BA English Language and Linguistics
-
UCAS code
Q310 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Explore how language lies at the heart of human life and society with our BA English Language and Linguistics degree.
This course examines how language is crucial to our understanding of ourselves as members of society, as individuals, and as a species.
At the University of Reading, you’ll join our friendly, collaborative Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics. We’re proud of our:
- established reputation in applied linguistics. We’ve been around for more than 50 years, and offered the first linguistics degree in the UK.
- global ranking. We place in the top 150 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023).
- thriving research environment. 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Modern Languages and Linguistics).
Our experts will support you to become a highly skilled user and analyst of the English language. As well as analysing language itself and how it works, you’ll investigate:
- language use in different social contexts and settings, including online and offline
- how language is acquired by children and adults
- how language is taught
- the role of language in politics in an increasingly globalised world.
Alongside this, you’ll develop your knowledge of grammar, phonetics and discourse analysis, and understand how language and linguistics relates to contemporary social issues, including politics, migration, gender and sexuality. 92% of students agreed that our staff are good at explaining things in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics [1].
[1] 2022 National Student Survey.
Join a friendly, supportive community, where 92% of students say that staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2022, Department Level NSS).
We are passionate about exposing you to the forefront of English language research and practice:
- Professor Rodney Jones, who explores how digital media changes the way we communicate online, invited students to contribute to his latest research.
- National Teaching Fellow, Professor Jane Setter, teaches five modules – in phonetics, pronunciation and varieties of English – and feeds her research into all of them.
You’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they evolve with our diverse range of interdisciplinary modules, allowing you to gear your degree towards your career objectives.
Gain real-world experience
In your final year, you will have the choice to complete a Professional Communication Project in lieu of a dissertation. As part of a group, you will plan and implement a project for a company or organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your skills into practice, gain first-hand experience of the sector, and boost your employability.
For example, you might conduct a research project alongside an academic, company or organisation; design promotional materials, websites, or newsletters; engage in social media marketing; or plan and execute a public event.
Recent graduate, Hope O’Grady, shares her experience of supporting prisoners grappling with deportation notices during her work placement.
As part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, you may also have the chance to work with staff members on their research projects.
We also offer a four-year version of this course, BA English Language and Linguistics with Placement Experience, which includes an integrated work placement in the third year.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study abroad for a semester – during your second year – at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada or Australia.
Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.
Overview
Explore how language lies at the heart of human life and society with our BA English Language and Linguistics degree.
This course examines how language is crucial to our understanding of ourselves as members of society, as individuals, and as a species.
At the University of Reading, you’ll join our friendly, collaborative Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics. We’re proud of our:
- established reputation in applied linguistics. We’ve been around for more than 50 years, and offered the first linguistics degree in the UK.
- global ranking. We place in the top 150 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023).
- thriving research environment. 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Modern Languages and Linguistics).
Our experts will support you to become a highly skilled user and analyst of the English language. As well as analysing language itself and how it works, you’ll investigate:
- language use in different social contexts and settings, including online and offline
- how language is acquired by children and adults
- how language is taught
- the role of language in politics in an increasingly globalised world.
Alongside this, you’ll develop your knowledge of grammar, phonetics and discourse analysis, and understand how language and linguistics relates to contemporary social issues, including politics, migration, gender and sexuality. 92% of students agreed that our staff are good at explaining things in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics [1].
[1] 2022 National Student Survey.
Learning
Join a friendly, supportive community, where 92% of students say that staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2022, Department Level NSS).
We are passionate about exposing you to the forefront of English language research and practice:
- Professor Rodney Jones, who explores how digital media changes the way we communicate online, invited students to contribute to his latest research.
- National Teaching Fellow, Professor Jane Setter, teaches five modules – in phonetics, pronunciation and varieties of English – and feeds her research into all of them.
You’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they evolve with our diverse range of interdisciplinary modules, allowing you to gear your degree towards your career objectives.
Gain real-world experience
In your final year, you will have the choice to complete a Professional Communication Project in lieu of a dissertation. As part of a group, you will plan and implement a project for a company or organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your skills into practice, gain first-hand experience of the sector, and boost your employability.
For example, you might conduct a research project alongside an academic, company or organisation; design promotional materials, websites, or newsletters; engage in social media marketing; or plan and execute a public event.
Recent graduate, Hope O’Grady, shares her experience of supporting prisoners grappling with deportation notices during her work placement.
As part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, you may also have the chance to work with staff members on their research projects.
We also offer a four-year version of this course, BA English Language and Linguistics with Placement Experience, which includes an integrated work placement in the third year.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study abroad for a semester – during your second year – at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada or Australia.
Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS1SG | Sounds, Grammar & Meaning | PROF Jane Setter |
LS1TAL | Techniques and Skills for Applied Linguistics | DR Natalia Kampakli |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | PROF Steve Mithen |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1RH | Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
EN1CW | Introduction to Creative Writing | PROF Peter Robinson |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1ATT | Approaches to Television | DR Faye Woods |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | PROF Julia Waters |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | DR Lebene Soga |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR George Mason |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS2DAN | Discourse Analysis | DR Diana Ben-Aaron |
LS2EG | English Grammar | DR Natalia Kampakli |
LS2EP | English Phonology | PROF Jane Setter |
LS2SLG | Sociolinguistics | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS2ANS | Analysing Speech | PROF Jane Setter |
LS2LAG | Language and Gender | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS2LAM | Language and the Mind | DR Fraibet Aveledo |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LLE | Literature, Language and Education | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
LS2TSA | Term Study Abroad | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
EN2CRI | Critical Issues | DR Stephen Thomson |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS3LPC | Language in Professional Communication | DR Sylvia Jaworska |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS3CBL | Corpus-based approaches to language description | DR Diana Ben-Aaron |
LS3DCL | Child Language Development | DR Fraibet Aveledo |
LS3DI | Dissertation | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LS3LMG | Language and Migration | DR Tony Capstick |
LS3LST | Teaching the Language Skills | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS3PCP | Professional Communication Project | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
PL3ISL | Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology | DR Arpita Bose |
PL3ML | Multilingualism and Impairment Across the Lifespan | PROF Ludovica Serratrice |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)
UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750
International students: £1,275
Careers
A degree in English language and linguistics will provide you with transferable skills for a wide range of careers. In the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-20, overall, 100% of graduates from English Language and Applied Linguistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation*.
Our graduates have pursued careers in fields such as:
- teaching, both in the UK and abroad
- speech and language therapy
- publishing
- event coordination
- journalism
- speech writing
- the Civil Service
- media, including advertising, marketing and public relations
- information technology.
Your degree could also lead to postgraduate study in a related area.
*Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all English Language and Applied Linguistics responders.