The article deals with the problem of professional education of linguistics students at universities of Great Britain. The authors analyse the role of linguistics as an academic discipline in Great Britain, outline recent trends in university admission campaigns of 2008-2016 which indicate a gradual but stable increase in the number of applicants wishing to pursue a career in linguistics. They focus on the analysis of degree programmes as defined by Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of the UK Degree-Awarding Bodies in the context of linguistics professional education, as also define features of curricula of professional education of linguistics students at British universities with consideration of the Subject Benchmark Statement for Linguistics and look at career prospects of future linguistics specialists in Great Britain.

Abstract We have performed comparative analysis on professional training of linguists at British and Ukrainian universities at administrative and managerial, legislative, organizational and pedagogical, systemic, conceptual, socioeconomic levels. As evidenced above, British and Ukrainian systems of professional training of linguists differ significantly, but simultaneously they are similar to the trends in development. In the first place, the main difference is manifested in the content of curricula. Professional training of linguists in Ukraine is aimed primarily at professional orientation on the national (regional) labour market, comprehensive development of personality of future specialists, formation of harmonious development of both general and professional qualities. In British experience, this training is oriented toward the world labour market. In view of the above, it is expedient to update the content of curricula for linguistics, in particular, its focus on professional and researchbased training, taking into account the best practices of foreign experience, in particular British one. An important objective of Ukrainian higher education institutions is to improve quality of teaching professional and special disciplines, provide modern teaching materials, as well as attract foreign specialists to teaching. It is also worthwhile to encourage students to participate in work placements abroad, as it is the case with leading universities in Great Britain. Perspectives for further researches are seen in studying foreign experience in training linguists at leading European universities in order to justify the best aspects of such experience and therefore implement them into practice of professional training of linguists at Ukrainian universities.

Abstract The article deals with peculiarities of undergraduate and postgraduate linguistic courses at Lancaster University. It has been stated that the latter is considered to be one of the best higher education institutions both in the UK and worldwide. Being a relatively new higher education institution (founded in 1964), it can already boast its academic reputation. According to data of British surveys it has been found out that Lancaster University is extremely popular among students. Speaking about linguistic achievements it should be mentioned that Lancaster University’s linguistic centre, spanning four generations of researchers, has been recently awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It has been revealed that degree programmes at Lancaster University are flexible and provide students with the opportunity to master a wide range of subject areas to complement their main specialism as well as numerous optional modules selected to satisfy various education needs and inclinations of students. Teaching approach at the University is research-driven and research stimulated, that is why much curriculum time is dedicated to carrying out research projects. Students are significantly motivated towards self-study as most of study time (81–89 %) is dedicated to independent learning. Lectures, seminars and similar are given only 11–19 %. Positive aspects of British experience in professional training of future linguists have been outlined.

Abstract The current stage of higher education sector transformation in Ukraine has been indicated. The study of foreign experience, namely of Great Britain, and the use of positive aspects of such experience have been justified. Information sources of Universities UK (Universities UK Strategic Plan 2013-2018; Efficiency and Effectiveness in Higher Education: A report by the Universities UK Efficiency and Modernisation Task Group; Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements of UUK) and The Strategic Plan 2009-2015 of Lancaster University have been studied. Vision, mission, functions,pressing issues, strategic aims of the Strategic Plan of UUK for the next five years have been presented. The achievements of UKK for 2013-2014 in accordance with strategic aims have been outlined. The actions of the organization aimed at providing British universities with various supports have been presented. The constituents of Strategic Plan of Lancaster University for 2009-2015, namely vision, mission, sectors of development (International, Teaching, Research and Impact, Finance and Organisation, the Lancaster experience) and consequently successfully achieved results have been presented. Positive aspects of British experience in strategic development of higher education institutions have been defined. Perspectives for further researches in this area have been outlined.

Abstract The concept of linguistics as a branch of science has been considered. Key abilities linguists possess have been defined. The need to apply to foreign experience, in particular, British one, has been justified. Relevant information sources, namely, Benchmark Statement for Linguistics (2007), data on Education UK, the official website for international students launched by the British Council, programme specifications for linguistics at a number of British universities have been reviewed. The list of higher education institutions (65) offering undergraduate courses (424) in Linguistics has been presented. Study options for undergraduate courses in Linguistics have been described. It has been stated that curricula in linguistics provided by higher education institutions do not greatly differ from each other by the content; nevertheless they preserve their own originality. General characteristics of study years (primarily three-year curricula) have been given. Teaching and learning methods and techniques as well assessment methods generally used at British universities have been listed. Positive aspects of British experience in professional training of future linguists have been outlined. Perspectives for improving the Ukrainian curricula for professional training of future linguists have been justified.