Students engage with the structure and character of the English language including:
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Phonology, lexis, grammar, and discourse
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The variation of the English language
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Theories and methods of linguistics
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Methodologies and practices of linguistic research
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The history and development of the English language
Graduates of the programme will have a broad range of knowledge and understanding of the English language, and critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts both literary and non-literary. They will also have developed their skills in effective communication and argument, both oral and written, and will have a secure understanding of how different social and cultural contexts affect language norms and meaning.
The degree builds to a final year comprising several specialist modules and a Dissertation or Research Project undertaken independently but under supervision, on a topic of the student’s own choice.
First year
The first-year linked modules called Language Works introduce you to the full range of foundational methods of analysing the English Language, especially phonology, grammar, discourse structure, and how language develops in the individual and varies in social contexts. The Text and Genre module explores the systematic ways in which texts vary depending on the particular genre to which they belong, while The Practice of Writing will guide you in the production and analysis of samples of different kinds of writing from different genres with different purposes. You also learn the basic methods and skills for independent research in English Language, and have the opportunity to take one module outside your main discipline
Second year
Advanced Language Works takes much further the ideas and analytical principles introduced in Year 1’s Language Works. This is the core of the second year English Language experience, and the ideas and methods of enquiry here are innovative, challenging and exciting. You also take two of three modules which look in depth at rich aspects of the language: its history; its development and variation; and its discourse structure. A module on research skills involves you in working on a project first as a member of a small research group, and then independently. Again you can take one ‘outside’ module
Third year
The final year is designed to complete your specialisation in English Language studies. You are now in a position to take a compulsory module on Linguistic Theory, alongside three option modules from a wide range of linguistic topics on offer, for example:
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Old English
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Narrative Analysis
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Discourse and Society
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The Politics of English
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Talk, Text and Identity
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Language and the Law
Your Research Project or Dissertation (the latter, shorter project is taken along with an ‘outside’ module) enables you to demonstrate the depth of understanding you have built up over the three years of the degree.
Learning and teaching
Learning and teaching involve a compact between students and lecturers. The programme guides and supports active and engaged learners, drawing on a combination of independent study, class work in seminar groups and lectures, as well as individual supervisions in connection with your dissertation and one-to-one office hour consultations. We use a variety of assessment methods, including exams and written work produced throughout the year.
Career opportunities
Our BA English Language graduates are exceptionally well-equipped to be leaders in professions where a mastery and analytical understanding of this most powerful of contemporary languages is paramount. Our graduates succeed in many fields, including:
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Teaching (every level from primary to university)
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The law
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Advertising and public relations
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Speech and language therapy
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Business
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The civil service
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Journalism and other media
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Arts administration
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Publishing
Other ways to study English
You can take English Language in an equal combination with another subject as part of an English Joint Honours BA. You can also take a Single Honours degree in English that is a 50–50 combination of English Language and English Literature, see English BA for more information.