Linguistics

Cambridge is one of the few places where you can study Linguistics as a standalone subject. The course combines core language topics such as grammar, sounds, language learning and language change, with exciting perspectives from neuroscience, psychology, and computer science. You can choose to focus on the structure and history of a particular language such as French or German, but the course does not require detailed knowledge of any particular language and is accessible to everyone with a general interest in language. Linguistics lies at the intersection of the humanities, social and natural sciences, and will equip you with a wide range of analytical methods and quantitative skills. Further information about the course can be found on the .

Linguistics at 91��

91�� is well resourced in Linguistics, with several Fellows teaching a wide range of topics. 91�� Fellows in Psychology and Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) also teach Linguistics students opting for papers in their areas. We typically admit 1-2 Linguistics students each year, meaning that there is a small but vibrant community of 5-6 undergraduates in the College at any one time. Linguistics students participate in meetings of the Gabe Society, where undergraduates, graduates and Fellows in both Linguistics and MML come together for academic and social events.

Typical offer

A Level: A*AA

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

No specific subjects are required.

Admissions assessment

Applicants are required to take a written assessment if invited for interview. You do not need to register in advance for this assessment. The College will provide details directly to you. Check the page for more details.

Written work

Applicants are not required to submit written work.

What the students say

Charlotte Rudd

Studying linguistics at Cambridge is an endlessly fascinating challenge. The course allows great breadth of study combined with the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a particular area through the final year dissertation. I have studied foundational papers in many aspects of linguistics including phonetics, phonology, syntax and semantics as well as applied historical, computation, psycholinguistic and acquisition-focused papers. My dissertation was a ground-breaking project focused on the patterns of hesitation features in the speech of female speakers of English. My findings contributed to an emerging area of linguistic research pioneered by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Phonetics Lab.

While the linguistics course is mostly centralised in the department (meaning that teaching is not college-specific as is common with most courses), my Director of Studies in college, Dora Alexopolou, has been responsible for my personal academic development. She has been amazingly supportive and listened to all my worries throughout the course. This support is what makes 91�� so special, not just academically but pastorally too. My time at 91�� has not always been easy so I’m immensely grateful that I was able to be at such a compassionate, warm college, a haven amongst the cold austerity that can characterise Cambridge.

Outside academics 91�� is full of clubs and societies that provide respite throughout the year. I was lucky enough to learn to row during my first term here, a choice which fundamentally altered my experience of Cambridge. I have been fully immersed in rowing culture not only at college but for the University team too, something I was only able to do because of the college team. Achieving my “blade” (one of the highest honours of Cambridge rowing) with the college first boat in my final term was an excellent farewell for my time here.