Skip to content Accessibility statement
Home>Study at York>Undergraduate>Courses 2024/25>Language, Logic and Communication (BSc)

BSc (Hons) Language, Logic and Communication

Explore the ideas and science behind the linguistic and reasoning abilities that make us human

Year of entry: 2024/25

UCAS code

V5Q3

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£23,700 per year

Meet us

Be the first to know about updates and events by signing up for emails.

Discover York

Uncover and dissect the components that make human communication so special.

Through analysing human interactions, you’ll attain a rigorous scientific understanding of how language and communication work, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. At the same time, you’ll improve your ability to understand and explain complex arguments by using specialist techniques to systematically deconstruct ideas with mathematical precision.

Using the latest tools and technology, you’ll examine language in meticulous detail—revealing a new level of understanding that has the potential to change the way you see the world.

By learning to think methodically and construct coherent arguments, you're going to improve your ability to express yourself confidently and clearly in professional, academic and social situations.

Exposure to a diverse range of topics and ideas will nurture personal and technical skills that open up a world of opportunities for you. You could go on to use your linguistic knowledge to help people as a speech therapist, apply your data analysis skills to guide the government in a public sector job or utilise your creative problem-solving abilities to lead a team in any industry. Broad experience and practice tackling complex ideas will also be an ideal platform if you decide to go on to postgraduate study.

1st in the UK

for the quality of our research in language and linguistics, according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021)

3rd in the Russell Group for 'Learning opportunities'

of institutions included in the National Student Survey 2023 for English language.

2nd in the Russell Group for 'Teaching on my course'

of institutions included in the National Student Survey 2023 for philosophy.

Course content

Our expert researchers in philosophy and linguistics will guide you through carefully-selected modules that introduce you to a unique but complementary set of tools, enabling you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the science behind language and communication.

Through a mix of theory, experimentation and data science, you'll enhance your understanding of language and uncover logical structures and distinctions that feed into your philosophical evaluations.

You'll study a mix of modules specific to philosophy and linguistics and others which traverse the area where the fields converge.

Through a mix of seminars, lectures and practicals, you'll learn intellectual and digital skills that you can use for the rest of your life in any academic or professional career path you choose.

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

You'll be introduced to some of the core concepts of philosophy and linguistics.

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

You'll learn more about the connection between philosophy and language and see how data science tools can help us understand language in more ways.

Core modules

Option modules

You'll choose to study a philosophy module, or an elective module with another department.

The choice of which Philosophy modules are available is subject to change but is likely to include:

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Year 3

You'll explore the interaction between computers and the mind, choose from a range of option modules and get to work independently on a chosen project.

Core modules

Project work

For your independent project, you'll complete one of the following on a topic of your choice:

Option modules

You'll also study four option modules, including at least two from philosophy and at least one from linguistics. Examples may include:

Philosophy
Linguistics

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Explain key problems and puzzles about language, logic, and communication, and apply their understanding in approaching new problems.
  • Explore and develop potential solutions to complex problems and puzzles about language, logic, and communication, using a range of philosophical, formal, and quantitative research methods, including computational and data science methods underpinned by a working knowledge of statistics and computer programming.
  • Critically evaluate a range of solutions to problems, and make a measured judgement about what is the best solution in each case, supporting that judgement with a sustained line of argument.
  • Use scientifically grounded approaches to the nature, use and acquisition of language to investigate complex and unfamiliar linguistic phenomena, discern relevant patterns and articulate their relevance to linguistic and philosophical audiences.
  • Work effectively and productively as a thinker and learner, individually and in collaboration with others.
  • Communicate complex ideas in clear and accessible terms in a range of formats.

Free online courses

Get a taste of university-level study on one of York's free short courses, including our subject courses.

