Linguistics at Wolfson
Part of the appeal of studying linguistics is that it draws on methods and knowledge from an unusually wide range of subjects. For instance, the study of meaning draws on work by philosophers, whereas the part of our course concentrating on the sounds of speech takes place in our phonetics laboratory. Here computers are used to display and analyse the speech signal using methods from physics and engineering. This variety is what makes linguistics fascinating: one day you might be poring over a medieval text for evidence of how the grammar of a language has changed, and the next, learning about how the larynx creates sound energy for speech.
You can find further information about studying Linguistics on the University's course pages. Detailed information is also available on the Department's Prospective Undergraduates page.
What are we looking for?
The main requirement for studying Linguistics is a lively curiosity about the nature of language.
Entry Requirements
Linguistics is interdisciplinary so specific A level subjects are not required. We welcome applicants with an outstanding academic profile, whether science-oriented or arts-centered. However, some formal study of language, either through learning languages or through English Language A level, does serve as a good preparation. Please consult the University's entry requirements for Linguistics for further information.
Applications
Applications to study Linguistics at Wolfson are submitted through UCAS. The College additionally requires the submission of written work, a separate written assessment and an online interview, as detailed below.
| Written Work | Applicants are required to submit two pieces of written work. This should be in a related discipline which the candidate is studying or has studied. Submission deadlines can be found here. |
| Assessment | Those interviewed will also sit a written assessment around the time of the interview. Further information about the written assessment can be found on our applying page. |
| Interview | Shortlisted candidates will be invited to be interviewed in December (or late March for those who apply in the March round). There will be one or two interviews (in total lasting 40-50 minutes) which will be conducted online via Zoom. |
For more information about making an application, please visit our application webpages.
You can also find useful information on our Application FAQs page.