Philosophy and Linguistics (BA)

Overview

The Philosophy and Linguistics (BA) program at Cardiff University is a 3-year full-time degree that explores the intersection of philosophical and linguistic traditions. The program is designed to develop students' skills as thinkers, critically evaluating complex theories and arguments, and applying philosophical research to real-world problems.

Subject Areas

• English language and literature
• Philosophy

UCAS Code and Intake

• UCAS code: QV36
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full time

Why Study This Course

The program allows students to choose from modules across a range of philosophical traditions, tracing connections to other disciplines and engaging with new areas of philosophical research. Students will develop employability skills, including collaboration, effective communication, and critical thinking, and will be aware of the ethical and social challenges facing contemporary society and industry.

Course Structure

The program consists of 120 credits of study in each year, with 60 credits in philosophy and 60 credits in linguistics. The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2026/2027 academic year.

Year One

• Core modules:
  • How Language Works 1 (SE1113, 20 credits)
  • How Language Works 2 (SE1114, 20 credits)
  • Moral and Political Philosophy (SE4103, 20 credits)
  • Mind, Language and Belief (SE4113, 20 credits)
  • Writing at University and Beyond (SE6266, 20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Developing English: History and Society (SE1115, 20 credits)
  • Reason and its Limits (SE4115, 20 credits)

Year Two

• Core module:
  • Philosophy of Language (SE4457, 20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Discourse (SE1387, 20 credits)
  • Structure, Meaning and Function (SE1424, 20 credits)
  • Sounds of Speech (SE1429, 20 credits)
  • Political Philosophy (SE4443, 20 credits)
  • Modern Moral Philosophy (SE4456, 20 credits)
  • Philosophy of Feminism (SE4459, 20 credits)
  • Contemporary Moral Philosophy (SE4463, 20 credits)
  • Contemporary Epistemology (SE4444, 20 credits)
  • Minds, Bodies, Worlds (SE4445, 20 credits)
  • Damcaniaethu Cyfalafiaeth (SE4446, 20 credits)
  • Ancient Philosophy (SE4453, 20 credits)
  • Credoau'r Cymry (SE4454, 20 credits)
  • French Existentialism (SE4455, 20 credits)
  • Philosophy of Psychology (SE4458, 20 credits)
  • Philosophical Aesthetics (SE4464, 20 credits)
  • Digital Literacy and Language (SE1389, 20 credits)
  • Words and Meaning (SE1427, 20 credits)
  • Style and Genre (SE1428, 20 credits)
  • Sociolinguistics (SE1430, 20 credits)
  • Language and Gender (SE1431, 20 credits)
  • History of English (SE1432, 20 credits)
  • First and Second Language Acquisition (SE1433, 20 credits)

Year Three

• Core modules:
  • Working with Linguistic Data (SE1425, 20 credits)
  • Philosophy in Practice (SE4447, 20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Forensic Linguistics (SE1324, 20 credits)
  • Dissertation in Language and Communication 1 (SE1383, 20 credits)
  • Dissertation in Language and Communication 2 (SE1384, 20 credits)
  • Patterns of Language (SE1396, 20 credits)
  • The Graphic Memoir (SE1409, 20 credits)
  • Experimental Approaches to Psycholinguistics (SE1418, 20 credits)
  • Language and Popular Culture (SE1419, 20 credits)
  • Phraseology in Theory and Application (SE1421, 20 credits)
  • World Englishes (SE1423, 20 credits)
  • Dissertation in Philosophy (SE4385, 20 credits)
  • Cyfiawnder Byd-eang (SE4394, 20 credits)
  • Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru (SE4396, 20 credits)
  • Belief & Irrationality (SE4419, 20 credits)
  • Moral Responsibility (SE4426, 20 credits)
  • Aesthetic Injustice (SE4434, 20 credits)
  • Reasons and Relationships (SE4438, 20 credits)
  • Phenomenological Investigations of Experience (SE4448, 20 credits)
  • Radical 19th Century Thought (SE4449, 20 credits)
  • Aesthetics and Ethics (SE4450, 20 credits)
  • Digital Technology and You (SE4451, 20 credits)

Entry Requirements

The program accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3).
• GCSE and other essential requirements: You must have English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
• English language requirements:
  • GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
  • IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
  • PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
  • Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits. III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status.

Fees for Home Status

• Year one: Ł9,535
• Year two: Ł9,535
• Year three: Ł9,535

Fees for Overseas Status

• Year one: Ł24,700
• Year two: Ł24,700
• Year three: Ł24,700

Additional Costs

• Accommodation: The university has a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
• Living costs: The university is based in one of the UK's most affordable cities.

Learning and Assessment

Throughout the degree, the aim is to support you to become an independent, creative, and critical thinker. The program provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions to help you develop key skills and gain confidence.

How Will I Be Supported?

Your main sources of support in philosophy are your module leaders and your Personal Tutors. You will have access to all course materials through the electronic learning environment.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection. These assessments include critical analyses of texts, essays, group discussion assessments, weekly tasks, analytical tasks, and reflective assessment of your own skills.

Careers

Graduates from this program possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers. These include the ability to independently analyze complex problems and identify workable and innovative solutions, to work effectively with others on large projects, to communicate effectively to different audiences, and to use reflection and feedback to further develop your skills.

Studying in Welsh

Up to 33% of this course is available through the medium of Welsh. Please contact the Admissions tutor for more information.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.