B.A. English Language and Communication (Hons)

Bachelor's degree

In Oxford

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Oxford

This English Language and Communication course at Oxford Brookes University will enable you to explore how language works as a complex system, and why English has become the global language of communication. You will examine the ways in which the language, and other forms of meaning and communication, are structured and used for different purposes in a range of local, national and global contexts.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Oxford (Oxfordshire)
See map
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, OX3 0BP

Start date

On request

About this course

English Language Requirements IELTS Take IELTS test 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: The UK government confirmed new requirements for secure English language testing for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

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Subjects

  • Communication Training
  • English
  • English Language
  • University
  • International
  • Global
  • IT Development
  • Teaching
  • Sociolinguistics

Course programme

Course Content

The course is composed of modules which will introduce you to a variety of interdisciplinary concepts and research interests in language and communication. It is based around four strands of study:

  • Cognitive linguistics and Language Learning
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Descriptions of Language in Use
  • Research Methodology
The orientation of the course is 'applied' linguistics so we have to look to apply these theoretical strands in the real world. Two key applied themes that we have explicitly integrated into the course are:
  • Education - with an interest in how we acquire language (as individuals and a species), as well as the learning and teaching of language
  • Persuasive discourses - critically studying the use of language in areas such as Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations

In Year 1 you will begin by taking core introductory modules which will give you a thorough grounding in the four key strands as well as research in applied linguistics.

In Years 2 and 3 you will develop these interests and begin researching particular areas and issues in more detail. The list of modules below give some indication of this range. You will also develop your understanding of research in language as you move towards your dissertation in Year 3.

The University’s undergraduate programme, which allows you to study part-time as well as full-time, also gives mature students the flexibility they need to combine study with work or family commitments.

Study modules

All our courses are reviewed regularly to ensure that they respond to developments in the subject area and the needs of employers. The list below is indicative of the range of modules, but may differ from the list you choose from. If you would like more information, please see our course leaflet (see downloads section).

Year 1 - all modules are compulsory

  • Understanding Language: system and use

You will be introduced to key concepts in the study of language as system and its use in contexts of communication. You will develop an understanding of language description and associated terminology and will be introduced to well-established frameworks for linguistic analysis in the areas of language as sound (phonetics and phonology), language as meaning (semantics) and language as structure (syntax)

  • Introduction to Discourse Analysis

Areas for analysis include: general principles of Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Critical Language Studies, Forensic Linguistics, Intercultural Pragmatics and Multimodal Communication. You will be introduced both to the key theories of these sub-disciplines, as well as their relevance and application to real-world scenarios.

  • Sociolinguistics

Sociolinguistics explores the effect of society on the way language is used. The core research areas of language and society, language and variation, language and interaction, and language and culture are addressed. This module draws from studies on diglossia, bidialectism, multidialectism, bilingualism, multibilingualism, and plurilingualism while referring to a wide spectrum of geographic and linguistic contexts.

  • Introduction to Applied Linguistics

This module will provide you with the basic tools, skills and concepts you need in order to study effectively the broad field of English Language and Communication in a university context. Each session will generally be shared between (a) critical consideration of the approach to applied linguistics presented in key readings, and (b) developing skill at the complex genre of academic writing

  • Language Acquisition

An introduction to the study of how we acquire language from the early processing of language to the role of child directed speech. You will explore the major debates in the field of language acquisition and development and will develop your understanding of the linguistic evidence used to develop theories of language acquisition and development.

Years 2 and 3

Year 2 compulsory modules

  • Analysing English Language (Hallidayan linguistics)

This module looks to a Systemic-Functional model of linguistic description to provide a theoretical and analytical framework for the analysis of spoken and written texts. You will explore the systematic relationship between context and language through the analysis of spoken and written texts across a range of contexts.

  • Research Methods

You will be provided with a broad training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with various research tools and approaches as well as appropriate data analysis. Consideration will be given to ethical issues and the key concepts associated with different methodological paradigms.

The following are alternative compulsory modules, where students need to choose two from the following:
  • Analysing Spoken Discourse
  • Language, Culture and Globalization
  • Critical Linguistics: power and resistance
  • Language and the Mind

Year 3 compulsory modules

  • Subject to Discourse: Language and Literacies

You will be encouraged to analyse texts that you engage with in your day-to-day life and to consider these in light of theories and analytical frameworks

  • Research Project / Dissertation

You will study, in depth, a chosen problem or issue, relevant to the field of English Language and Linguistics with an outcome of a dissertation of 8000-10000 words

Further modules can be selected from a range which include:
  • Forensic Linguistics
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Educational Linguistics
  • Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching
  • Language Teaching: Language and Creativity
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Citizenship Journalism and Civic Engagement
  • Digital Media and Youth Identities
  • Work and Community Related Learning
  • Philosophy of Language
Work placementsThere are opportunities for students to undertake work placements in areas such as Public Relations.Field trips

We are always keen to explore ways in which you broaden your experience of education and development. In the past we have visited The Gambia developing long standing relationships with schools and colleges and we are actively exploring international opportunities in other parts of the world, aiming to be responsive to students' needs and interests.Please note that field trips are optional and an additional cost on top of course fees.

Study abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year.

Studying abroad provides an amazing opportunity to add value to your studies by:
  • increasing your employability within an international market
  • boosting your language skills
  • building your confidence in adapting to new situations
  • improving your knowledge of different cultures.

While on exchange you will gain credits which count towards your degree. Several students have recently studied in Australia at universities where there are strong academic links with our programme. These include Griffith University in Brisbane and Macquarie University in Sydney.

We have more than 100 partner universities around the world. Funding is available through the Erasmus scheme, and also via some international programmes such as the Santander Student Awards.

There is also a European work placement programme which gives you the chance to work abroad as part of your studies.

B.A. English Language and Communication (Hons)

Price on request