participate in staff research projects.
Opportunities
You will spend the third year of your degree in a French-speaking country, where you can:
- study at one of our partner institutions
- teach English as a foreign language under the British Council assistantship programme
- take a work placement
- combine study with work placement
Our current partner institutions, in France and Belgium, include:
- Haute École EPHEC
- Université Libre de Bruxelles
- ISIT Paris
- Université Catholique de l'Ouest
- Université d'Angers
- Université de Lorraine
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour
- Université de Tours
- Université Grenoble Alps
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. The School is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus. You'll join a lively community of students, academics, writers, and professionals.
You'll have access to:
- A library of 1.4 million books and 54,000 journals on 26km of shelving
- The Percy Building’s student common rooms, study areas and café
- Northern Stage, Great North Museum & the Hatton Gallery for events and exhibitions
- The Students' Union for shops, societies and gigs
- A digital media lab for developing documentaries and film-making
Our literature and creative writing teaching is linked to the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA) programme. This will give you regular contact with leading creative artists.
Find out more about the NCLA programme
You'll also have access to a diverse programme of events, including spoken-word events and creative writing courses.
Find out more about the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a Personal Tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues affecting your academic progress.
Peer Mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer questions you may have when starting university.
Your future
English Language and Linguistics students acquire a range of valuable skills which equip them to pursue diverse career paths.
Your training can be used in:
- teaching English as a foreign language
- publishing
- journalism
- advertising, branding and marketing
- information services and data science
You will gain skills such as critical reasoning and problem solving, project and data management, oral and written communication, collaboration and independent research.
Our degrees provide excellent preparation for a wide number of professions. With further training, our graduates have also become:
- lexicographers
- translators and interpreters
- speech and language therapists
- social researchers
- legal sector workers (including forensic linguists)
Employability
Employability and the engagement with the wider world go hand-in-hand in this degree.
Many of our modules, particularly in your final year, model their assessments on the kind of tasks you might be employed to do:
- constructing marketing briefs
- drafting website copy
- curating exhibitions
- designing experiments
- coding websites
- analysing data
- writing a clear and persuasive argument.
Beyond our modules, there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities. These range from freelance work for Newcastle’s student newspaper to paid internships in the department. In particular, the Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts hires students to work on everything from event management to app design.
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).
Qualification: BA Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
Not set |
International students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
23800 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
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