Studying Linguistics at Sidney Sussex College gives you the opportunity to immerse youself in the inner workings of language; from sounds to syntax, phonetics to psychology and meanings to morphology.

Linguistics enables you to explore how language has developed, and continues to develop. Bringing in elements from a diverse range of subjects, Cambridge offers a world leading course that enables students to understand how we communicate as human beings.

Undergraduate Study

Sidney aims to accept two Linguistics students a year, this means Sidney has one of the largest cohorts for Linguistics. This provides a supportive environment across the three years of study.

Written work

We will ask you to send us a short piece of work that demonstrates analytical or argumentative skills. This might be a practical write-up from a science class, a piece of maths coursework or an essay. We will send out more specific information about what is required after the UCAS deadline, but you will not need to write anything new specially for this.

Admissions assessments

Applicants are required to take a written assessment.

Interviews

Two interviews. The first will be a more general interview; the second will be subject-related and will involve some linguistic exercises.

Subject requirements
  • Learn about our standard entry requirements for Linguistics on the University website.
  • At Sidney, we find that students with a focus on sciences perform equally well on the course as those with a focus on arts. We consider some study of language, either English Language or a foreign language, to be useful preparation for the Linguistics Tripos.
  • Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
Beyond the syllabus

Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!

Typical intake

1 - 2

Typical A-level offer

A*AA

Typical IB offer

41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level

Postgraduate Study

At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.

Funding

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.

To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.

Useful links

Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Opportunities to work, travel, and study

The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:

  • Professional and research internships
  • Study awards
  • Vacation travel
  • Arts and music
  • Sport

While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.

Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.