BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Content

Year one

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. 

Year two

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. 

Placement year (if applicable)

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.

Final year

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.

Learning and Teaching

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.

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 women at Bristol's Somali Centre, 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, 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.