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If you are interested in the way in which we communicate and how it can influence people, studying linguistics will help you unravel how language is inextricably linked to who we are.
Linguistics is devoted to the scientific study of natural language and concerned with how languages evolve, are structured and what they have in common. It also examines how languages are acquired and used.
Our department is home to a wealth of research expertise and that expertise is transferred directly into the classroom. You could be learning from academics who are actively involved in having a real-world impact, from forensic linguistics, to accent mapping, to the language used to describe endometriosis pain. With this expertise here for you to draw on, your learning is not only relevant, but it's also...
3 years full-time
4 years full-time, with placement
4 years full-time, with overseas study
Dr Khawla Badwan"I’ve been teaching in Higher Education since 2007 and have worked in the UK and abroad. My research interests lie in language education, intercultural communication, teacher development, TESOL, and language and globalisation, among many other areas in applied linguistics."
Senior Lecturer in TESOL and Applied Linguistics
Our programme enables you to develop a sound knowledge of both theoretical and applied perspectives and places emphasis on English, with examples from other languages where appropriate. The core elements of the course teach you about sentence structure (syntax), meaning (semantics and pragmatics), forensic linguistics, and phonetics and phonology. You will also learn about language use and variation in different social contexts, the media, and intercultural settings. Communicating effectively, critical thinking and developing rigorous analytical skills are all valuable skills when you enter the world of work.
In this degree you will also take a number of modules relating to your chosen modern language. You can choose from:
Modern Standard Arabic:
The demand for studying Arabic continues to rise as economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa flourish. Arabic is spoken as the first language for over 200 million people, and is the official language of 22 countries (bbc.co.uk). The demand for studying Arabic has recently grwon due to increased economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa, and with a low supply of Arabic-speakers in the Western world, it’s certainly a language worth learning.
Mandarin Chinese:
Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, with over 800 million speakers (bbc.co.uk). Speaking Mandarin will allow you to communicate with millions of people around the world. In business, people who speak Mandarin have a distinct advantage with the Chinese market, as it is easier to develop all-important relationships when you can speak the language. Whether it’s visiting the Far East or even taking a trip to Manchester’s Chinatown, studying Mandarin provides a portal into an incredible language and culture steeped in history.
Japanese:
Manga, Anime, J-Pop, J-Drama, Karaoke, Japanese cultural exports continue to explode across the Western world. What better way to understand and explore than by learning Japanese? The language is spoken by about 125 million people (bbc.co.uk), and so studying Japanese could give you that all important competitive edge in job interviews, business relationships, and cultural awareness. It also provides a unique gateway to other Asian languages and cultures.
French:
More than 75 million people speak French as their native language. French is also one of the official languages in Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland and is spoken widely across the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. All told, there are more than 220 million French speakers, worldwide (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr), with French being one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Being a French speaker can open graduate employment opportunities at many organisations, the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the OECD, the African Union, the Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO, or the International Olympic Committee, to name a few. There are also many international businesses who seek graduates with French language skills, such as in consulting (eg CapGemini), finance (eg Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Banque de France) and in wider industrial sectors (eg Edf, Airbus, Alstom).
Spanish:
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages around the world both in terms of the numbers of speakers, and the global geographical spread. As a global language, Spanish is second only to Mandarin in terms of the number of the world's population who speak it as a first language. It has official status in 21 countries spanning Europe, Africa, North, Central and South America (Britishcouncil.org). Spanish has also emerged as the most important language for the UK in an analysis made by the British Council. It is also considered one the easiest languages to learn, and so give it a try and delve into a truly fascinating language and culture.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). On progression to any linked degree course, the standard UK and Channel Islands tuition fee would apply. For 2025/26, this is £9,535 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £20,000 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Optional estimate: £18
No costs. However, DBS certification may be occasionally needed for projects requiring research students to work with children - the cost for a standard check is £18 (in 2023).
Optional estimate: £2000
Study abroad or Placement. £200 (cost of living) per month for mainland Europe. Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to engaging with the Turing programme, the UK government scheme to support students to study and work abroad. All study abroad opportunities are subject to application, international travel restrictions and availability.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersA language and linguistics focused degree allows you to learn many transferable skills that can be used in a multitude of jobs. Teaching, translation and interpreting are popular pathways, but languages graduates are also sought after in many different industries, with recent graduates being offered positions in a variety of different sectors both in the UK and abroad.
As a graduate in the digital era, linguistics expertise has become of even greater importance. Your linguistics knowledge will present opportunities to enter a broad range of employment. Graduates could opt for the popular routes of publishing, public relations, and marketing. Alternatively, linguistics graduates could use their skills and experience in fields such as education, telecommunications, or global consultancy.
Adding a second language, whatever you choose it to be, makes you stand out in applications. The economic, business and diplomatic opportunities provided by the languages we offer will give you a competitive edge in the jobs market.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study on our MA Applied Linguistics, which has two specialisms, one in English language and one in TESOL.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)UCAS code to be confirmed.
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
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in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
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officeforstudents.org.uk.
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