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 contributes to language education policies, addressing language-related social issues, developing AI-driven language technologies, and providing support to 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 foster 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).

The Major in BALLA provides students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of language. Students will be prepared for careers that require both language skills and linguistics-related computer skills and other skills in language applications. In addition to opportunities in research and development, graduates will have employment prospects 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.

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 (2026), Linguistics at City University of Hong Kong is ranked 36th in the world.

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

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.

The Department offers a range of innovative degree programmes designed to train versatile professional communicators for the age of media convergence and information integration. Graduates are well positioned for diverse careers in the media industry and communication sectors in businesses and government organizations.

Applicants of this programme (admission code: 1106) will be considered for admission to first-year studies at the Department of Media and Communication. Students will enter a major (current major options: Media and Communication; Digital Television and Broadcasting) after one year of study. The top 40% of students^# will have a free choice of majors offered by the Department. The other 60% of students will be allocated a major within the Department, subject to the availability of places and the selection criteria set by individual majors.

^# based on CGPA with no failed grades and completion of at least 30 credit units including College/Department required courses

Applicants eligible for advanced standing entry may submit an application to the following programmes:

BA Media and Communication (admission code: 1341A)
BA Digital Television and Broadcasting (admission code: 1356A)

Housed in the landmark Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, the Department of Media and Communication offers innovative academic programmes that focus on media convergence. Unlike traditional curricula that segregate different modes of mass communication, we aim to train professional communicators capable of working in an environment of media convergence and information integration – an environment that spans journalism, broadcasting and TV, advertising, public relations and new media. To that end, we integrate new technologies, media skills, communication theories and creativity in our education.

The Department’s teaching and research activities are supported by a state-of-the-art integrated and inter-compatible digital multimedia platform. Our facilities include digital TV filming/editing studios, 3D virtual TV/audio recording/advertising filming/design studios, new media and eye-tracking laboratories.

During their undergraduate studies, our students have many opportunities to travel abroad on study trips, participate in student exchanges and engage in overseas internships. Our graduates are rapidly employed after graduation and enter a wide range of professions and careers, such as media industries, telecommunications, advertising/public relations, and business and education.

The Department currently offers the following two majors:

BA Digital Television and Broadcasting

BA  Media and Communication

For details, please refer to https://www.cityu.edu.hk/class/ug/bachelor_degree_prog.aspx

Undergraduate Catalogue 
Department of Media and Communication 
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
CityUHK Scholarships for Hong Kong Talents 
CityUHK Talents Programme