BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics
Page last updated 22 September 2025
This course is open for applications
Introduction
Our English Language and Linguistics degree allows you to explore the complexity of language and how it relates to wider society, culture and the mind. From AI to the environment, learn about contemporary global issues from leading academics who are active in a wide range of research specialisms.
Why study English language and linguistics?
Language shapes everything we do, from how we connect socially to how we work and make decisions. Studying English Language and Linguistics gives you a deep, scientific understanding of how language is structured, learned, and used across diverse real-world contexts. You'll explore how language influences behaviour and communication, and how it constantly evolves.
English Language and Linguistics is at the forefront of major scientific developments, driving innovation in our modern world. From facilitating human-AI communication to supporting those with speech disorders through child language development, the applications are vast and vital. Whether analysing courtroom dialogue, emergency service calls, or political messaging, this broad discipline harnesses the power of language to solve real-world problems.
Why UWE Bristol?
On our future-facing English Language and Linguistics degree, you'll study contemporary global issues, with module and assessment content tailored to your interests.
Topics range from first and second language acquisition, human-machine interaction, social justice, political and media discourse, environmental messaging and sustainability, and globalisation and intercultural communication.
Learn from leading academics who are experts in their field and conduct groundbreaking research at the innovative new Humanities Research Group. Benefit from globally recognised research in topics including forensic linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, ecolinguistics and language teaching.
From day one, you'll get hands-on with language through specialist training and real-world applications. Whether you're analysing data in our industry-standard linguistics lab, conducting field research with local communities, or working on live briefs, you'll put your learning into practice.
Where can it take me?
You'll graduate with sought-after skills in analytical thinking, problem solving and communication, ready to step into a rewarding career. You could go on to work in a broad range of careers and sectors, from speech and language therapy to marketing and communications, or pursue further study.
Personalised virtual tour
There's no need to visit us in person to explore our facilities and campuses. Take a personalised virtual tour and discover it all for yourself from wherever you are.
Take a virtual tourWatch: Welcome to the School of Arts at UWE Bristol
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year one
You'll study:
- Applying Linguistics in Life
- Human Stories
- Making Meaning
- Constructing Languages.
Year two
You'll study:
- Language Acquisition
- Communicating across Contexts
- Human Futures
- Studying Speech Communities.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University after year two, on a work placement.
You'll complete the Professional Development on Placement module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final year
You'll study:
- Language in the Mind
- Humanities Research Project.
Plus, optional modules (the amount depending on credit requirement)* from:
- Language, Power and Gender
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- Language, Environment and the Law.
*The number of these modules that you take depends on whether you complete the sandwich placement year. If you do complete it, you'll study one of them. If you don't, then you'll study two.
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, English Language and Linguistics graduate.
Learning and Teaching
Throughout your English Language and Linguistics degree, you'll learn through lectures, workshops, one-to-one tutorials and smaller discussion-based seminar groups. We'll also support your study skills through writing workshops and assignment feedback meetings, as well as peer-assisted learning (PAL) sessions.
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, 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.
Find out more about our academic staff, their teaching expertise and research interests.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Get involved
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 real second language learners, or working with primary schools to develop more inclusive language policies.
Study time
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.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a variety of formats throughout your English Language and Linguistics degree, including essays, exams, presentations and portfolios. We've designed a combination of assessment types to cater to your strengths, so you'll graduate with a body of work that showcases your skills for employers.
Learn more about assessments.
Features
Placements
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.
Our English Language and Linguistics degree 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.
Fieldwork
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.
Study facilities
You'll have access to modern study facilities on Frenchay Campus, including computer labs with specialist software for linguistics, statistical analysis, recording and transcription.
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.
Start your dream career at UWE Bristol
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
An English language and linguistics degree is highly regarded by employers, and our graduates are in great demand. Tailoring what and how you study, you can shape the course towards your chosen career path.
Our graduates have successfully pursued careers across a variety of industries. These range from education and teaching, speech and language therapy, marketing and communications, AI development and human-machine communication, social research and science communication.
You could go on to work in a wide range of organisations, from civil service for the Ministry of Defence to language teaching centres in the NHS. 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, human resources, and journalism.
You could also pursue further postgraduate study in a related subject, such as UWE Bristol's MSc Science Communication.
Get inspired
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.
Fees
Full-time, sandwich course
Part time course
Supplementary fee 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
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.
Entry
Typical offers
You will need to meet the following Level 2 requirements:
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English, or equivalent.
In addition to the above Level 2 qualifications, you'll need to achieve the published tariff points from your Level 3 studies prior to entry. Below is an indicative list of the main qualification types. However, we will consider any Level 3 qualifications towards meeting our entry requirements.
- Tariff points: 112
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- English Language Requirement:
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.
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
International applicants
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.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.ukInternational/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644