BA English Language and Linguistics

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. 94% of students in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often (National Student Survey, 2023).

BA English Language and Linguistics with Foundation

We also offer BA English Language and Linguistics with Foundation. This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course, providing a route into a degree in English Language and Linguistics if you do not have the typical entry qualifications.

Join a friendly, supportive community, where 94% of students in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often (National Student Survey, 2023).

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.