"I've been impressed by the quality of teaching and the support provided – tutors are always available to give advice and show enthusiasm"
Lynda O'Brien BA Applied English Language Studies
Quality of teaching
Employability
We have lots of opportunities for placements throughout the course, and you can engage in a professional communication project in your final year.
Dynamic programme
We offer a diverse portfolio of modules, allowing you to specialise, while our flexible programme allows you to study abroad in another country.
Our students really enjoy the opportunity to practically apply aspects of linguistics to solving real-world problems.
What our students say
As a student in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, you’ll have lots of opportunities to develop your knowledge and gain practical skills. Watch this video by two undergraduate students to find out more about why you should study with us.
Reading had the most to offer - the lecturers are really amazing - they are really inspiring on the Open Days - and the course itself - all the modules were interesting and there's quite a lot of variety in the first year - you get to explore what you want to do, which helps with your career development.
Katie Halley, BA English Language and Linguistics
Your future career
We aim to make our graduates stand out from the crowd, giving them the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills including effective written and oral communication, critical thinking and the ability to work as part of a group.
We also offer career-oriented modules to help you to prepare to enter particular fields such as media, politics and education.
Our graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers including: teaching (both in the UK and abroad), speech therapy, publishing and journalism, events coordination, The Civil Service, media (including advertising, marketing and public relations) and information technology.
Life in the Department
Develop your ideas and nurture your creativity with first-hand guidance from expert academics and experienced professionals.
Our excellence in research
Our research brings a breadth of applied linguistic expertise to exploring a range of issues from second language acquisition to language and digital media.
Our student stories
"I really like my course: there is so much writing. It has forced me to develop my written communication skills and learn how to structure an argument in a thoughtful and fluid way through practising essays."
Sabita Burke, BA English Language and Linguistics
Life in Reading
Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.