English Language & Linguistics
Are you curious about how language changes, persuades or constructs identity? Do you want to use language to expose hidden biases and challenge social inequalities? Then our English language and linguistics course is for you.
You’ll specialise in a pathway which best suits your interests or career plans.
You could focus on language structures, language acquisition, how language is processed and represented in the mind and brain, or how language varies and changes.
For a focus on text-level linguistics, you’ll consider how language is used to persuade, disrupt assumptions, challenge existing power inequalities or act as forensic evidence in criminal cases.
On the TESOL pathway (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages), you will incorporate TESOL modules, enabling you to teach English in the UK or abroad.
Why study with us
- 3rdin the UK for student satisfactionComplete University Guide (Linguistics)
2023/24
- Our international scheme means that you can pick to study a semester or full year abroad.
- The programme offers modules in a broad range of linguistic subfields.
- The programme has three specialisation pathways, including TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages).
What you'll do
- Gain the internationally recognised Trinity Cert TESOL by combining TESOL with English as part of this flexible programme (TESOL pathway).
- In our unique English Language Skills Initiative for Employability (ELSIE), you’ll integrate subject knowledge with graduate writing skills, work experience, and career planning. Prepare for careers in teaching, marketing, editing or speech therapy.
- Practice/drafting activities provide opportunities for feedforward, helping you to improve your understanding before graded submission.
Modules
There are three pathways on this course. Discourse and Communication (A), System and Structure (B) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages TESOL (C). In Year 1, pathway A and B study the same modules. You will choose between A or B in Year 2 unless you choose pathway C.
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to key themes from socially-minded areas of linguistics and make you aware of the existence of linguistic variation in society. You will also be introduced to the idea that language use can influence and construct meanings and identities.
- Module code
- LG1103
We'll introduce you to various concepts from sociolinguistics, discourse analysis and pragmatics. You'll develop an understanding of how linguistic identities are formed and observed. You'll also understand the methods used in sociolinguistic research and its gender approaches.
- Module code
- LG1105
This module will explore different approaches to ‘meaning’, focusing on aspects of meaning at the level of text and discourse. The module will explore the relation between linguistic expressions, language users and contexts. You will apply knowledge of critical discourse analysis, conversation analysis and rhetorical theory to the analysis of short texts (newspapers, political discourse, forensic texts, etc.).
- Module code
- LG1106
The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of computer software as an aid to the linguistic analysis of texts or to decipher changing patterns in usage. You will research language features by searching large-scale corpora, such as the British National Corpus or the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and learn how to create your own specialised corpus.
- Module code
- LG1107
This module aims to aid personal and professional development, while honing writing skills. You will consider the differences between academic writing and creative/marketing/plain text forms. You will learn about punctuation for professional purposes, as well as conventions for essay writing and referencing.
- Module code
- LG1211
This module is an introduction to the analysis of sounds, words and sentences. You will explore features of your own accent and learn how to represent Received Pronunciation in symbols. You will learn about traditional grammatical terminology, as taught on the National Curriculum for English, and how to analyse sentences into their component parts.
- Module code
- LG1222
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to key themes from socially-minded areas of linguistics and make you aware of the existence of linguistic variation in society. You will also be introduced to the idea that language use can influence and construct meanings and identities.
- Module code
- LG1103
We'll introduce you to various concepts from sociolinguistics, discourse analysis and pragmatics. You'll develop an understanding of how linguistic identities are formed and observed. You'll also understand the methods used in sociolinguistic research and its gender approaches.
- Module code
- LG1105
This module will explore different approaches to ‘meaning’, focusing on aspects of meaning at the level of text and discourse. The module will explore the relation between linguistic expressions, language users and contexts. You will apply knowledge of critical discourse analysis, conversation analysis and rhetorical theory to the analysis of short texts (newspapers, political discourse, forensic texts, etc.).
- Module code
- LG1106
The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of computer software as an aid to the linguistic analysis of texts or to decipher changing patterns in usage. You will research language features by searching large-scale corpora, such as the British National Corpus or the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and learn how to create your own specialised corpus.
- Module code
- LG1107
This module aims to aid personal and professional development, while honing writing skills. You will consider the differences between academic writing and creative/marketing/plain text forms. You will learn about punctuation for professional purposes, as well as conventions for essay writing and referencing.
- Module code
- LG1211
This module is an introduction to the analysis of sounds, words and sentences. You will explore features of your own accent and learn how to represent Received Pronunciation in symbols. You will learn about traditional grammatical terminology, as taught on the National Curriculum for English, and how to analyse sentences into their component parts.
- Module code
- LG1222
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to key themes from socially-minded areas of linguistics and make you aware of the existence of linguistic variation in society. You will also be introduced to the idea that language use can influence and construct meanings and identities.
- Module code
- LG1103
This module will explore different approaches to ‘meaning’, focusing on aspects of meaning at the level of text and discourse. The module will explore the relation between linguistic expressions, language users and contexts. You will apply knowledge of critical discourse analysis, conversation analysis and rhetorical theory to the analysis of short texts (newspapers, political discourse, forensic texts, etc.).
- Module code
- LG1106
This module aims to aid personal and professional development, while honing writing skills. You will consider the differences between academic writing and creative/marketing/plain text forms. You will learn about punctuation for professional purposes, as well as conventions for essay writing and referencing.
- Module code
- LG1211
This module is an introduction to the analysis of sounds, words and sentences. You will explore features of your own accent and learn how to represent Received Pronunciation in symbols. You will learn about traditional grammatical terminology, as taught on the National Curriculum for English, and how to analyse sentences into their component parts.
- Module code
- LG1222
This module aims to provide a foundation for your knowledge and skills required of a trained EFL teacher and raises awareness of the basic structures and functions of English. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate familiarity with contemporary approaches in TEFL and have experience designing, planning, and teaching to groups of your peers.
- Module code
- EF1600
You'll gain skills necessary to approach teaching English to speakers of other languages. You'll focus on how people pick up language by reading, writing, vocabulary, pronunciation, and phonology. You'll receive an introduction into key linguistic themes in society and language diversity.
- Module code
- EF1650
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
This module aims to introduce you to the concept of framing in shaping perspectives on controversial issues, providing you with analytical tools for linguistic framing analysis. You'll explore visual argumentation in advertisements, and enhance your awareness of media's influence on public opinion through framing strategies and multi-modal argumentation.
- Module code
- LG2114
This module uses linguistic approaches to better understand poetic language, literary effect and style. You will use a range of texts from different literary periods to explore foregrounding, speech and thought representation, metaphor, point of view, dramatic dialogue, rhythm and metre and other ‘sound effects’.
- Module code
- LG2118
This module will develop your academic and transferable career skills. You will adopt lifelong reflective practices for independent and collaborative working. You’ll also develop decision-making and problem-solving skills. You’ll even have the opportunity to support and mentor others.
- Module code
- LG2200
In this module you'll examine how language and society are interconnected, focusing on factors that lead to linguistic variation. Topics include regional and social variation, language attitudes, multilingualism, accents, and language planning, birth, shift, and death. You'll also study the linguistic details of the accents and dialects of English and reflect on notions of standardisation and correctness.
- Module code
- LG2224
This module introduces you to the concept of ‘power’, and the way that power informs both institutional and non-institutional human interaction. You'll explore legitimate and illegitimate uses of power and the relationship between power, language and social institutions. You will study a variety of frameworks for analysing power as a tool for analysing a variety of texts.
- Module code
- LG2225
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
This module aims to familiarise you with psycholinguistics, lines of enquiry, and research methods. It enables you to understand what the study of first language acquisition and disordered communication reveals about the storage and processing of language and develop your analytical, researching, and writing skills.
- Module code
- LG2117
Using the details of the history of English, this module explores how and why languages change. You will explore the social contexts which trigger change as well the linguistic outcomes of change. In addition to considering the Germanic origins of English, you will document the key features associated with Old English, Middle English, as well as Shakespeare’s and Austen’s English.
- Module code
- LG2206
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
This module aims to familiarise you with psycholinguistics, lines of enquiry, and research methods. It enables you to understand what the study of first language acquisition and disordered communication reveals about the storage and processing of language and develop your analytical, researching, and writing skills.
- Module code
- LG2117
This module will develop your academic and transferable career skills. You will adopt lifelong reflective practices for independent and collaborative working. You’ll also develop decision-making and problem-solving skills. You’ll even have the opportunity to support and mentor others.
- Module code
- LG2200
Using the details of the history of English, this module explores how and why languages change. You will explore the social contexts which trigger change as well the linguistic outcomes of change. In addition to considering the Germanic origins of English, you will document the key features associated with Old English, Middle English, as well as Shakespeare’s and Austen’s English.
- Module code
- LG2206
In this module you'll examine how language and society are interconnected, focusing on factors that lead to linguistic variation. Topics include regional and social variation, language attitudes, multilingualism, accents, and language planning, birth, shift, and death. You'll also study the linguistic details of the accents and dialects of English and reflect on notions of standardisation and correctness.
- Module code
- LG2224
This module builds on LG1222 Sounds and Structures, developing your knowledge of the language system itself. You'll develop your understanding of the core sentence types of English and learn how to diagram the underlying structure of any given sentence. There will also be opportunities to develop your knowledge of the morphology and phonology of English.
- Module code
- LG2228
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
This module aims to introduce you to the concept of framing in shaping perspectives on controversial issues, providing you with analytical tools for linguistic framing analysis. You'll explore visual argumentation in advertisements, and enhance your awareness of media's influence on public opinion through framing strategies and multi-modal argumentation.
- Module code
- LG2114
This module introduces you to the concept of ‘power’, and the way that power informs both institutional and non-institutional human interaction. You'll explore legitimate and illegitimate uses of power and the relationship between power, language and social institutions. You will study a variety of frameworks for analysing power as a tool for analysing a variety of texts.
- Module code
- LG2225
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
This module aims to familiarise you with psycholinguistics, lines of enquiry, and research methods. It enables you to understand what the study of first language acquisition and disordered communication reveals about the storage and processing of language and develop your analytical, researching, and writing skills.
- Module code
- LG2117
This module introduces you to the concept of ‘power’, and the way that power informs both institutional and non-institutional human interaction. You'll explore legitimate and illegitimate uses of power and the relationship between power, language and social institutions. You will study a variety of frameworks for analysing power as a tool for analysing a variety of texts.
- Module code
- LG2225
This module builds on LG1222 Sounds and Structures, developing your knowledge of the language system itself. You'll develop your understanding of the core sentence types of English and learn how to diagram the underlying structure of any given sentence. There will also be opportunities to develop your knowledge of the morphology and phonology of English.
- Module code
- LG2228
This module builds on your knowledge and skills of the social and regional varieties of English. You'll be able to critically reflect on methods in language teaching within different contexts. You'll also have experience in planning, teaching and evaluating activities for a Tandem Learning partner.
- Module code
- EF2600
This module covers a range of skills for your development as an EFL teacher, such as language awareness, analysing English, evaluating, adapting, and designing tasks, activities, and materials for TEFL, classroom dynamics, and creating a climate for learning.
- Module code
- EF2650
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
In this module you will be introduced to the skills required to teach English to speakers of other languages. You will further examine the implications of English as a common method of communication across borders.
- Module code
- EF2216
In this module you will carry out your research project. The project you create will help you develop your practical and personal skills. You will be able to make comparisons and review a range of concepts and models.
- Module code
- EF2620
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
On this module, you'll study language as criminal evidence, covering frameworks like authorship analysis, plagiarism detection, and police interview evaluation. You'll engage in the analysis of documents (eg, ransom notes, terrorist materials, police interviews) from a forensic linguistics perspective.
- Module code
- LG3113
This module introduces you to the practices of argument identification, analysis, reconstruction, analysis and evaluation, and critical thinking. You'll cover standard argument schemes and rhetorical analysis techniques, including the use of ethos, pathos, and logos for enhancing persuasive political discourse.
- Module code
- LG3225
You'll undertake a research project, which typically – though not necessarily – involves the collection and analysis of linguistic data. This includes producing a textual commentary, analysis or critique. A literature review or similar is deemed to be original if it constitutes a critical synthesis not already available from any single existing source.
- Module code
- LG3992
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
Clinical linguistics examines language disorders and delays (acquired and congenital). This module covers various language-related pathologies like auditory processing disorder, aphasia, autism, and more. These pathologies and their causes are discussed, providing insights into the cognitive foundations of language.
- Module code
- LG3117
On this module you'll consider the similarities and differences between the world’s language and engage with questions of universality. You will learn how to categorise/group languages, including English, according to structural type. You'll also have the opportunity to contrast some aspect of a second language with their native language, so that they can better explain second language errors.
- Module code
- LG3224
The aims of this module are to examine the contribution of Linguistics to the teaching of English Language as a first language. The module focuses primarily on the current policies and approaches to the teaching of literacy and English in the compulsory sector in the UK.
- Module code
- LG3236
This module facilitates specialised language analysis in your chosen areas of English Language and Linguistics through guided independent study. It offers a structured self-study programme that includes analysis activities and readings, allowing you to apply your skills via a language analysis commentary task.
- Module code
- LG3250
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
On this module you'll consider the similarities and differences between the world’s language and engage with questions of universality. You will learn how to categorise/group languages, including English, according to structural type. You'll also have the opportunity to contrast some aspect of a second language with their native language, so that they can better explain second language errors.
- Module code
- LG3224
You'll undertake a research project, which typically – though not necessarily – involves the collection and analysis of linguistic data. This includes producing a textual commentary, analysis or critique. A literature review or similar is deemed to be original if it constitutes a critical synthesis not already available from any single existing source.
- Module code
- LG3992
This module introduces you to theoretical syntax, covering various models and their basic architecture. You'll learn to approximate sentence structures using these models and develop skills to independently evaluate analyses.
- Module code
- LG3228
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
On this module, you'll study language as criminal evidence, covering frameworks like authorship analysis, plagiarism detection, and police interview evaluation. You'll engage in the analysis of documents (eg, ransom notes, terrorist materials, police interviews) from a forensic linguistics perspective.
