English Language BA (Hons)
UCAS code: Q140
The English language constantly evolves with words like gaslighting, permacrisis and single-use all recently shortlisted for word of the year. Explore its different forms, history and effective communication. Become a specialist in the structure and sounds of this enigmatic language.
Overview
| Course length: | 3 years full-time 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | September 2023 September 2024 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Example offers: | BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | English |
| Faculty: | Arts and Sciences |
| Department: | English and Creative Arts |
Does exploring sociolinguistics or child language development sound right up your street? Are you curious about the diversity of English language on a global scale?
Our English Language degree delves into all aspects of spoken and written English. You’ll take a closer look at its forms and uses. We’ll present insights into how it adapts and evolves in how and what it is used for.
You’ll shape your learning with optional modules in Years 2 and 3, ranging from psycholinguistics to the language of Shakespeare. In your final year you’ll have the option to complete a dissertation on an area of language that interests you.
During this course, you’ll master skills in listening, transcribing and language analysis. We’ll guide you in research projects to boost your confidence in analytics, observation and critical thinking.
Course features
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International students can apply
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Learn a language option available
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Sandwich year option available
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Studying abroad option available
What you'll study
Your first year will set the foundation of your learning. We’ll cover the key areas of English language like its structure, sounds and social contexts. Our core modules introduce you to the analysis and descriptive skills you’ll use throughout your time at Edge Hill. You’ll explore how English is used to make meaning and develop an awareness of the links between language and society.
In Year 2 you’ll select six optional modules, with at least two of these being from the History and Development of English, Analysing Discourse, Child Language Development or English Language: Forms and Contexts. You could investigate a specific area of the English language such as grammar, phonetics and phonology, or tackle an independent project with an external agency. This year encourages reflection and self-evaluation.
You’ll continue to select your modules during the final year of your English language degree. You could examine other languages’ influences on English and the implications of living in a multilingual environment, or opt for a forensic linguistics module and discover more about legal language and communication. You can also apply theories in practical contexts by completing a dissertation and other written projects.
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply. In addition to the optional module choices listed, it may also be possible to apply to study an alternative 20-credit module in Year 2 and/or Year 3, chosen from outside the course curriculum. Some restrictions on this elective module choice may apply.
How you'll study
Teaching and learning activities vary depending on the module, so sometimes you will encounter lectures and seminar-based learning, and other times you will have workshops or student-led presentations, independent research projects and group activities. Our virtual learning environment will also give you access to extensive online resources which will support your learning throughout your three years. Whatever areas of English language you study, you will benefit from support and guidance throughout your time with us.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment involves a mixture of coursework and formal tests or examinations. Most emphasis is placed on work produced in your own time or formally presented in class. Typically, assessment will take the form of essays, linguistic analyses and reports, class tests, individual/group presentations and group work. You will also have the opportunity to work independently on projects supporting your future career development.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic tutors who are experts in their field. They teach English Language at undergraduate and postgraduate level and also publish books, contribute to academic journals and speak at international conferences. They are committed to providing students with an excellent learning experience and update modules regularly to ensure that they are current and relevant. You will be carefully guided, no matter what area of English you decide to study.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A Level | BBC-BBB. |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) | Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM). |
| T Level | Overall grade of Merit. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply. |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations. |
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
How to apply
Apply full-time
Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.
Apply part-time
Complete our online application form if you want to study this course on a part-time basis.
International
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Discover our accommodation
Facilities
The Department of English and Creative Arts is based in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary facilities.
The £17 million Creative Edge building features a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. It has everything you need to become a capable, versatile, creative writer and thinker. Creative Edge’s social learning spaces are ideal for passionate discussion with like-minded creatives.
You’ll develop the practical skills, analytical tools and confidence for wherever your creative flair and insight takes you.
Where you'll study
Creative Edge
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£9,250
a year
UK Part-Time
£77 per credit
for 360 credits
International
£15,500
a year
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Our English language degree teaches skills that are transferable across a diverse range of career paths. There is no typical set of roles graduates could apply for, instead this course offers a knowledge base that would be useful in:
- teaching (further training required)
- publishing
- marketing and social media
- hospitality
- business management and consultancy
- language or speech therapy (further training required)
- law
- journalism
- public and voluntary sectors
We’ve seen some of our graduates taking their studies further and going on to complete a Masters or PhD, while others have gone on to apply for roles such as:
- Senior production editor
- Communications assistant
- Whole school literacy coordinator
- Talent coordinator
Our graduates are trained to be excellent communicators and critical thinkers. This course is a great foundation for a diverse range of careers and industries.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
