3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts - Linguistics and Philosophy

This program will prepare students for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree in a wide range of subjects, including many based at the £10m LICA building. Popular subjects include law, film studies, sociology, linguistics and politics.

How does language relate to thought? Studying language alongside philosophy will give students a fascinating insight into humanity. They'll also learn about the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophical discussion. This three-year combined degree is provided by the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion and the Department of Linguistics and English Language.

The first year includes introductory modules in Linguistics and Philosophy. In their second year students will study modules such as Structures of the World’s Languages, Philosophy of the Mind and Philosophy of Science.

The first year philosophy module ‘Introduction to Philosophy' introduces students to key themes in the study of philosophy. Consciously drawing on a broad range of philosophical traditions -- Continental, Analytic, and non-Western -- it aims to present a comprehensive overview of various theoretical sub-disciplines within philosophy, but also to equip students with the ability to reason and think clearly about the most fundamental questions of human existence. The course, though designed as an introduction to the advanced degree-level study of philosophy, will also function as a self-standing introduction to philosophy suitable for those seeking to broaden their understanding of philosophy as it has been practiced throughout various traditions.’ In the second and final years students will be able to choose from a broad range of philosophy modules, including for example: ‘Continental Philosophy; Logic and Language; Aesthetics; Moral Philosophy’. 

In the final year, students will specialise even further. Choices include Psycholinguistics and Language and Identities: Gender, ethnicity and class. Students can also choose to write a dissertation, exploring a topic that they’re particularly interested in, and this is overseen by a member of staff from the department who specialises in a particular area. Given the size of the department, Lancaster's academics will be able to supervise most topics and fit students interests. They will delve further into the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, linguistic relativity, and testing through psycholinguistic methods.

Instructors will assess students' progress through coursework and exams and they’ll have regular meetings with their academic advisor, who will provide support and encouragement. Their degree will stand students in good stead for careers involving analysis, assessment and the weighing-up of arguments. The linguistic, analytical and investigative skills students will have the opportunity to develop 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.