Psychology and Linguistics

BA Hons

  • UCAS code CQ81
  • Entry year 2025 or 2024
  • A level requirements AAB
  • Duration Full time 3 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 3

    3rd for Linguistics

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)

  • World top three for Linguistics (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024)

  • Our graduates have successful careers in a wide range of sectors

We are one of the largest departments for the study of language in the country and one of the most highly rated in the world (3rd for Linguistics in the QS World Rankings, 2024).

Our degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society and provide the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the Society.

How does a child learn language? How does language relate to thought? You’ll discover there are many overlapping questions between linguistics and psychology.

You’ll start your degree studying the core modules of Linguistics, Investigating Psychology and Understanding Psychology. In your second year you’ll discover more about the sounds and structures of the world’s languages. In Psychology, you’ll discover more about experimental and research methods.

In your third year, you’ll specialise even further. Choices include Psycholinguistics and Language and Social Identities. You could also choose to write a dissertation in a topic you would like to cover in-depth.

Your degree will stand you in good stead for careers involving analysis, assessment and the weighing-up of arguments, as you will be able to develop linguistic, analytical and investigative skills that are valued by employers such as law firms, management consultancies and the media. Linguistic awareness is a real boost when working for international and multicultural companies and organisations.

Careers

During this degree you will have the opportunity to develop both specialist and transferable skills that are valued by employers, such as communication, critical thinking, numeracy and self-management. This programme will also support you in developing an advanced level of analytical skills. From research analysts to retail managers, a good grasp of human behavioural patterns, the science of the mind, and an understanding of language make linguistics and psychology graduates attractive to a wide range of employers.

You will be well-placed to apply for jobs such as a chartered psychologist, specialising in clinical, educational, occupational, forensic, health or sports psychology, or jobs in Speech and Language Therapy, Teaching, Journalism, Media, or Speech Technology.

Alternatively you might be interested in new and emerging areas such as neuropsychology, environmental psychology, consumer psychology and animal psychology. It is a fiercely competitive field, which needs a strong academic background, lots of relevant work experience, determination and resilience.

There are various options for postgraduate study too, should you wish to gain chartered status to practice in specialist areas such as clinical, educational, forensic or occupational psychology. Some psychology and linguistics graduates choose postgraduate study in a different area such as advertising, marketing or teaching.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAB

GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 (Applicants with a GCSE Maths C or 5 considered on a case-by-case basis)

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Optional

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,250 £27,260

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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