This course is open for applications
Page last updated 22 November 2024
Explore the complexity of language and how it relates to wider society, culture and the mind.
This degree will equip you with an in-depth understanding of how language is structured, how it’s evolved and how it constantly transforms. You’ll explore the science behind how people learn and process languages in their minds, and how they use language to communicate in a diverse range of contexts.
The knowledge and practical skills you’ll develop have direct applications in a wide range of careers, from speech and language therapy and teaching, to marketing and communications.
You'll learn from leading academics at Frenchay Campus, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Bristol's vibrant culture. Our teaching team have a wide range of expertise, who all conduct groundbreaking research at the Bristol Centre for Linguistics.
Build a strong foundation in core subject areas, while developing specialist theoretical knowledge in topics that inspire you. These include discourse analysis, first and second language acquisition, language and gender, media and political discourse, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, ecolinguistics and forensic linguistics.
Each subject area provides you with opportunities for specialist training and hands-on analysis of diverse types of linguistic data, using industry-standard equipment in our linguistics lab. You’ll conduct research involving local communities, take field trips and work on live briefs to put your learning into practice in the real world.
By tailoring your modules and assessment to your interests, you'll graduate ready to progress into a rewarding career of your choice. Your specialist skills in analytical thinking and solving real-world communicative problems will greatly increase your chances of being sought after by employers.
Our graduates have successfully pursued careers across a variety of industries. These range from education, speech and language therapy, marketing and market research, corporate communications, publishing, social media, speech software design, policy development, and the government intelligence services.
You'll be equipped with foundational knowledge in the essential areas of English Language and Linguistics. We have designed this year to suit students from different A-level backgrounds, so that English Language A-level isn't a prerequisite.
You'll build on your first-year knowledge by exploring topics in more depth. You'll tailor your module choices and assignments in line with your interests and career plans.
If you choose to study on our four-year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University to complete a work placement, after Year two. The knowledge gained through this professional experience will be consolidated in a placement learning module. You can find more information in the Placements and Fees sections.
During your final year, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in key areas of study, demonstrating your academic independence.
Throughout the degree, we'll provide you with personalised guidance on career planning and suitable professional pathways.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
"My course developed my language and communication skills, which prepared me for a career in Speech and Language Therapy. I also gained voluntary experience at the Bristol Centre for Linguistics, where I supported adults with their language learning." Francesca, 2019 English Language and Linguistics graduate
You'll learn through lectures, workshops, one-to-one tutorials and smaller discussion-based seminar groups. We’ll also support you throughout the course with study skills support, writing workshops and assignment feedback meetings, as well as peer-assisted learning (PAL) sessions.
Every module is expertly designed to develop your skills in examining and analysing texts in depth. You’ll learn how meaning is expressed and interpreted in spoken and written texts, how English has developed into the global language it is today, how communication varies in different settings and cultures, and you’ll explore topics such as non-verbal communication, language and gender, power and identity.
We take a social and scientific approach to the study of language. You’ll learn about structure (morphology and syntax, how words and sentences are built), sound (phonetics and phonology, the study of speech sounds and how they are stored in the mind), language in the mind (how language is learned and stored), and applied linguistics (in both professional and everyday life).
You’ll apply the knowledge gained in lectures by participating in field trips and study visits. You will work with cutting-edge language technologies, such as our Eye Tracker system and video analysis software, and work on live briefs with our external partners.
You’ll build up a compelling set of professional skills, with access to leading facilities and opportunities to work with our expert linguists and industry partners in helping to shape new thinking in the field. You'll learn to become 'enterprising', building your confidence to take your skills into many different careers.
Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
You can join the student-led Linguistics Society, which organises language-related talks and social events, and sharpen your skills by writing for UWE Bristol student media.
You can develop as an 'engaged citizen', getting involved in projects such as teaching English to women at Bristol's Somali Centre, or working with primary schools to develop more inclusive language policies.
You'll have 12 hours per week contact time over 24 weeks, with an additional hour for peer-assisted learning (PAL) sessions each week.
Outside of class, you'll undertake core and supplementary reading, seminar exercises, preparation and writing of assignments, as well as involvement in group presentations (in oral, poster and multimedia formats). We expect you to spend at least an equal amount of time engaging in essential independent study.
You'll be assessed through a variety of formats, including essays, exams and portfolios. We've designed a combination of assessment types, so you'll graduate with a body of work that showcases your skills for employers.
Learn more about assessments.
Students who get work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Work experience also allows you to hone your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought-after graduate.
The course includes an optional Sandwich Year placement between Years two and three. This will last at least 26 weeks and will be relevant to your subject area.
Our students have secured work and placements in schools and nurseries, speech and language therapy units, marketing departments, and English language teaching organisations in the UK and overseas.
Our award-winning careers and employability service will support you to find the right placement.
Study exchange allows you to complete Year two at Radboud University in Nijmegen (Netherlands).
Unlike the study year abroad, you'll complete modules to achieve equivalent credits. These modules will be decided in advance with your programme leader. Explore our global study partners to find out which institutions participate in our exchange programme.
You’ll consolidate your knowledge on field trips and study visits. For instance, you'll explore aspects of forensic linguistics and observe how language is used during a visit to Bristol Crown Court. We'll also visit our onsite nursery to explore how children develop and acquire language.
You’ll have access to modern study facilities on Frenchay Campus, including computer labs with specialist software for linguistics, statistical analysis, recording and transcription.
Throughout your degree, you’ll receive support from your personal tutor and students at higher levels through our PAL (peer-assisted learning) programme.
You’ll stay in close contact with our friendly team of teaching staff, and our student-staff forum ensures your voice will be heard.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the English, History and Writing facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Tailoring what and how you study, you can shape the course towards your chosen career path.
An English language and linguistics degree is highly regarded by employers and our graduates are in great demand.
You could go on to advise on and write government papers, company reports or doctors' communications with patients.
Other careers are available in the media, publishing, teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), forensic science, public relations, communications, human resources, education, speech and language therapy and journalism.
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and help find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our Employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
*The UK Government recently proposed that tuition fees for Home students will increase by 3.1% to £9,535 from 1st August 2025. This increase is subject to Parliamentary approval and the vote is expected to take place later this year.
Any tuition fee which is impacted by this change will be updated following approval.
Please see this page for further information.
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four year course and then transfer to the three year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the country information pages. If you are an international student and do not meet the academic requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.
If you are applying to study at UWE Bristol and require additional support to meet our English language requirements, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
Read more about entry requirements.
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644