Transferrable skills in the Linguistics Degree

The Linguistics course is designed to help students develop a range of skills. 

Studying linguistics may equip you with the ability to:

• plan, design and execute a piece of independent research through the Part IIB dissertation;
• assimilate and integrate information from a wide range of intellectual disciplines, some initially unfamiliar; 
• work with data, analyzing, interpreting and presenting;
• appreciate the subtleties of spoken communication in interpersonal interaction;
• optimize written communication through an understanding of linguistic structure. 

Through the Cambridge system, you may develop the ability to:

• Work independently;
• Meet deadlines;
• Be self-directing;
• Prioritize;
• Take a broad and a detailed view;
• Absorb and retain complex information;
• Library and bibliographic research skills; 
• Analytic and problem-solving skills;
• IT skills (e-mail, word-processing and internet use).

Through reading and essay preparation, the ability to: 

• Keep a flexible, open mind;
• Investigate and assimilate lots of material quickly;
• Sift/select relevant material; 
• Identify key issues;
• Analyse and evaluate critically; 
• Discriminate and judge between points of view;
• Understand people;
• Perceive and identify meaning (including hidden and multiple meanings);
• Understand complex abstract statements;
• Use imagination and creativity; 
• Formulate an individual line, angle, opinion;
• Think logically;
• Synthesize coherently;
• Structure an argument;
• Write clearly, persuasively, concisely, to the point;
• Balance commitments;
• Meet deadlines.

Through classes and supervisions, the ability to: 

• Weigh and respond to opposing arguments;
• Speak fluently, clearly, coherently;
• Cope with direct challenge;
• Sustain a point of view;
• Think on your feet;
• Manage an audience;
• Present information;
• Interact with others effectively;
• Work as part of a team.

Through attending lectures, the ability to: 

• Listen critically;
• Sift and summarize information;
• Record relevant information;
• Store information effectively.