Honours

The linguistics honours program provides advanced training in linguistic theory and research to outstanding students intending to pursue further graduate studies in linguistics.

Curriculum

Students in the honours program must take at least 60 credits in linguistics and related areas, subject to the following requirements:

Language Requirement: The Department of Linguistics language requirement for an Honours in Linguistics is different from the general language requirement of the Faculty of Arts. Students who satisfy the Faculty requirement by completing a Grade 12 course in a language other than English may satisfy the Linguistics Language Requirement either by taking an additional 6 credits in the same language or by taking 12 credits in a different language at UBC. The language courses taken toward the Linguistics Language Requirement do not count towards the 60 credit total required for the Linguistics Honours.

In addition, students may satisfy the Linguistics Language Requirement by demonstrating competence in a language other than those listed under the Faculty of Arts Language Requirement. In such cases, the student should contact the Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Linguistics.

Recommended Lower-Level Courses:

  • LING 100, 101, 209, and 222
  • STAT 203

*Note: 100-level LING courses do not count toward Honours, Major, or Minor programs in Linguistics. “Recommended” courses are additional courses that may help you better understand and succeed in the required courses for the program. There’s no necessity that you complete any or all of them; they are simply ones that you may find helpful, especially if your own background is somewhat weaker in those areas.

Required Courses:

  • both LING 200 and 201; and
  • all of LING 300, 311, 313, 327 and 333; and
  • LING 447; and
  • LING 449 (Honours Essay; fill out the Honours Thesis Form from the Courses page); and
  • an additional 30 credits of courses numbered 300 or higher (possibly including additional sections of LING 447). These 30 credits must all be LING courses, except for a maximum of 6 credits which can be taken from upper-level courses in related areas. See this list for pre-approved courses from other departments.Courses from outside Linguistics that are not listed on that page must be approved by the Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor.

 

Note: undergraduate students may enrol in graduate-level courses if they meet the requirements; see the UBC calendar and the graduate school for more information. Such courses can count toward upper-level credit requirements (i.e., as courses numbered 300 or higher).

 

Note that a significant component of the Honours program is the completion of an Honours thesis, typically an original piece of research, chosen by the student and overseen by a faculty member.

Admissions

Admissions into the honours program requires:

  • An overall average of 76% or higher in at least 33 credits including LING 200 and 201
  • A final grade of at least 80% in LING 200 and 201
  • Approval from the Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor

 

For more information, visit the academic advising page and set up an appointment with an advisor.

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