- Module code
- LG3113
Clinical linguistics examines language disorders and delays (acquired and congenital). This module covers various language-related pathologies like auditory processing disorder, aphasia, autism, and more. These pathologies and their causes are discussed, providing insights into the cognitive foundations of language.
- Module code
- LG3117
The aims of this module are to examine the contribution of Linguistics to the teaching of English Language as a first language. The module focuses primarily on the current policies and approaches to the teaching of literacy and English in the compulsory sector in the UK.
- Module code
- LG3236
This module facilitates specialised language analysis in your chosen areas of English Language and Linguistics through guided independent study. It offers a structured self-study programme that includes analysis activities and readings, allowing you to apply your skills via a language analysis commentary task.
- Module code
- LG3250
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
On this module you'll consider the similarities and differences between the world’s language and engage with questions of universality. You will learn how to categorise/group languages, including English, according to structural type. You'll also have the opportunity to contrast some aspect of a second language with their native language, so that they can better explain second language errors.
- Module code
- LG3224
- English Language & Linguistics Dissertation: You'll undertake a research project, which typically – though not necessarily – involves the collection and analysis of linguistic data. This includes producing a textual commentary, analysis or critique.
or - TESOL Dissertation: The dissertation will enhance your intellectual skills by giving you the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of research in a clearly identified area of interest relevant to your studies.
or - Independent Research Project: In this module, you will produce a dissertation using your extensive research on a topic of your choice that is relevant to your programme of study.
and - Advanced Language Analysis Project: This module facilitates specialised language analysis in your chosen areas of English Language and Linguistics through guided independent study.
- Module code
- LG3992 | ML3995 | ML3990 | LG3250
Optional modules
Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.
The aims of this module are to examine the contribution of Linguistics to the teaching of English Language as a first language. The module focuses primarily on the current policies and approaches to the teaching of literacy and English in the compulsory sector in the UK.
- Module code
- LG3236
Our module is designed to extend your knowledge in the specialist area of Young Learner Teaching within the wider field of TESOL. Furthermore, you will develop the professional skills to begin a career within Young Learner teaching by giving you the tools to analyse, design and develop learning materials and activities.
- Module code
- EF3681
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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I love the vast opportunities to learn something new throughout the course. Choosing to study at the University of Central Lancashire was one of the best decisions I have made.
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Future careers
Graduates from BA Language and Linguistics go on to enjoy a diverse range of professional roles or postgraduate courses.
We’ve seen many graduates move into careers in fields including law, teaching, journalism, publishing, arts administration, theatre, advertising, manufacturing, finance and the police force.
Many of our students to on to careers in teaching and education. Others have pursued postgraduate research programmes at the University.
Fees and funding
As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs. Find out more about additional costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
Care Leaver Bursary
Our Care Leaver Bursary is for students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Care Leaver BursaryEstranged student support
Estranged Student Support Bursary is for students who need extra support because they are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Estranged student supportDependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
Find out more about Dependants BursaryFinancial Bursary
If you are from a low income household our Financial Bursary may be able to help.
Find out more about Financial Bursary
Our BA English Language and Linguistics course is a flexible course with two distinct pathways: a standard pathway and a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) pathway.
No matter which pathway you choose, the key feature is choice. Whether you are interested in language structure (syntax, phonetics and phonology, morphology), how language varies according to user and context, or the teaching of language, the English Language and Linguistics course will have modules suited to you.
We offer modules relating to language acquisition and change, language and gender, political discourse and augmentation, forensic linguistics, literary linguistics, psycholinguistics and more. Other modules are designed to enhance your verbal and written communication skills, with a view to boosting your future career prospects.
With budding teachers and speech therapists in mind, we have also developed unique career-specific modules: English in Education, and Language Pathology and Clinical Linguistics. These allow you to consider how to apply your linguistics skills in a professional setting.
Alternatively, you can choose to specialise in the related areas of media, forensic and political discourse, or the ‘nuts and bolts’ of language by choosing syntax, phonology and morphology.
You’ll be taught by a small, dedicated team of teachers and researchers who will help you to reach your potential. Our staff have research expertise in areas including Pragmatics, Forensic Linguistics, English Syntax and Phonology, Corpus Linguistics and more. Some have been deemed to be ‘world-leading’ in their fields.
There are few large lectures on this course. First year classes typically take the form of one hour workshops. Later, classes involve more workshops, seminars and group work. There is laboratory work in more technical areas such as Corpus Linguistics.
Independent study and pro-active learning plays an important part in this course, and we encourage you to develop important skills in critical thinking and reasoning.
We’ll assess you through a variety of methods, including written assignments, examinations and oral presentations.
This course is based in the School of Psychology and Humanities
For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page