Linguistics

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Starting point for a wide range of specialised careers

You love words. You like debating pronunciation or the origin of a slang phrase. You're an insatiable reader, and you have the vocabulary to prove it.

In linguistics, you'll study the 'how' and the 'why' of the vernacular we use today and discover how our words have evolved over time. You'll research where new words come from and the way in which, when we're children, our spoken vocabulary develops more quickly than anything else.

Many linguists will spend a great deal of time investigating a specific language, collecting evidence and documenting a language.

If words are your passion, studying linguistics at Griffith is for you.

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Study linguistics at Griffith

A scientific approach to studying language

Linguistics is the science, nature and function of language and how it's used in society. It provides students with an insight into the most fundamental of all human faculties, develops strong analytical skills and a foundation for work in multiple areas—from marketing and publishing to media and mass communications, audiology, speech and language therapy, and so much more.

If you're into technology, linguistics makes you a great candidate for tech companies. You'll be on their radar because you comprehend how and why people interact in their day to day lives and how and why they respond to businesses, and through online communication.

Studying here, you'll benefit from dedicated teaching practice like no other. You'll learn in small classes, getting individual attention from award winning lecturers with years of teaching experience.

You'll apply your knowledge of linguistics and your chosen language in real world challenges including second language learning and teaching, intercultural communication, and translating and interpreting.

Harry Harding

From Ipswich schoolboy to Chinese talk show host and Internet pop sensation, the journey to international stardom is a dream come true for Griffith University languages graduate Harry Harding. Harry has been working as a journalist and a presenter at GDTV World channel in Guangzhou, South China for the past three years, where he hosts a talk show, a travel show and a documentary program. Such is Harry's prodigious talent that rival Hong Kong-based stations HKSTV has poached him, offering him a new position as a television presenter.

'Griffith gave me the language and communication skills to tackle this enormous challenge and communicate effectively with guests and co-workers from all different backgrounds and cultures,' he said.

Study options

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Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Arts	Online
Bachelor of Arts	Nathan	15
Bachelor of Arts	Gold Coast	15
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)	Nathan
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)	Gold Coast
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics	Gold Coast	15
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics	Nathan	15
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Honours)	Nathan

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Expand your qualifications and your career options with our range of double degrees. As a double degree graduate, you’ll have a special skill set that will help you stand out with future employers.

Double Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business	Nathan	15
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business	Gold Coast	15
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts	Gold Coast Nathan	8

It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

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Career outcomes

Job opportunities that can take you anywhere

A background in linguistics is highly relevant to many professions including teaching, translation, language and speech pathology.

It also complements a wide range of contemporary career paths such as tourism, hospitality, publishing, advertising, public relations, sales and marketing, media and international business. With a linguistics qualification you may consider opportunities such as:

Translator
Interpreter
Tourism
Journalism
Language teacher
Company manager
International educator
Diplomatic officer
Marketing executive
International development worker
Law
Commerce
The arts

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