About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: QQ3C
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 320
- Department: Arts
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Jeanette.Sakel@uwe.ac.uk
Introduction
The course allows you to combine two subject areas, developing your understanding and skills in the related areas of English Language and Linguistics, and offering you a thorough understanding of the concept of 'language'.
At the same time this course prepares you for a wide range of possible jobs, both related to the content covered on the course and the skills you develop in applying that content.
The English language is one of the major and most frequently learnt languages in the world. It can also be said to be one of the UK's biggest export success stories, in being taught widely abroad.
In English Language we take a close look at the development of English as a global language, at the prospects for its future and at cultural aspects of communication. We also examine the structure of the language and at the way it is used to varying effects in different texts. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn in detail how to teach English to speakers of other languages and to undertake creative writing for personal development.
In Linguistics we explain how the communicative system that we all have in our minds is structured and how it is used. We also examine how we learn languages as a child or as an adult, and at how we make language work for us in everyday social activities, for example in the courtroom, or in conversations between doctors and patients, or in advertisements or comic strips. Finally, we address the fact that languages are constantly changing, in large part due to the social and cultural contexts in which we use them.
Taken as a whole, the course gives an introduction to many different areas of language, and offers the opportunity to build on these beginnings to gain in-depth knowledge of specific aspects such as discourse analysis, second language acquisition, the teaching of English, bilingualism, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, language change, onomastics, rhetoric and creative writing.
Find out more about what English Language and Linguistics at UWE has to offer in terms of teaching quality, staff expertise and your student experience.
Student's view
The course at UWE provided me with a broad but deep understanding of both contemporary and historical issues in Linguistics, enabling a critical mindset which has proved very valuable throughout my degree and also in my postgraduate work. Lauren
Structure
Content
During your course you will study four 30 credit modules each year: two English Language modules and two Linguistics modules.
Level one
- English: Past, Present and Future
- Meaning: Style and Discourse
- Sociolinguistics and Fieldwork
- Applying Linguistics: Forensic Analysis
The English Language modules will provide you with a foundation which will enable you to examine and analyse texts in the broadest sense. The modules will help you to understand and describe aspects of meaning in written and spoken discourse and to understand how we achieve certain effects through style and genre. You will also gain an overview of how and why English has developed into the global language it is today.
The main aim of the Linguistics modules is to acquaint you with the fundamental aspects of language structure and language use. You will learn the tools to analyse sound, grammar and meaning. In the first year you will become familiar with aspects of forensic linguistics, and you will find out how to conduct studies on language varieties and language structures.
Level two
- Visual Discourse and Narrative
- Research: Academic and Professional
- Language Acquisition
- Language and the Mind
You will study two English Language modules. The first module Visual Discourse and Narrative will allow you to gain a broader understanding of analysis, as applied to visual and narrative aspects of communication. The second module, Research: Academic and Professional, will give you the opportunity to develop further skills which are directly relevant to graduate employment in our field as well as providing you with a solid foundation for different kinds of research you might choose to undertake in your third year.
The Linguistics modules in the second year of study focus on the different facets of human communication. You will study the acquisition of language, both by young children and second language learners. Also, you will learn about the connections between language and other fields of study, such as culture and the mind.
Level three
At level three, you choose four modules from a range of options. Students can also choose in consultation with their tutor to do a project in a topic area of their choice.
- English Language or Linguistics Project
- Creative Writing and the Self
- The Cultural History of the English Language
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (please note that successful completion of the TESOL module does not result in the awarding of any TESOL certificate)
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- The Other Languages of Bristol: Sociolinguistics, Language Contact and Bilingualism
- Gender, (Im)politeness and Power in Language
- Language, Region and Identity
New: from 2011 students on BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics are able to undertake work experience as part of the third year of their studies.
Hear what our students think about their time at UWE.
Teaching and learning
We use a variety of traditional and non-traditional methods of teaching, from formal lectures, seminars, and workshops, to one-to-one tutorials. We are serious about student support, offering academic advice in the form of essay feedback tutorials, support with study skills and writing workshops.
Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.
Assessment
We recognise that you will be asked to undertake a variety of tasks in graduate employment, and aim to provide you with a portfolio of assessment experiences which reflect this. Therefore, beyond the more traditional essays, examinations and dissertations you will also be undertaking presentations, creating copy, writing websites and collecting and analysing data of various kinds, including narratives, photos and spoken language.
Important note concerning joint awards: you may only complete a dissertation in one of your chosen subjects.
Special Features
Study facilities
English Language and Linguistics is taught on the Frenchay Campus, the main University campus, where most students are based and which is home to the Student Village housing around 2,000 students.
UWE houses the largest academic library in the south west; our modern and forward-thinking library service is here to enhance the learning experience of all students at UWE. The libraries provide access to the books and journals, online and in print, essential for course materials and research. All our libraries are open into the evening for convenience with the Frenchay library open 24 hours a day.
Careers/further study
Students who successfully complete this course will have a thorough basis for careers in communications and the media, journalism and writing, publishing, teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), public relations, human resources and other related fields. Additional qualifications may be necessary in some cases.
A degree including linguistics is attractive to employers, both in public and private sectors. It is relevant to any work which involves professional concern with the use of language, precision in the evaluation and presentation of evidence, and attention to appropriateness of style. Practical applications have included pioneering methods of foreign language teaching, assisting in breaking secret codes, and leading efforts in machine translation. More recently, linguistics is making valuable contributions to computer speech synthesis and recognition. In addition, linguistics has contributed to areas involving written and oral communication, including developing methods for the government or private companies to write clearly, such as ways for doctors to communicate more effectively with their patients.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Victoria's experience and where her degree has led her.
Read about Amie's path to becoming a speech therapist.
Useful links
UWE - graduate occupations
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 320
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- A-level subjects: English
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011