English Language and Linguistics

The BA in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of the English language, its structure, history, and usage, alongside the scientific study of how language works. This programme provides students with a deep understanding of various aspects of linguistics, including syntax, phonetics, semantics, and sociolinguistics, as well as practical skills in analyzing language data and understanding language variation and change. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to critically examine language in different contexts, from everyday communication to literature, media, and digital technology. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with applied linguistics, enabling students to develop both analytical and research skills that are valuable in diverse careers such as education, speech therapy, publishing, media, and further academic research. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized laboratories for phonetics and speech sciences, as well as extensive libraries and online resources. The programme also emphasizes developing students’ communication, critical thinking, and data analysis skills, which are essential in today’s globalized world. With opportunities for work placements, collaborative projects, and engagement with research-active staff, students are prepared for both professional roles and postgraduate study. The interdisciplinary nature of the course ensures that graduates are well-equipped to understand and analyze language phenomena, understand linguistic diversity, and contribute to debates on language policy, education, and technology. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with options to specialise in areas such as forensic linguistics, language and cognition, or language development. Graduates of this programme leave with a solid foundation in linguistic theory and practical skills, making them highly employable in a range of fields that value language expertise and analytical ability.

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, which can be from across the faculty. During your second and final years, all your modules are optional. However, you must take two Linguistics modules and two English Language modules. 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 Psycholinguistics;
Foundations of Linguistics; and
one linguistics, language or social science option

Year 2

Two English language options; and
two linguistics options

Year 3

Two English language options; and
two linguistics options

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 Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of the English language, its structure, history, and variations, alongside the study of linguistics as a scientific discipline. The program is designed to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including analytical thinking, critical analysis, research capabilities, and effective communication, which are highly valued in various professional fields. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse areas such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, gaining insights into how language functions in different contexts and communities. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical applications, encouraging students to analyze real-world language data and engage in independent research projects. The program also emphasizes the historical development of the English language, examining its evolution from Old English to contemporary forms. Students can benefit from the university's excellent facilities, including dedicated linguistics labs and library resources. Additionally, the program offers optional modules that allow students to specialize in areas such as language acquisition, forensic linguistics, or language and identity. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects, enhancing their employability after graduation. The University of Essex's vibrant academic community fosters a stimulating environment where students can engage with experts in linguistics and related disciplines. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in education, translation, content creation, language consultancy, publishing, research, and other fields that value advanced linguistic knowledge and skills. The program is typically designed to be completed over three years for full-time students, with part-time options available. The university’s strong focus on research-led teaching ensures that students learn from scholars actively contributing to advancements in linguistics.