Linguistics: Linguistics is the study of natural language. It covers the study of language structure (grammar), the study of meaning (semantics) and the social functions of language (sociolinguistics). It is a popular and expanding subject within NTU. This course will equip you with the tools for analysing language and for conducting your own research. You will discuss the immense power that our language has to construct and to constrain meaning. To study this course you will not need any prior knowledge of grammar, foreign languages or technical terminology. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of language description and to some applications of linguistic theory. Throughout the course you will be introduced to ways in which linguists carry out research. Through this you will learn how to record and transcribe naturally occurring language, how to arrive at a hypothesis and how to test it scientifically. We have recently launched several new modules which draw on our staff's own and other contemporary research. This means that you will be studying the very latest developments in clinical linguistics, media discourse and child language acquisition. Media: This popular degree combines theoretical approaches to media with opportunities to learn practical media skills. You will learn from industry professionals and explore all aspects of media cultures, from social networking sites and lifestyle magazines to anti-globalisation movements and computer gaming. This course is taught by a team of eminent researchers. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, 85% of our Communication, Culture and Media research was assessed as world leading or of international quality. For you, this means that the course is informed by the latest thinking and you will learn from people with a real passion for their subject.

This is a major part of the curriculum. Key transferable skills are emphasised and there are opportunities to develop links with organisations and potential employers. As a result we have an outstanding record of graduate employment. Joint honours courses develop a wide range of skills. These include: written and oral communication skills critical analysis the ability to work independently and in groups time management self-motivation a variety of IT skills. Recent Media graduates have also gone on to work in graduate-level positions with: the BBC Sky Brit Asia TV Channel 5 IBM.