Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning. It also studies the uses of language in everyday life, the ways in which it varies across society and evolves over time, and how it is mastered by children. Linguistics can also be studied as part of a joint honours programme with a range of other subjects. Linguistics has a long history at the University of Edinburgh and our teaching staff have an excellent reputation for research in this area. Linguistics is a new subject for nearly all undergraduates so you will require no prior knowledge at the beginning of the programme.