English Language

Discover the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language at the University of Essex, a comprehensive programme designed to develop your understanding of the English language, its structure, history, and contemporary usage. This degree offers students an in-depth exploration of language systems, enabling you to analyze how English functions across different contexts. Throughout the course, you'll engage with a wide range of topics, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition, providing a well-rounded perspective on the complexities and versatility of English.

The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in teaching, publishing, editing, linguistics research, communication, and other fields where language expertise is valued. You will have the opportunity to study core aspects of language, such as grammar and vocabulary, as well as explore language variation and change over time. Special modules focus on dialects, accents, and language in society, helping you to understand the dynamic and social nature of English usage around the world.

taught by experienced academics and linguists, the course emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, encouraging students to analyze language data using a variety of methodologies. The programme also offers options for developing postgraduate research skills, should you wish to pursue an advanced degree in linguistics or related disciplines. Furthermore, students benefit from the university’s strong links with linguistic institutions and the opportunity to undertake placement modules, gaining valuable industry experience.

The University of Essex offers state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive learning environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. You will participate in seminars, workshops, and language labs designed to enhance your practical understanding of speech and writing processes. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and research in the field of linguistics, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the evolving landscape of language and communication.

Graduates of the BA in English Language are equipped with critical analytical skills, deep linguistic knowledge, and practical competencies that make them highly employable in a variety of sectors. Whether your goal is to pursue further academic study or enter the professional world directly, this programme provides a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of the English language in its many forms. Join us at the University of Essex to explore the fascinating intricacies of language and develop skills that will serve you throughout your career and beyond.

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

Year 2

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

Year 3

Three English language 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.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the structure, history, and contemporary use of the English language. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of linguistic theories, language analysis, and the social and cultural contexts that influence language use. Students engage with a variety of subjects, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and the development of the English language over time, from Old English to modern dialects and linguistic variations worldwide. The programme emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of linguistics, enabling students to analyze real-world language data, conduct research, and develop critical thinking skills related to language phenomena.

Throughout their studies, students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, forensic linguistics, and language and identity, among others. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects, encouraging active participation and hands-on learning. The programme also offers exposure to language technology, corpus linguistics, and discourse analysis, preparing students for diverse careers in education, publishing, media, consultancy, and further academic research.

The university’s teaching staff are experts in the field, contributing to pioneering research and publications. Students benefit from the university's strong links with industry and academia, providing valuable networking opportunities and practical experiences. The programme often includes opportunities for placements, internships, and exchange programmes, enhancing employability and global outlook. By the end of the course, graduates are equipped with theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience necessary for advanced study or careers that require a deep understanding of language and communication.

The programme is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within linguistics and English language studies. Assessment methods include essays, exams, presentations, and research projects. The university fosters a supportive academic environment with dedicated resources such as libraries, language labs, and research centers specializing in linguistics. Overall, the BA in English Language at Essex prepares students for meaningful careers where language, communication, and analytical skills are essential, through a rigorous, engaging, and comprehensive academic experience.