To Study Linguistics – What Requirements and Subjects are Needed in South African Universities?Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure. It encompasses various branches such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. South African universities offer diverse programs catering to students’ interests and career aspirations within this field.Each university sets its own admission criteria, but there are commonalities. Typically, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with certain subject requirements, usually including an achievement in English. Additionally, universities may consider your academic performance in related subjects like languages, mathematics, or social sciences.
On this page, we explore what Grade 10 High School subjects are needed or required to study Linguistics in South African Universities and Colleges?
List of Grade 10 subjects required to study Linguistics courses
Well, let us explore what Grade 10 subjects are required in order to study Linguistics in South African Universities and Colleges. The subject that you choose in grade 10 may directly determine what study options you will have at tertiary institutions. Therefore, when choosing your subject combination in grade 10, you should already have an idea in terms of what you intend to study after matric.
There are no specific High School subjects that are required to study in this field. You just need to meet the minimum APS score in the University you are going to study at. However, the following subjects needed and essential for the curriculum:
- English Home Language,
- or English First or Second Additional Language,
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
Minimum requirements for Linguistics studies relating to Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies?
- Higher Certificate. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council. Institutional and programme needs may require additional combinations or recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
- Diploma. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40% – 49%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
- Bachelor’s Degree The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50% – 59%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
What Linguistics Career is all about
Linguistics graduates get into jobs where they can use their knowledge of linguistics directly, such as working for dictionary compilers or as proofreaders and editors. Others train as speech and language therapists or as teachers, or find work teaching English as a foreign or second language.
What is the APS Score for Linguistics
In order for you to get accepted at a University in South Africa, or (Colleges that use APS scores) for a qualification in Linguistics, you should possess a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with an APS score of between 23- 26. APS score is determined by the Grade 12 marks or results. It is also good to know that Universities and Colleges may use your Grade 11 marks if you applied before your matric results came out.
The minimum requirements for a candidate to obtain a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate?
The minimum requirements are:
- Achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level and 30% in three subjects.
- Provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects offered
Correct Subject Choice is Important
When it comes to subject choices, every learner should ensure that their subject choice (from Grade 10 already) will lead them in pursuing the careers they want.
The subject choice at the end of Grade 9, or Grade 10 according to The Department of Education, could determine the field of study learners can follow once they complete school. In other words, if learners do not select the correct combination of subjects, they could find themselves unable to enter into certain higher or further education programmes. So when making this important subject choice, learners should consider their options for when they complete school and select accordingly.
How much does it cost to study Linguistics?
Although every learning institution will have its own fees structure and costing, studying Linguestics courses can range from R15 000 to R60 000 per annum. It is always advisable for learners to contact the institution they want to learn at in order to confirm the study fees amounts for the year.