English Language and English Language Teaching

This undergraduate program at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the English language and its teaching methodologies, preparing students for diverse careers in linguistics, education, and language-related fields. The course provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical understanding with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to analyze, interpret, and teach the English language effectively.

Throughout the programme, students will engage with core modules such as Language and Communication, which explores how language functions in various social contexts, and The Structure of English, offering detailed insights into grammar and syntax. The curriculum also emphasizes language acquisition and developmental processes, enabling students to understand how individuals learn and use English across different stages of life.

A distinctive aspect of this programme is its focus on English Language Teaching (ELT). Students will learn about pedagogical theories, classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment strategies specific to teaching English to non-native speakers. Practical teaching placements and language labs are integrated into the course, providing real-world experience in designing and implementing language instruction.

In addition, optional modules allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, or digital communication. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced language labs and multimedia resources, support innovative teaching and research practices.

The programme highlights the importance of intercultural communication and prepares students for careers in international education, publishing, translation, and language consultancy. It also serves as a solid foundation for postgraduate study in linguistics or teaching qualifications such as TEFL/TESOL.

Graduates of this programme acquire critical thinking, research, and communication skills highly valued in global and local contexts. The University of Essex’s strong links with industry partners and its emphasis on employability ensure that students are supported throughout their studies and prepared for successful careers in the dynamic field of English language studies and education.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year you take three compulsory modules and one optional module. During your second year you take two compulsory modules with two optional modules, which must be English Language modules. In your final year, all your modules are optional, but you must take three English Language modules. For BA English Language one of your optional modules can be from across the faculty in your first and final year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Foundations of Sociolinguistics;
Foundations of Linguistics;
Foundations of Teaching English as a Foreign Language; and
one linguistics, language or social science option

Year 2

Methodology of Teaching English as a Foreign Language;
Second Language Learning; and
two English language options

Year 3

Three English language teaching options; and
one linguistics, language, social science or project option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The University of Essex offers specialized programmes in the fields of English Language and English Language Teaching, designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for careers in education, research, linguistics, and related areas. The programmes typically include a blend of theoretical foundations and applied approaches, fostering a deep understanding of the structure, history, and usage of the English language, as well as effective methodologies for teaching English as a foreign or second language.

Students enrolling in these programmes can expect to engage with a diverse curriculum that covers core linguistic theories, contemporary issues in language use, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, phonetics, and semantics. In addition, there is a focus on pedagogical techniques, curriculum design, classroom management, assessment strategies, and the integration of technology in language teaching. The courses are designed to accommodate students with varying levels of prior experience and cater to those interested in pursuing careers in education, research, translation, or further academic study.

The University of Essex is renowned for its strong research environment, with faculty members who are experts in areas such as applied linguistics, discourse analysis, language acquisition, and multilingualism. This vibrant academic community provides students with opportunities to participate in conferences, seminars, and research projects, enriching their learning experience and fostering critical thinking.

Many programmes include practical teaching placements, either locally or internationally, to give students real-world experience and improve their professional competencies. Graduates of these programmes are well-prepared to work as language teachers, curriculum developers, linguistic researchers, or in institutions that require expertise in English language proficiency and communication skills.

The university offers flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and online learning pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their personal circumstances. Support services such as academic advising, language workshops, and career guidance are designed to help students succeed and make the most of their academic journey.

Overall, the University of Essex’s programmes in English Language and English Language Teaching aim to develop highly skilled, reflective, and innovative professionals who can contribute effectively to the global language education community and the field of linguistics.