Language is a defining aspect of humanity, shaping how we communicate, think, and connect. The Major in Linguistics and Language Applications (BALLA) explores the science of language, from constructing sentences and words to understanding how our brains process language, how language change over time, and how they reflect social and cultural identities. It also examines how adults, children, and even computers learn languages.

Studying linguistics offers practical applications with societal impact. Linguistics contribute to language education policies, address language-related social issues, develop AI-driven language technologies, and support those with speech or communication challenges. The Major in BALLA aims to educate students so that they will become language professionals who are familiar with linguistics and language-related applications. Along the way, students will develop an analytical, critical and creative mind and an open attitude towards people from different cultures. Students will also improve their communication and writing skills, making language learning more efficient and everyday interactions more effective.

Entrance Requirements for Direct/Non-JUPAS Applicants

To be considered for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements.

For senior-year (Advanced Standing II) admission, applicants are normally expected to have completed an Associate Degree/Higher Diploma with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of ≥3.0 or an equivalent overall mark, or a credit award.
 

There are two main subject areas: Linguistics and Language Applications.

• Core courses in Linguistics include: Fundamentals of Linguistics, Introduction to Linguistic Research, Language in Society, Language and Mind, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, and Semantics and Pragmatics.
• Core courses in Language Applications include: Introduction to Language Technology, Computational Linguistics, and Project I.

At a more advanced level, students may choose from among courses such as Computational Lexicography, Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Conversation Analysis, Corpus Linguistics, Experimental Phonetics, First/Second Language Acquisition, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Project II.

To find more details about the Programme Curriculum, please refer to the Programme Structure.

1. Participating in internships and other co-curricular activities offered provides students valuable job experience in fields that require knowledge of languages, linguistics, and language applications.

2. Exchange programmes provide students with opportunities to gain experience of studying and living abroad for a semester, by paying the local tuition fees.

This major provides students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of human language. Students will be prepared for careers that require language expertise and language-related computing skills. In addition to opportunities in advanced studies, graduates will have employment prospects in education and research as well as in administrative and executive positions in various public and private sectors. They will have an important role to play in language and information service sectors of Hong Kong, Greater China, and the world. Moreover, this major is recognized by the Education Bureau as an English language major degree for the purpose of teaching in Hong Kong _{(To be confirmed by EDB)}.

With the growing popularity of the web and apps as information resources and means of interaction, the field of language applications is advancing. Both of the academic institutions and industry partners work together to realise the growing potential of linguistically sophisticated applications.

Language professionals are needed not just for language teaching jobs at all levels, but also for vacancies in the private sector such as editors, technical writers, translators, reporters, journalists, anchor persons, PR personnel, etc.

According to the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings by Subject (2025), Linguistics at City University of Hong Kong is ranked 38th in the world.

Student/Alumni sharing is available at https://lt.cityu.edu.hk/People/alumni/.

LT maintains very good ties with alumni via Facebook (CityUHK LT/CTL Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/503342298012646), Whatsapp (CityUHK LT/CTL Alumni: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fi8j52yJkTX0Ea1HgZGrGZ), and 2 Wechat groups (CityUHK LT_CTL Alumni; CityUHK LT_CTL Alumni 2).

Several dozens of alumni have already expressed their sincere wish to help with our LT Senior Mentor Programme enthusiastically. This is a great opportunity for senior students or fresh graduates to communicate with their predecessors 校友學長 about some of the possible puzzles in job hunting, workplace etiquette, work attitude and job prospects, and further studies in various continents. 

Department of Linguistics and Translation
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Language is a defining aspect of humanity, shaping how we communicate, think, and connect. The Major in Linguistics and Language Applications (BALLA) explores the science of language, from constructing sentences and words to understanding how our brains process language, how languages change over time, and how they reflect social and cultural identities. It also examines how adults, children, and even computers learn languages.

Studying linguistics offers practical applications with societal impact. Linguistics contribute to language education policies, address language-related social issues, develop AI-driven language technologies, and support those with speech or communication challenges. The Major in BALLA aims to educate students so that they will become language professionals who are familiar with linguistics and language-related applications. Along the way, students will develop an analytical, critical and creative mind and an open attitude towards people from different cultures. Students will also improve their communication and writing skills, making language learning more efficient and everyday interactions more effective.

There are two main subject areas: Linguistics and Language Applications.

• Core courses in Linguistics include: Fundamentals of Linguistics, Introduction to Linguistic Research, Language in Society, Language and Mind, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, and Semantics and Pragmatics.
• Core courses in Language Applications include: Introduction to Language Technology, Computational Linguistics, and Project I.

At a more advanced level, students may choose from among courses such as Computational Lexicography, Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Conversation Analysis, Corpus Linguistics, Experimental Phonetics, First/Second Language Acquisition, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Project II.

To find more details about the Programme Curriculum, please refer to the Programme Structure.

1. Participating in internships and other co-curricular activities offered provides students valuable job experience in fields that require knowledge of languages, linguistics, and language applications.

2. Exchange programmes provide students with opportunities to gain experience of studying and living abroad for a semester, by paying the local tuition fees.

3. The Department of Linguistics and Translation (LT) offers two Joint Bachelor's Degree Programmes with National Taiwan University and Columbia University. 

• Students can get 2 degrees by studying two years in LT and two years at a partner university. (For detailed information, please click this link.)

4. Students may opt for double majors within CityUHK and major plus minor programme or CityU Talents Programme (HK TECH Tiger).

This major provides students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of human language. Students will be prepared for careers that require language expertise and language-related computing skills. In addition to opportunities in advanced studies, graduates will have employment prospects in education and research as well as in administrative and executive positions in various public and private sectors. They will have an important role to play in language and information service sectors of Hong Kong, Greater China, and the world. Moreover, this major is recognized by the Education Bureau as an English language major degree for the purpose of teaching in Hong Kong _{(To be confirmed by EDB)}.

With the growing popularity of the web and apps as information resources and means of interaction, the field of language applications is advancing. Both of the academic institutions and industry partners work together to realise the growing potential of linguistically sophisticated applications.

Language professionals are needed not just for language teaching jobs at all levels, but also for vacancies in the private sector such as editors, technical writers, translators, reporters, journalists, anchor persons, PR personnel, etc.

According to the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings by Subject (2025), Linguistics at City University of Hong Kong is ranked 38th in the world.

Student/Alumni sharing is available at https://lt.cityu.edu.hk/People/alumni/.

LT maintains very good ties with alumni via Facebook (CityUHK LT/CTL Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/groups/503342298012646) Whatsapp (CityUHK LT/CTL Alumni: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fi8j52yJkTX0Ea1HgZGrGZ), and 2 Wechat groups (CityUHK LT_CTL Alumni; CityUHK LT_CTL Alumni 2). 

Several dozens of alumni have already expressed their sincere wish to help with our LT Senior Mentor Programme enthusiastically. This is a great opportunity for senior students or fresh graduates to communicate with their predecessors 校友學長 about some of the possible puzzles in job hunting, workplace etiquette, work attitude and job prospects, and further studies in various continents.

Department of Linguistics and Translation
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Starting in 2026/27, high school applicants can directly apply for Year 1 entry to the prestigious Joint Bachelor’s Degree Programme offered by CityUHK and Columbia University. Graduates will earn degrees from both institutions. For JUPAS applicants, a separate application to Columbia University is required after submitting the JUPAS application.