Think language, think Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific and systematic study of language.
Language is probably unique to human experience, and so it has interested people throughout history. You’ve probably thought about it, too.
Have you ever wondered why languages are similar and different, how they develop, why people misunderstand each other or what is the best way to learn another language?
Linguistics is about finding answers to those questions. All you need to study linguistics is your curiosity!
Why study Linguistics?
Language involves everything we do every day, so studying what language is and how language works provides insights into everyday life. It is a useful and rewarding subject for anyone who is interested in languages of any kind, including computer and “invented” languages, as well as anyone interested in teaching and learning second/foreign languages.
Linguistics complements other disciplines in the arts, such as English, communication studies, sociology, anthropology, education, languages and law, and other disciplines in the sciences, such as psychology, neuroscience, computer and information science, and maths.
You will be taught how to identify and provide analyses of linguistic phenomena and how to construct and justify arguments for particular analyses.
Although many students of Linguistics study another language, Linguistics at Otago does not assume any prior knowledge of linguistics or of any languages other than English.
Linguistics is the discipline that directly addresses what language is, why languages are similar and different, how languages develop, how languages work and how languages are taught and learned.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Linguistics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
A coursework degree with an optional research dissertation component, usually completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study, or part-time over a longer period
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
| LING 490 Dissertation |
| Two further 400-level LING papers |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Linguistics is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Dissertation / Studio Project Requirements |
|---|
| LING 590 Research Dissertation |
| Two of: |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities |
| HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities |
| And further: |
| 400-level LING papers worth 60 points |
| Papers-Only Requirements |
| At least two of: |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities |
| HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities |
| And further: |
| 400-level LING papers worth 120 points |
| Note: Students are able to take one of HUMS 501-503 not already taken as an optional paper in this pathway. |
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
LING papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LING103 | 2026 | Language Myths | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING111 | 2026 | A World of Languages | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| LING140 | 2026 | Language, Brain, and Being Human | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| LING217 | 2026 | What's Behind Language: Sound and Structure | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| LING230 | 2026 | Interaction and Identity in Context | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| LING231 | 2026 | TESOL: Guide to Language Teaching | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| LING314 | 2026 | Morphosyntax: Diversity and Unity | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| LING315 | 2026 | Psycholinguistics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| LING317 | 2026 | Child and Adult Language Development | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| LING330 | 2026 | Interaction and Identity in Context | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| LING331 | 2026 | Advanced TESOL: Branching Out | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING332 | 2026 | TESOL in Action: Teaching Practice | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING390 | 2026 | Research Essay | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| LING415 | 2026 | Psycholinguistics | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING421 | 2026 | Special Topic | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING424 | 2026 | Linguistic Fieldwork | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING432 | 2026 | TESOL in Action: Teaching Practice | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING440 | 2026 | Advanced Topic in Linguistics | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 11 June 2027) |
| LING495 | 2026 | Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| LING590 | 2026 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (17 July 2026 - 9 July 2027) |
Contacts
School of Arts
English and Linguistics Programme
Email english@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/linguistics
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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