English Language

Course outline

The first year gives you a broad introduction to language and meaning, to the influence of form and context, and to the role of language in society. The second year builds on the introductory coverage of the first year, with core modules that equip you to describe the sounds of speech and the features of written text in technical detail. It also allows you to design your own research including collecting, managing and working with linguistic data. In addition to continuing the themes introduced in the first year and developing competence in preparation for the challenges of the final year, this year will also prepare you for an optional work or study placement, either in the UK or abroad, during the third year, with modules directly related to professional communication. A number of elective modules are offered during the year.

The final year offers the opportunity both to broaden your studies into the areas of language, culture and politics and to specialise on specific areas of language use. All students produce a substantial piece of individual work in the form of a dissertation. In addition to the business, teaching and legal strands, further electives include modules on corpus linguistics, multimodal texts, critical discourse analysis and psycholinguistics.

Learning, teaching & assessment

You will be involved in: lectures and seminars, small-group work, project work and independent study. Studies generally revolve around lecture classes in the first two years, and there are opportunities for group and collaborative work. Students undertake a major piece of independent research in final year.

You will be allocated a personal tutor who can provide you with help and advice.

Assessment is through a combination of exams, coursework, essays, presentations and an extended dissertation during your final year.

Placement year

By taking a 4 year Sandwich programme you will have the opportunity to undertake a year’s professional experience in the public or private sector in your third year of study. You will gain invaluable experience which will set you apart from other graduates.

The placement year can be in the UK, or there are opportunities for English speaking placements/study abroad. You will be given support and advice on finding a placement. Many employers return each year to employ our placement students.

Career prospects

Potential careers for graduates include: publishing, linguistic computing, journalism, law, the Civil Service, the media (including advertising, marketing and public relations) and information technology (including library work), as well as teaching (at home or abroad).

Personal development

This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished e-learning centre.

The Placement Year will develop your initiative, confidence and independence, as well as giving you invaluable professional experience. In your final year you complete an individual research dissertation which improves your independent research skills and report writing skills.

All students are encouraged to undertake Personal Development Planning (PDP.)