B.A. Linguistics

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages > B.A. Linguistics

If you are fascinated by how language works and how it is structured, used, and understood, the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you an exciting opportunity to explore the science of language. This programme trains you to analyse the sounds, grammar, and meaning systems that make communication possible, while helping you understand the relationship between language, culture, and society.

You will study how languages are formed, how they evolve, and how they function in human interaction. Your training will develop your analytical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing you for careers in education, media, language technology, translation, and cultural studies.

You will not only learn about language but also how to apply linguistic knowledge to solve real-world communication and cultural challenges.

Course Overview

The B.A. Linguistics programme provides an in-depth understanding of language as both a social and cognitive system. It focuses on the scientific study of human language, its structure, diversity, and function, while exposing you to how language shapes identity, culture, and human relations.

You will study areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, gaining insight into how languages are organised and used across contexts. The programme also includes applied aspects of linguistics such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, translation, and computational linguistics, which connect theory to real-world communication needs.

Through lectures, practical exercises, and research projects, you will develop the ability to describe and analyse language patterns, understand multilingualism, and engage with contemporary issues in language policy, literacy, and digital communication. 

By the end of the programme, you will be well prepared to work as a linguist, educator, language consultant, or communication specialist in various professional settings.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Linguistics curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and combines national academic standards (70%) with institutional enrichment courses (30%). It provides a comprehensive linguistic education from foundational to advanced levels.

You will begin with an introduction to the nature of language and the foundations of linguistic study through courses such as:

  1. Introduction to Language and Linguistics
  2. Communication in English
  3. Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology
  4. The Use of English and Study Skills
  5. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  6. Introduction to African Civilisations

These courses introduce you to the basic tools for linguistic analysis and help you appreciate language as a human and cultural phenomenon.

Your second year focuses on developing linguistic and analytical competence through courses such as:

  1. Phonology I
  2. Morphology and Syntax I
  3. Introduction to Sociolinguistics
  4. Language and Society
  5. Introduction to Translation and Interpretation
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

This level strengthens your theoretical understanding and introduces you to applied fields of linguistics relevant to communication, culture, and education.

At this level, you will take more specialised courses such as:

  1. Phonology II
  2. Syntax and Semantics
  3. Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis
  4. Psycholinguistics
  5. Language Acquisition and Learning
  6. Research Methodology in the Arts

You will begin to conduct small-scale research, applying linguistic theories to real-life communication and cultural contexts.

Your final year consolidates your linguistic expertise through advanced and applied studies, including:

  1. Advanced Phonology and Syntax
  2. Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching
  3. Computational Linguistics
  4. Multilingualism and Language Policy
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to demonstrate your ability to conduct independent linguistic research, combining analytical precision with cultural and social insight.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Linguistics programme, you must satisfy one of the following admission pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language and any other arts or social science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with English Language as a compulsory subject.
  3. A pass in Literature in English is often an advantage.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)

  1. Five credit passes in relevant subjects at SSCE or its equivalent, two of which must be at the Advanced Level.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Linguistics, English, Yoruba, or any language-related field, with at least a merit or credit grade.

All applicants must also satisfy the university’s general entry requirements for undergraduate programmes.

Why study at OOU?

Studying linguistics at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you the rare opportunity to understand language both as an art and as a science. The programme combines traditional linguistic theory with modern approaches to communication, technology, and culture.

You will benefit from:

  1. A rich and current curriculum that integrates theoretical and applied linguistics.
  2. Highly qualified lecturers and researchers with expertise in phonetics, syntax, sociolinguistics, and computational linguistics.
  3. Practical exposure through research, fieldwork, and community language documentation.
  4. Digital and entrepreneurial training designed to help you apply linguistic knowledge to emerging fields such as AI language technology, speech processing, and data communication.
  5. A supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, multilingual awareness, and cross-cultural understanding.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that reflects your mastery of linguistic principles and your ability to apply them to real-world contexts.

Under the supervision of an experienced academic, you will:

  1. Select a research topic in a specialised area such as phonology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, or applied linguistics.
  2. Review relevant literature and identify key linguistic problems or questions.
  3. Collect and analyse language data using appropriate research methods.
  4. Present your findings in a clear, structured, and well-argued dissertation.

Your research project represents the culmination of your academic training and demonstrates your readiness to pursue advanced study or professional work in linguistics, communication, or cultural research.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the university.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Linguistics, a qualification recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in communication, research, and analytical thinking.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of B.A. Linguistics are equipped with strong analytical, communication, and research skills, making them valuable in a wide range of professions. The ability to understand and analyse language systems is crucial in education, media, business, and technology-driven industries.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Linguist or language researcher
  2. Translator or interpreter
  3. Speech and language technologist
  4. Copy editor or technical writer
  5. Language policy consultant
  6. Teacher or lecturer
  7. Media and communication specialist
  8. Cultural or anthropological researcher

You may find employment in:

  1. Educational institutions: primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, as teachers, lecturers, or education officers
  2. Media and publishing houses: as editors, proofreaders, and content creators
  3. Government and NGOs: in cultural documentation, translation, and literacy programmes
  4. Technology companies: in artificial intelligence, speech recognition, and natural language processing
  5. Corporate organisations: in communication strategy, training, and language consulting
  6. International agencies: examples include UNESCO and language preservation initiatives

The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Linguistics, Communication Studies, and related disciplines.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Obtain the JAMB application form, selecting Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Linguistics as your preferred course.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant subjects in Arts or Social Sciences.
  3. Possess five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and any other arts or social science subjects, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or university diploma in linguistics, English, Yoruba, or any language-related field, with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language.
  3. Complete your application through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal and upload all relevant credentials and transcripts.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Linguistics programme is managed by a team of professional linguists and language researchers within the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities