English Language (BA)

The degree programme is organised in a way that provides the solid grounding needed to allow you to choose in an informed way from among the options available.

I've really enjoyed studying at Cardiff, due mainly to the fantastic variety of interesting modules on offer. With modules on sounds of speech, accents and dialects to the visual communication of advertising, to the history of the language from Celtic varieties to Present Day English, there's a module for everyone.

Adam Duce, BA English Language Year one

You will take 80 credits in English Language and then the remaining 40 credits can all be taken in English Language, or you can choose to do up to 40 credits in either English Literature (excluding Creative Writing) or Philosophy, or 20 credits in each.

For English Literature you will require an A-level in English Literature, or English Literature and Language, or equivalent qualification.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsIntroduction To Human CommunicationSE110720 creditsIntroduction To Language & SocietySE111020 creditsIntroduction To Media CommunicationSE110820 creditsIntroduction To LanguageSE110920 creditsYear two

The ten optional 'Foundation' modules in Year Two provide engaging introductions to a range of key areas of study in English Language: sociolinguistics, language and culture, language and mind, history of English, phonology, functional grammar, language and mind, and others. The training provided by these modules prepares you to make your choice from among the more specialised, research-led 'extension' modules available in Year Three.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsSound, Structure and MeaningSE141120 creditsDiscourseSE136220 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsVisual CommunicationSE137320 creditsSociolinguisticsSE136920 creditsResearch MethodsSE131820 creditsHistory of EnglishSE139820 creditsLanguage & CultureSE140220 creditsLanguage & the MindSE140420 creditsLanguage & GenderSE140320 creditsInternational Study Abroad (60 credits) AutumnSE625160 creditsInternational Study Abroad (60 credits) SpringSE625260 creditsWords & MeaningSE137020 creditsYear three

The Year Three modules are offered in the subject areas in which staff are currently working, thus giving you a unique insight into some of the most up-to-date and innovative work in English language research. These modules also often require you to gather and analyse your own data. Currently the modules address areas such as communication disorders, forensic linguistics, persuasive communication, second language acquisition, language and ideology, digital literacy, health communication, stylistics, discourse of broadcasting, phonology, and language and ecology. There are also opportunities to undertake a project or dissertation in your chosen area of research.

Optional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsCommunication DisordersSE134720 creditsPersuasive CommunicationSE137120 creditsDissertationSE138040 creditsProject in Language and Communication 1SE138120 creditsProject in Language and Communication 2SE138220 creditsForensic LinguisticsSE132420 creditsLanguage Learning and TeachingSE132920 creditsLanguage, Genre and IdeologySE139720 creditsLifespan CommunicationSE132720 creditsThe Graphic MemoirSE140920 creditsSocial InteractionSE133920 creditsFunctions of GrammarSE134020 creditsPatterns of LanguageSE139620 creditsMedia DiscourseSE140820 creditsChildren, Language & CommunicationSE131220 creditsCommunicating in RelationshipsSE134420 creditsSound in ActionSE140720 creditsInternational Study Abroad (60 credits) AutumnSE625160 creditsInternational Study Abroad (60 credits) SpringSE625260 credits The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.