English Language, Language Acquisition and Language Disorders

The BA in English Language, Acquisition and Disorders at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of the structure, use, and development of the English language, alongside the study of how language is acquired and the nature of language-related disorders. This comprehensive programme is designed to explore the intricacies of language from various perspectives, including linguistics, cognitive science, and psychology, providing a well-rounded education for students interested in careers related to language teaching, speech therapy, linguistics research, or further academic study.

Throughout the course, students will examine the fundamental principles of English grammar, phonetics, and semantics, gaining valuable insights into language structure and usage. The programme places a strong emphasis on understanding language acquisition processes, analyzing how children and adults learn languages, and identifying factors that influence language development across different contexts. Additionally, students will explore the nature and treatment of language disorders, investigating the causes, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for speech and language impairments.

The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students will participate in seminars, workshops, and practical sessions that include language analysis, discourse studies, and speech therapy techniques. The programme also offers opportunities for placements, where students can gain real-world experience working with individuals experiencing language difficulties or helping teaching language learners.

With a team of expert academic staff who are active researchers in linguistics, psychology, and speech pathology, students will benefit from cutting-edge approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course encourages critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to apply knowledge to practical scenarios. Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in speech-language therapy, educational support services, linguistic research, or further postgraduate study.

The University of Essex's supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong links with local health and education providers make this programme an excellent choice for those passionate about understanding the complexities of language and making a positive impact on people's lives through language-related careers. Whether you are interested in the scientific investigation of language or in applying this knowledge to assist individuals with language learning and developmental difficulties, this programme provides the essential foundation and skills to achieve your professional goals.

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 three modules are compulsory and your optional module can be taken from across the faculty. During your second year you take two compulsory modules and two optional modules, one English Language module and one linguistics module. In your final year all your modules are optional, but you take one English Language, one linguistics and two acquisition and disorder 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 Linguistics;
Foundations of Psycholinguistics;
Foundations of Sociolinguistics; and
one linguistics, language or social science option

Year 2

Psycholinguistics;
Child Language Acquisition or Second Language Learning;
one English language option; and
one linguistics option

Year 3

One English language option;
one linguistics option; and
two acquisition and disorders 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 University of Essex offers a comprehensive programme focused on English Language, Language Acquisition, and Language Disorders, designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in these interconnected fields. This program covers various aspects of language study, including linguistics, psycholinguistics, language development, and the diagnosis and treatment of language disorders. Students will engage with core topics such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, and phonology, gaining a solid grounding in the structure and use of the English language. The curriculum emphasizes understanding how languages are acquired both monolingually and bilingually, exploring cognitive and social factors influencing language development in children and adults.

Throughout the course, students will examine research methodologies pertinent to linguistics and speech-language pathology, enabling them to undertake independent research projects. The programme also looks into the social, cultural, and psychological factors impacting language use and learning, preparing students for careers in education, healthcare, research, and speech and language therapy. Practical components of the programme may include observation and participation in speech therapy sessions, linguistic analysis, and participation in workshops or internships, depending on the specific course structure.

The programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking. Students are supported by experienced academics who are specialists in their fields, facilitating a rich learning environment. Assessment methods typically include written assignments, presentations, exams, and research dissertations. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or to enter careers such as speech and language therapists, linguists, educators, or researchers. The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study and practical application makes it a robust foundation for understanding language complexities and addressing language-related challenges in diverse settings.