English Language and English Language Teaching

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'

In the most recent National Student Survey (2012), our BA (Hons) English Language and English Language Teaching course achieved a score of 90% for 'overall student satisfaction' and 95% for 'the teaching on my course'.
Subject to adequate academic progression, students graduating from this course do so with two awards: BA (Hons) English Language Teaching and CELTA, the most widely taken English Language teaching qualification.

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, which means there is great demand both in England and abroad for English language teachers. Our degree has been developed to help meet that demand by delivering a course with a strong vocational focus.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature, and mechanics, of the English language by exploring a range of issues in applied linguistics and language studies, developing your awareness, and understanding their application in a range of contexts.

Crucially, our degree includes the entire syllabus for the Cambridge CELTA. This includes both methodology and teaching practice modules. In practice modules you will take part in supervised lesson planning, observation and assessed teaching practice with feedback from experienced CELTA tutors. It is important to note that the Cambridge CELTA component has to be completed in one year.

English Language introduces you to the nature of language and communication before progressing on to more complex areas. You will explore some of the main applications in linguistics as well as focusing on areas such as semantics, phonetics and phonology, and the analysis of text and communication.

Additional course overview

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. You will also have the opportunity of studying a foreign language from beginner, or elementary, level.

You will put theory into practice and engage with the world of teaching at two, or three, different levels and on successful completion of the CELTA course gain a vocational qualification: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). 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, or political rhetoric. 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 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. You will also consider a range of learning and teaching theories and see how language teaching has evolved into present day practice. 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.


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
  • Teaching Practice
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language 1 and 2
  • Written Text 1 and 2
  • Phonetics and Phonology
Year three core modules
  • Major Project
  • Methods and Developments in TEFL
  • Language Acquisition

Assessment

All assessments will be in accordance with the learning outcomes and the range will provide both formative (non-assessed discussions and presentations, language laboratory work, class exercises etc) and summative (unseen examinations, in-class assessments, essays, portfolios, assessed seminar presentation etc) functions.

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 will discuss a particular theoretical approach, but also a data analysis exercise which allows you to demonstrate that you are able to apply your knowledge in the 'real world', and to link theory with practice. For those doing the CELTA component, the teaching practice assessment is based on classroom-related written assignments and continuous assessment of lesson plans and your own teaching.

Course Leader

Sarah Fitt
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.

Links with industry and professional recognition

CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of CELTA globally.

This qualification meets the UK Government's teacher training requirement for people who want to work in further, adult and community education in England and Wales. ELT International Recruitment Agencies, British Council affiliated schools, International House and its affiliated schools.

Associated careers

Although clearly of most value to anyone wishing to pursue a career in teaching, our degree has enabled past graduates to enter a range of professions throughout Europe, including the media, import-export, travel and tourism, computing, business, human resources and the language industries.
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

XQ13

Location

Duration

3 Years

Available starts

September

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:
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