General Linguistics
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Programmes

​​As a Department, we are committed to teaching and research of a high quality in a wide range of both formal and applied areas of language study, with a specific focus on issues that are relevant to the linguistic landscape of South Africa. We look forward to introducing you to material which we are certain will prove to be intellectually stimulating and enriching.

​The Department is home to two distinct subjects at undergraduate level, namely General Linguistics and Applied English Language Studies. In addition, the Department teaches a third-year Meta Science module at Faculty level.​​

​​The  Department offers  two  postgraduate  programmes  in  General  Linguistics:  (i)  an Honours in General Linguistics, and (ii) an MA in General Linguistics; two postgraduate programmes in which the phenomenon of second languages is studied from various disciplinary perspectives: (i) a Postgraduate diploma (PGDip) in Second Language Studies, and (ii) an MA in Second Language Studies; and two postgraduate programmes in which the phenomenon of intercultural communication is studied from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the only ones of their kind in South Africa: (i) a Postgraduate diploma (PGDip) in Intercultural Communication, and (ii) an MA in Intercultural Communication
 
Since their inception, large numbers of people from everywhere in South Africa and abroad have benefited intellectually and professionally from the content of these postgraduate programmes. The content is continually revised to keep up with new research findings and insights, the changing needs of students, and the requirements of various language professions. A number of factors ensure that a high standard is maintained –
  • Indi​vidual supervision: Every student receives intensive personal supervision.
  • Experienced  lecturers:  The  staff  ha​s  gained  a  wealth  of  experience  in  their supervision of hundreds of postgraduate students since their inception.
  • High calibre students:  Because of its excellent reputation, the programme attracts students who set high standards.
  • An  internationally  well-established  department:  The  Department  is  highly regarded  internationally  and  is  involved  in  several  research  and  exchange projects  with  foreign  tertiary  institutions,  including  universities  in  England, Germany and The Netherlands. Staff members also regularly attend and deliver papers at local and international conferences.  The  Department's  two  journals, SPiL  and  SPiL  Plus,  are  both  accredited  with  the  National  Department  of Education  and  publish  contributions  by  leading  local  and  overseas  scholars. Since 2011 these journals are also available online. Books and monographs by staff members have also been published by respected international publishing houses.
  • External evaluation: The content, organisation, requirements and other aspects of the programmes are subjected to peer evaluation on a regular basis.
  • Evaluation by stude​​​nts:  On completing their studies, students are asked for a critical review of all aspects of the particular programme. The Department takes their comments and suggestions very seriously.​​​