Creating global citizens: The power of language and linguistics

Linguistics is a multifaceted field that helps us understand how we communicate with each other, with no shortage of interesting things to explore and career paths to take. Whether you’re teaching English or another language, analysing data as a scientist, or helping individuals as a speech therapist, linguistics equips you with skills that are in high demand. However, some careers, such as language technology and forensic linguistics, require more specialised knowledge.

If you want to understand English or any language better or progress in your career, a Master’s in Linguistics or a Master’s in Applied Linguistics is a solid start. These programmes provide advanced analytical and research skills, preparing you for success across various industries. For example, some linguists stay in the academic world, conducting research and educating others. Others join the wider education world to share their expertise or work in the technology sector, where, for instance, they improve text and speech recognition. The possibilities are many and wide-ranging.

These three universities offer great language (including English), linguistics and applied linguistics programmes, perfect for developing the skills you need to excel in your future career.

The School of Languages and Linguistics offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL), Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, a range of European languages (including French and Spanish), and more. Source: The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne’s School of Languages and Linguistics offers a world-class education – it is ranked #1 in Australia for both Modern Languages and Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2024). At Australia’s leading university (ranked #13 in the world), students are preparing for a world changing fast by asking crucial questions about our world. They are evolving into bold, critical thinkers and strong communicators who can help us navigate global challenges and interrogate what it means to be human today.

At the postgraduate level, this means understanding how and why language functions as it does. Through the Master of Applied Linguistics (MAppLing), you get to do just that. The two-year programme enhances your expertise with a research project, while providing you with a competitive edge in different areas such as language teaching, assessment, and programme evaluation in English and other languages.

If you are interested in linguistic research, the School collaborates in a wide range of areas, including language teaching, learning, and assessment with international partners around the world. Supported by the School’s research expertise, you could potentially also participate in projects to gain hands-on experience and to contribute to meaningful advancements in linguistics and language studies.

Further expanding its global reach, the University of Melbourne offers an exchange programme with 200 partners in over 35 countries. Whether semester-long or only a few weeks, you’ll gain invaluable global exposure while you study and live overseas. For an easy start, use the university’s Melbourne Global Mobility resources for tips that will guide your journey.

Linguistic researchers at the University of Cambridge study modern languages like French and German and medieval languages such as Occitan. Source: University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Linguistics at the University of Cambridge is internationally recognised, ranking first in modern languages and second in linguistics globally. The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics is one of the largest humanities faculties in the UK, with over 770 undergraduate students, around 100 Master of Philosophy students, and 190 PhD students.

With a mission to provide world-class education, the faculty offers advanced learning across linguistics, film and screen studies, history and thought, and literary and cultural studies. Postgraduate students can study various modern and medieval languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Old Church Slavonic, and more, guided by leading scholars.

To complement its supportive academic community, the faculty offers excellent resources as well. The MMLL Faculty Library provides accessible holdings across all research areas and is connected to the renowned University Library. The University Language Centre promotes language learning and offers a DVD collection of European and World Cinema.

The MMLL’s Graduate Centre comes with computing, study, seminar, and social spaces, and specialised facilities like the Phonetics Laboratory and more. With so many resources available, you are equipped to succeed in your studies, making the MMLL a welcoming place for postgraduate scholars.

Students at UC Berkeley’s Department of Linguistics learn to record languages using modern theoretical methods. Source: University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

The Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) needs no introduction. The first linguistics department in North America and ranked #9 globally, it has built a reputation for academic and research excellence.

Language and linguistics students here get it all. Taught by expert faculty and with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, like the PhonLab and the California Language Archive, students learn linguistic theories through computers, data, fieldwork and experiments. You will develop critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, as well as gain a strong foundation in linguistic theory and methodology.

The university’s intellectual community is enriched by seminars and workshops, which gather students, faculty, and notable guest speakers. This creates a platform for dynamic exchanges of ideas and collaborative learning.

To prepare students for today’s global landscape, UC Berkeley works with local and international institutions to create solutions for pressing global challenges. The Global Engagement Office, for instance, serves as a hub for international partnerships and resources. Outside of academics, the university’s Berkeley Study Abroad programme prepares you to be productive and engaged citizens at home and abroad. Another example is the CEGA Global Networks initiative, which brings fellows from developing countries to UC Berkeley to develop research skills relevant to their own policy contexts.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International