One of things I remember most fondly about York is the staff at the philosophy department. It was such an honour to have had the opportunity to discuss, debate and bounce ideas off of them. There is this culture of openness that I think really characterises the department; lecturers want their students to speak and challenge them.
Furhaad, BA Philosophy

Read more from our Philosophy students

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £23,700

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Choose elective modules across a wide range of languages

As part of your degree, you can choose to take a credit-bearing module in a variety of languages - from Medieval Latin to Japanese, to Arabic or Chinese.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You’ll be empowered to actively participate in your own learning by asking questions, evaluating your thoughts and searching for answers. You’ll do this theoretically in group discussions and practically in hands-on laboratory experiments, under the supervision of a tutor who is an expert in the field. You’ll learn through a mixture of:

  • small group seminars (12 - 20 students)
  • reading groups
  • lectures
  • experiments (in our state-of-the-art labs)
  • written work with written feedback
  • visiting speakers.

Additionally, every staff member has a 'Feedback and Advice Time' every week that students are encouraged to use for one-to-one contact and informal discussion. In your first year, you’ll also be able to get extra support in several ways:

  • from other students via our Peer Assisted Learning programme
  • an additional (optional) contact hour every week
  • specific help easing into university life.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

You may use our state-of-the-art Language and Linguistic Science facilities to deconstruct and analyse language. We have three areas that you may use.

Psycholinguistics lab

Comprising two experimental booths with black-out blinds so you can measure pupil response using the world’s most precise video-based eye trackers. Two additional workstations are used for behavioural experiments. These are equipped with multiple E-prime software licences, devices for recording response times and technology for controlling auditory stimuli. The lab also has a generous multi-purpose computer laboratory with access to linguistics software for experimental design and coding.

Speech lab: Articulograph and ultrasound

Using ultrasound imaging and electromagnetic articulography, you can track the movement of the tongue and lips in real-time to analyse speech.

Recording studio

Our professional recording studio can produce clear, quiet, professional recordings suitable for academic use.

Teaching location

You will be based in the departments of Philosophy and Language and Linguistics which are based on Campus West.

Teaching on this course takes place at various locations across Campus West including Vanbrugh, Derwent and the Spring Lane Building.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Depending on your course and the modules you choose, you'll be assessed differently.

Essays, exams and coursework will make up most of your assignments, but there will also be some group work.

You'll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn't count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We'll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you in developing your academic skills.

We can make appropriate adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. See the University's disability support pages for further details.

All lecturers and seminar tutors are very supportive if there is something bothering you. Everyone knows about the struggle that might occur when starting university and you will receive help if you need it.

Lena, 2nd Year Linguistics student

Read Lena's blog

Careers and skills

Effective communication, critical thinking and project management skills are central to most careers. Studying Language, Logic and Communication will equip you with these skills and more, which translate readily into any work context. 

Our graduates have an excellent record of pursuing fulfilling paths after graduation. Some of our graduates go on to further academic study or professional training in areas including law and journalism. After additional postgraduate training, graduates with a passion for linguistics have the option to enter careers in clinical linguistics (speech and language therapy), teaching, academic research and higher/further education, and forensic linguistics (forensic speech science).

You'll also gain confidence and skills from completing a demanding course and participating fully in university life.

Career opportunities

  • IT and software development
  • Data analysis
  • Forensic linguistics
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Publishing
  • Broadcasting and journalism
  • Marketing and communications
  • Local government and public service
  • Business, finance and accountancy
  • Teaching

Transferable skills

  • Effective communication skills
  • Intercultural awareness
  • Project management
  • Independent learning
  • Data analysis
  • Teamwork
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Constructing and defending a coherent argument
  • Grasping complex ideas
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Understanding of language and expression

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

AAB

Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
Cambridge Pre-U D3, D3, M2
European Baccalaureate 80% overall
International Baccalaureate 35 points
T levels We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Scottish Highers - AABBB

Advanced Highers - not required for entry

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
MOOCs If you successfully complete one of our online courses in either Logic: the language of truth or Accents, attitudes and identity do let us know, as you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
KITE 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Professor Tamar Keren-Portnoy, Dr Ellie Rye, James Chantry, María Muradás-Taylor

Learn more

Department of Language and Linguistic Science, Department of Philosophy

Discover York

Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.

Student life

Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.

The city

Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.

Meet us

Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.