English Language and Linguistics

BA (Hons)

Intermediate award(s): CertHE, DipHE
Full-Time

This course is available in Clearing, call us on 0845 271 3333 for more information

Our English Language provision ranked in the top third in The Guardian University League Table 2014.

Course overview

English is now commonly regarded by many as a global lingua franca, used by people throughout the world as a first, second or third language. English is increasingly taught as a second language, and a proficiency in English is required in many professions throughout the world.

Our degree will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and mechanics of the English language. You will explore a range of issues in applied linguistics and language studies, developing your awareness and understanding of their application in a range of contexts. Our course addresses issues such as the global spread and increasing diversification of the English language, including its historic development and the emergence of 'new Englishes'. It looks at how language is systematically employed to shape and manipulate people's ideas and opinions, and asks how children and adults acquire English as a first or second language.

A range of module options from areas as diverse as Creative Writing, Literature, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Media will enable you to delve deeper into areas of particular interest or perhaps prepare for a favoured career. With employers increasingly interested in additional skills, the course will also enable you to study a modern foreign language via the Anglia Language Programme as part of your optional modules; current languages offered include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Russian.

Additional course information

The first year of your degree aims at building on and consolidating your existing knowledge and developing your analytic and academic skills. You will be introduced to some of the fundamental aspects of the English language, its sub-disciplines, key concepts and approaches, and studying at university level.

In your second year, you will explore the various sub-disciplines in more depth, by examining the phonology of English, and its textual structures, and you will have the opportunity to investigate specific uses of language in areas such as newspaper and advertising language, political rhetoric and personal narratives. There is a strong focus on practical hands-on elements, that is, the collection and analysis of 'real' language used in daily life. You will also explore the historical background of English, examining the evolution from Old English to the language we hear spoken today.

Your final year focuses on an in-depth exploration of the semantics of English by looking at aspects such as metaphors, intertextuality and semantic shifts, as well as a critical evaluation of approaches to spoken discourse. At the core of this year is your Major Project, which allows you to investigate a topic of your choice under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

The following two-subject degree is also available:
  • BA (Hons) English Language and English Language Teaching


Module guide

Year one core modules
  • Revealing English Structure

    This module aims to introduce you to the structure of English grammar and to the construction of phrases, clauses and sentences, and to how these can be analysed. Starting with an introduction to the nature of English grammar and grammar description, the module progresses from word class to an analysis of the form and function of noun and verb phrases and to the components and structure of a simple sentence. This is followed by the analysis of complex and compound sentences and of how meaning and focus can be changed through the manipulation of clause structure. You will also be introduced to the way in which the grammar of speech can vary from the traditional descriptions, and the way in which grammar is used to convey much more precise meaning than can be achieved by vocabulary alone.

  • Nature of Language

    This module seeks to develop an awareness of language as a unique and complex communication system. It provides systematic description of the way in which language works, teaches terminology and techniques for analyzing language structure, vocabulary and meaning, and also examines methods of identifying and representing sounds accurately. Finally, it investigates some of the questions which have to be resolved in modelling language activity in the development of computer aids for linguists.

  • Language and Society

    This module will introduce you to practical and theoretical aspects of the study of language and society and will cover the following: methodological approaches and related problems, forms of address, T/V pronouns, naming, addressing without naming, sex and age differentiation in language, accent and dialect, speech communities, education and employment, language disadvantage, language choice according to function in multi-lingual communities. The key theoretical, analytical and descriptive terms will be introduced and explained in weekly lectures; you will then be given the opportunity to explore the issues in workshops, with a mixture of practical and discussion tasks. Attention will be paid to the close analysis of data and to the reasons for and practicalities of collecting, analysing and interpreting data, culminating in the design of an original (hypothetical) sociolinguistic project. In addition, writing a more discussion based essay will give you an in-depth opportunity to identify, reflect on and synthesise some of the key concepts involved in one or two of the topics covered.

  • Intercultural Awareness

    This module provides an introduction to intercultural communication. It offers insight into interpersonal communication in a culturally diverse world, with benefits to social, academic, and future professional life, where you are likely to meet people from very diverse backgrounds. You will build on your own cultural and general knowledge, sense of identity, and cognitive and communication skills. You will examine your own culture and gain insight into the way in which cultural assumptions affect judgements of the behaviour and communication codes of other cultures. You will learn something of the powerful effects of group loyalties on perception and understanding; explore the inter-play of language, behaviour and cultural values; and examine some theories of cultural comparison. You will learn to recognise the signs of intercultural misunderstanding and culture shock and the need to build common ground, communicating mindfully when necessary.

Year two core modules
  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Written Text
  • Language, Power and Identity
  • History of English Language
  • Language, Mind and Brain
Year three core modules
  • Vocabulary and Semantics
  • Spoken Discourse
  • Undergraduate Major Project

Assessment

We use a wide range of assessments to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the subject. Assessments may include essays, formal exams or oral presentations, but increasingly involve portfolios, which enable you to engage with the topics on both a theoretical and practical level.

In the majority of modules, a combination of assessment types is used to ensure that you are able to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge of and engagement with a topic, but usually also include a more practical element. For example, the assessment for a module may consist of a traditional essay in which you discuss a particular theoretical approach, but also a data analysis exercise which enables you to demonstrate that you are able to apply your knowledge in the 'real world', and to link theory with practice.

Facilities

Our department organises field trips, frequent guest speakers from the UK and abroad, and one-day symposia and conferences.

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free access to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.


Special features

Our department has an outstanding reputation for both teaching and research. It consistently scores highly in The Guardian subject league tables and is one of the departments at Anglia Ruskin rated 'Excellent' by The Sunday Times University Guide. Our department has over 15 years' experience in training English language teachers and is one of the very few in the country to offer an undergraduate degree combined with the professional CELTA qualification.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise set up to monitor the quality of research in UK universities, 95% of the work submitted by our department was judged to be of international standard, with 60% judged to be either 'internationally excellent' or 'world-leading'.

Course Leader

Sarah Fitt

Associated careers

The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics provides an excellent preparation for careers which require good linguistic and analytic skills, but also a variety of 'soft' skills such as interpersonal communication or presentation skills. Graduates of our course have entered a variety of careers over the last few years. A substantial number continue their academic career by pursuing a postgraduate course leading to a teaching qualification, such as the PGCE and, further on, now work in primary and secondary schools; others work in communications, public relations and marketing.

The course provides excellent preparation for entry into a range of fields including teaching, journalism, advertising and publishing. It also enables you to pursue further studies at postgraduate level. Our graduates often complete Masters courses and then go on to study towards a PhD.
UCAS Tariff points: 220 - 260
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

If we have confirmed you do not meet our entry requirements you might want to consider a preparatory course at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC), our partner college, based on our Cambridge campus, before coming to study with us.

How to apply

UCAS code

Q310

Location

Duration

3 Years

Available starts

September, January

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Advice & support

Employability

Related links

  • Anglia Ruskin University Language Centre

Faculty

Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Department

English, Communication, Film and Media

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
Bookmark this page with: