Undergraduate level study in Linguistics focuses on the study of language, and how it is structured and how it is used. The structure of language examines its sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax) and meaning (semantics). How language is used includes looking at how children acquire language and how adults process it, both as a native language and as a second language (psycholinguistics). The way language changes across time (historical linguistics), and how different regional, social or occupational varieties develop (sociolinguistics) can also be studied at undergraduate level. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in General Linguistics to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students' capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

An Honours year in General Linguistics focuses on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.