English Language

The BA (Hons) in English Language at the University of Birmingham is a comprehensive and engaging undergraduate degree designed for students passionate about understanding the structure, development, and usage of the English language. This programme offers a deep exploration into how English functions as a system, how it varies across different contexts and communities, and how it has evolved over time. Students will investigate diverse areas such as phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, gaining a well-rounded knowledge of linguistic theories and methodologies. The course also emphasizes the social, cultural, and historical aspects of English, allowing students to analyze language in real-world contexts, including media, literature, and digital communication.

Throughout the programme, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills by engaging with a wide range of linguistic data and scholarly literature. They will learn to apply theoretical frameworks to practical scenarios, enhancing their ability to interpret linguistic phenomena. The programme is designed to be flexible, offering optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether it be in sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, corpus linguistics, or language acquisition.

The University of Birmingham provides a rich academic environment and access to cutting-edge research facilities, including specialist labs for phonetics and speech analysis. Students benefit from expert teaching staff, many of whom are leading figures in the field of linguistics, who bring their research and industry insights into the classroom. The programme also encourages active participation in seminars, workshops, and work placements, fostering practical skills and industry connections.

Graduates of the English Language programme are well-equipped for careers in education, media, publishing, speech therapy, public relations, and further academic research. The degree offers a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in linguistics, education, or related fields. With a curriculum that balances theory and application, the BA (Hons) in English Language at Birmingham prepares students not only to analyze language but also to contribute thoughtfully to conversations about communication, language policy, and development in a globalized world.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

On this degree programme you will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the English language. You will engage with the structure and character of the English language, including phonology, lexis, grammar, and discourse; the ways in which English varies according to time, place and context; processes of learning language; theories about language; and methodologies and practices of linguistic research. You will also have the chance to use new resources such as computer-held databases of linguistic data, and we expect you to be open-minded about both language and technological advances in the study of language.

First year

In your first year you will be introduced to a range of topics in English Language study, including the phonology (sound system) of English, its morphology (word formation) and grammar; children’s language development; discourse analysis, both spoken and written; and social issues, such as attitudes towards language and its role in education. You will have the opportunity to develop your study and essay writing skills, and gain in-depth knowledge of different genres and appropriate tools for genre analysis, which you will then be able to employ in your own writing. You will also learn how to carry out research on English language topics. You will also take a module outside your main discipline (MOMD).

Second year

Building on your first-year work, two core modules will provide you with a thorough grounding in technical aspects of the language, concentrating on English phonology and morphology, and then English grammar. You will be able to choose two further modules from a range including History of the English Language; Talk and Text, which provides in-depth analyses of different kinds of spoken interaction; and Language Acquisition, Variation and Change, which studies how these processes happen and what enables them. In addition, you will take the module Research Skills in English Language, which is designed to develop your group and individual research skills by guiding you in such tasks as carrying out a literature review, collecting and analysing data, and presenting your results orally, as well as reporting on your research in writing. You will also take a module outside your main discipline (MOMD).

Third year

You will now be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules such as The Politics of English; Discourse and Society; English Language Teaching;Narrative Analysis, Ordinary Creativity, and Words. You will also study Linguistic Theory, which provides an overview of some of the many ways in which different theorists have explained language topics include the work of Saussure (the ‘founder’ of modern linguistics), theories about linguistic meaning, and the relationship between language, culture and thought. Your degree builds to a final-year dissertation, a research project which you will carry out independently but under supervision: you will select your own topic for research, collect data, assimilate relevant literature and construct a substantial report on the project, showing judgement and persuasiveness. Ideally this will be of a standard which shows your eligibility for postgraduate study, or, if that’s not your goal, for immediate employment.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

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

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB

Required subjects and grades: We prefer an A level in English Language, or English Language and Literature, at grade A. We also consider other candidates who demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for the study of language. In this case, A levels in English Literature or a foreign language - or both- would be an advantage.

General Studies: not accepted

International Baccalaureate: 35 points to include English at Higher Level with a minimum of 6 points

Other qualifications are considered

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

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 Birmingham.

The Bachelor of Arts in English Language at the University of Birmingham offers students an in-depth understanding of the English language, its structure, history, and usage in various contexts. This program is designed to explore the development of English from its origins to its current global form, examining syntax, semantics, phonetics, and discourse analysis. Students will engage with a wide range of texts, from historical documents to contemporary media, to develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of language function and variation.

The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of English language study. Students will learn about language change, dialects, and socio-linguistics, gaining insights into how language reflects and influences social identities. They will also explore the role of language in communication, cognition, and culture, providing a comprehensive view of linguistic phenomena. The curriculum often includes modules on language acquisition, forensic linguistics, and the influence of technology on language use, preparing students for diverse careers.

Academic staff at Birmingham are engaged in cutting-edge research, ensuring students are exposed to the latest developments in linguistics. Small-group tutorials, seminars, and workshops foster interactive learning and critical discussion. The program encourages the development of transferable skills such as analytical thinking, research proficiency, effective communication, and digital literacy. These skills are highly valued in fields including education, publishing, media, marketing, and speech therapy.

Students benefit from access to extensive library resources, linguistic laboratories, and opportunities for internships and placements. The university's strong emphasis on employability ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market or further academic study—such as postgraduate research in linguistics, language teaching, or related disciplines.

The program is suited for students with a passion for language, keen to understand how language shapes human experience and societal development. It fosters critical inquiry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of English as a global language. With flexible module options, students can tailor their studies to specific interests within linguistics, making the degree both specialized and broad-based.

Overall, the University of Birmingham’s English Language degree aims to produce graduates who are articulate, analytical, and culturally aware, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a wide range of professional paths or academic pursuits. The combination of theoretical grounding, practical experience, and research-led teaching characterizes this highly regarded program.