BA (Hons) English Language and Applied Linguistics

How do humans learn a language? We’re all experts in our native tongue, so why can it be so hard to become fluent in a language we learn later in life? By understanding how we learn the language, we can understand how to teach it.

Through this BA English Language and Applied Linguistics, you’ll do both: English language teaching is an integral part of your course, while you’ll also have the opportunity to learn one of five languages – French, Spanish, German, Japanese or Mandarin. All are for beginners or GCSE level (apart from Mandarin), with the exception of Spanish, which can be taken by those who already have A-level Spanish.

This combined program of English language teaching and language learning will give you an excellent grounding if you plan to teach English as a foreign language following postgraduate teacher training. Alternatively, you could be teaching children in primary or secondary schools whose second language is English.

You’ll take two English Language Teaching (ELT) modules each year. In your final year, you’ll study Global Englishes and a compulsory project looking at a particular aspect of English Language teaching. This could involve fieldwork or observing teaching and learning methods in a college setting.

Study abroad

Taking a year’s study abroad is an excellent opportunity to broaden your understanding of the world. Living in another country opens up fresh perspectives and helps create global citizens. For our English Language and Applied Linguistics students, it will enable you to develop your skills in your chosen language and immerse yourself in the culture and everyday life of that country. Recent students have studied in Japan and Korea.

Work placement

Work placements enable you to gain valuable experience, explore career possibilities, and make useful contacts with a potential future employer. We offer a career development module in your second year that will equip you to take up an English Language teaching work placement - perhaps teaching phonics to primary school pupils or teaching at a special needs school - or become a Stroke Association volunteer. You may also shadow speech and language therapists or help with specialist language teaching in sixth form college.