How I got in: Katy’s English language and linguistics degree at Southampton

'It was perfect because it was everything I wanted to learn about how and why we use language. And it really interested me as it was all about English from a global perspective.'

How did you choose your course and university?

My A levels were in French, Spanish, and Geography. I didn't want to go down the language route, but I wanted to do something in linguistics. My career goal is to become an English teacher abroad, so it made sense to me to do an English language degree. Then I came across English language and linguistics and it was perfect. It was everything I wanted to learn about how and why we use language, and it was all about English from a global perspective. 

Did you face any challenges when applying?

When it came to my five options it wasn't as straightforward as I would have hoped, as I overthought things a lot. In the end, I applied for two courses at Southampton because Southampton as a university ticked all my boxes with its location and the course itself. My other three options were for English language and linguistics somewhere else. I thought I needed a backup plan so I put them down as options just in case.  

Every time I get those kind thoughts that creep in and go, “What if I don’t get in? What if I don’t get the offer?”, I’d go back to the university website. I would look at the course and modules to remind myself that this is something I’m really interested in and passionate about.

What helped with planning your next steps?

As a huge planner and researcher, I started planning my next steps very early on. The main thing I used was Unifrog. I could look for universities using any filter, but grades were most important to me. I made so many shortlists which really helped me narrow down all of the options. I then used the Personal Statement builder, which was really helpful. I also used the MOOCs tool to find MOOCs that were related to my course. Without that, I don’t think I would have gotten in or applied because it helped me find my area of interest in the subject. 

Do you have any advice for students thinking of applying?

Don't limit yourself! The biggest thing that holds us back is ourselves. What held me back in the application process was thinking I needed the English language A level to study my chosen course. 

To anyone who wants to study English or English language and linguistics, I recommend that you read, research, and write to find your passion in the topic. For example, I’m really interested in forensic linguistics and psycholinguistics. 

To anyone who is considering Southampton, check out the website and reach out if you have any concerns. Whenever I emailed them asking questions about the application process they got back to me really quickly and it was really helpful.