Why choose Linguistics and Modern Languages at Girton?
Linguistics and Modern Languages is a joint degree that gives you the opportunity to combine the study of languages and cultures with the scientific study of languages.
One half of your degree will be devoted to a modern language, becoming fluent but also engaging with key topics regarding the cultures, histories and societies associated with that language. The other half of your degree will give you the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, from core areas of general linguistics, investigating how the scientific study of language can help us understand the human mind, to the linguistics of your chosen language.
In Girton, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to engage with a rich and diverse community of students and scholars working across different languages and literatures, as well as in a range of subjects relevant to the linguistics component of your degree, including philosophy, English, Classics, engineering, and psychology.
Students on this degree may be particularly interested in the annual Ridding Reading Prize, which involves reading a series of prose and poetry texts, both seen and unseen, to an appreciative audience, and in the Mountford Humanities and Arts Communications Prize.
- No. of students admitted per year: 1-2
- Subject entry requirements: If applying for the post-A level course option, one subject must be the language you wish to apply for. If you are applying for ab-initio French, you must study French at A level.
- Minimum offer level:
- A level: A*AA
- IB: 41–42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
- Admissions assessment: If invited to interview, Cambridge applicants are required to take an assessment, which takes place after shortlisting. Further information about the assessment can be found here.
- Written work: One piece required (if invited to interview)
- Interview arrangements: Two interviews
Linguistics and Modern Languages is a joint degree that gives you the opportunity to combine the study of languages and cultures with the scientific study of languages.
Language options include German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (ab initio or post-A-level or equivalent), and French (currently only post-A-level or equivalent)
This course combines the core elements of our Linguistics and Modern and Medieval Languages courses. On some days you might be studying literature, then go on to a practical session in our Linguistics labs. On others you might analyse a film in your target language, and then explore creativity in young children as they acquire the grammar of their language.This way, you’ll be immersed in your chosen language and culture, whilst delving into the science behind how it’s produced.
As part of the course, you’ll spend a year abroad perfecting and practicing your language while you study, teach or work.
The key difference between this and the two standalone courses (Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics) is that you’ll study one language instead of two, and some modules - but not all - from the linguistics course.
Linguistics
Accessible readings:
The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker
Patterns In The Mind: Language And Human Nature, Ray Jackendoff
Language Unlimited: The Science Behind Our Most Creative Power, David Adger
The Wonders of Language or How to Make Noises and Influence People, Ian Roberts
Online Lectures & Resources
MIT OpenCourseWare – Introduction to Linguistics
‘About Linguistics’, LAGB website
‘What is applied linguistics?’, BAAL website
Linguistics and Language Podcasts
Competitions and Challenges
Linguistics
- Cambridge University Linguistics Society
- Cambridge Linguistics Forum
- Romance Linguistics Circle (in collaboration with Università di Bergamo, Università di Messina, University of Newcastle, University of Oxford, Institutul de Lingvisticǎ „Iorgu Iordan – Alexandru Rosetti”)
- Cambridge Endangered Languages and Cultures Group
- Languages and Culture Society
MML
Girton is committed to supporting MMLL students’ language learning. We offer in-house critical theory and cultural criticism seminars. Every year there are several social events for linguists. We also have a burgeoning Fellows and Students MMLL society – Girton Languages and Cultures Soc – where we host regular film nights and other social events.
Linguistics
Graduates from the Linguistics Tripos have gone on to a wide range of careers including:
- artificial intelligence
- language technology
- speech therapy
- forensic linguistics
- publishing
- education
MML
MML graduates go into a wide range of careers following graduation. Many have gone into business posts abroad where their language skills have been a strong asset, such as developing Latin American markets for a Spanish telecommunications company, or working in the technology industry in Paris. Others continue studying at universities both in the UK and abroad, take up teaching careers, work in the charity sector or train as lawyers. The Year Abroad offers a valuable opportunity to explore career avenues and students often find themselves returning to their Year Abroad destinations after graduation.