Linguistics explores how language works: how it is structured, interpreted and used. This degree will allow you to develop an understanding of human communication using approaches from the arts and sciences that will equip you with a variety of skills. Core and optional modules will allow you to explore topics such as language acquisition, syntax, language change and death as well as phonetics - the study of how speech sounds are physically produced.
Russian Civilisation allows you to study Russian literature, media, history, politics, religion, economics and society to gain a wide range of skills. You don't need any language skills, but you'll have the chance to learn Russian at beginners' level in your first year. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in different aspects of Russian culture alongside specialist knowledge in the areas that interest you the most.
Specialist facilities
The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections- valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
If you're choosing to study a language as part of your Joint Honours degree, our fully equipped Language Centre, including digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). We also have our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which features specialised computing facilities for translation studies, and Interpreter Training Suites offering you the chance to explore a career in interpreting.
Course content
A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Linguistics
Core modules in your first year will introduce you to the structure of language, as well as how language is used to convey meaning. In the following year you'll study further core modules in the key areas of syntax and phonetics as well as choosing optional modules such as Psycholinguistics or Language and Gender. You'll continue to benefit from this choice in your final year, with options including language acquisition and phonological theory.
Russian Civilisation
In your first year you'll be introduced to Russian literature, culture and history through a suite of core modules. Your first year will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you'll choose from modules on topics such as 19th century prose, gender identity in Russia and how newly independent countries have been portrayed in popular culture. Throughout the course you'll gain high-level research, critical and analytical skills.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Career opportunities
Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects and demonstrates that you're intellectually versatile. Your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.
You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team.
All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers reflecting the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study.
To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
