1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
  3. Specialisation (Formal)
  4. Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
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Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)Specialisation (formal)Year: 2026

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Overview

The minimum entry requirement for Linguistics & Applied Linguistics honours is completion of all the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics and an average of at least H2A (75%) in second and third-year subjects within the major, or equivalent.

The Honours program in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics comprises advanced coursework and an original supervised research project designed to extend a student's knowledge and skills using rigorous methods of inquiry and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to the identification and resolution of research questions within Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared to either progress into a research higher degree at the Master or PhD level, or enter the workforce with improved employment options and scope for professional advancement.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this specialisation, students should be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in a range of written and oral genres and social contexts
  • Apply advanced knowledge of linguistics and applied linguistics in relevant professional and academic contexts
  • Utilise rigorous methods of inquiry and theories and methodologies appropriate to linguistics and applied linguistics
  • Construct and sustain an argument based on research.

Last updated: 13 January 2026

Structure

100 credit points

Students undertaking pure honours in linguistics and applied linguistics must complete:

  • LING40015 LAL Thesis Part 1, and LING40016 LAL Thesis Part 2 (50 points);
  • LING40002 Issues in Linguistic Research (12.50 points);
  • 37.5 points of honours subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics

Students undertaking combined honours in linguistics and applied linguistics and another program must complete:

  • LING40015 LAL Thesis Part 1, and LING40016 LAL Thesis Part 2 (50 points);
  • 12.5 points honours subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics;
  • 37.5 points of honours subjects in the combined discipline.

or

  • Honours thesis in the combining discipline (50 points);
  • 12.5 points of honours subjects in the combining discipline;
  • LING40002 Issues in Linguistic Research (12.5 points);
  • 25 points of honours subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics

Total 100 points 

Subject Options

Compulsory subjects

62.5 points for students in pure honours. Combined honours students need to refer to the structure above.

Note: the thesis requires enrolment in two consecutive semesters

Code Name Study period Credit Points
LING40002 Issues in Linguistic Research
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LING40015 LAL Thesis Part 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
LING40016 LAL Thesis Part 2
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Honours subjects

Students may take the following elective subjects to a total of 37.5 points. Note not all subjects are available every year:

  • LING40001 Directed Reading Project
  • LING40004 Seminars in Theoretical Linguistics
  • LING40006 Linguistic Field Methods
  • LING40008 Experimental Phonetics
  • LING40009 Seminars in Descriptive Linguistics
  • LING40013 Methods in Linguistic Research

The 37.5 points of elective subjects may include one of the following subjects. These subjects are not available in online mode for Honours students:

  • LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies
  • LING90012 Second Language Acquisition
  • LING90021 Bilingualism

Code Name Study period Credit Points
LING40001 Directed Reading Project
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LING40004 Seminars in Theoretical Linguistics Not available in 2026 12.5
LING40006 Linguistic Field Methods Not available in 2026 25
LING40008 Experimental Phonetics Not available in 2026 12.5
LING40009 Seminars in Descriptive Linguistics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LING40013 Methods in Linguistic Research
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Online)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LING90012 Second Language Acquisition
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LING90021 Bilingualism
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Online)
 12.5

Links

http://languages-linguistics.unimelb.edu.au/

Last updated: 13 January 2026