The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
English Language and Linguistics
BA (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
Q100
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
If you want to understand language use in today’s globalized world, our English Language and Linguistics is the course for you.
You will look at:
- the relationship between language and identity in terms of gender, ethnicity, religion and sexuality
- how we change the language we use according to social contexts
- intercultural communication
- the use of language and non-verbal communication in areas such as journalism, advertising and public relations.
You will also:
- examine how children and adults learn language and become adept users of it
- learn about the history of the English Language and how (and why) it has changed over time
- explore how sounds are produced and how words are structured and created
- discover how language analysis can assist in solving crime
- learn about the relationship between language and thought and how language is processed in the brain.
This degree is ideal preparation for careers in:
- education
- the media
- public relations
- tourism
- hospitality
- marketing
- advertising.

Combine this course
You can study this course as part of a combined honours degree. This course can be combined with:
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
For more information about how we are supporting applicants impacted by Covid-19, please see our information for applicants page.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.
Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors.
If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.
We operate the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Application process
Full time Home / EU applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We do not expect students to purchase any compulsory course books, as they are all available in the library. If students wish to purchase additional books to supplement their reading this is at their own discretion.
Learning and assessment
This course is based around four strands of study:
- Cognitive Linguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Language Learning
- Teaching.
Focusing on Applied Linguistics, two key themes of the course are:
- Education - how we acquire language (as individuals and as a species) and the learning and teaching of language.
- Persuasive discourses - critical study of the use of language in areas such as Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations and Media Formats.
In Year 1 you'll take core introductory modules to give you a good grounding in the four key strands and research in Applied Linguistics.
In Years 2 and 3 you'll research particular areas and issues in more detail, and develop your understanding of research in language in preparation for your dissertation in Year 3.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Participation and discussion are important features of the English Language and Linguistics course. We believe people learn more effectively this way.
Most modules combine lectures and seminar-style discussion based on weekly readings. You'll have the chance to discuss and challenge a wide variety of critical views and perspectives in your seminars.
Field trips
We are always keen to explore ways in which you broaden your experience of education and development. In the past we have visited The Gambia developing long standing relationships with schools and colleges and we are actively exploring international opportunities in other parts of the world, aiming to be responsive to students' needs and interests.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment is based on coursework and takes a range of forms, including:
- written classroom tasks
- essays
- group projects
- seminar presentations
- analyses of texts.
In your final year you write a dissertation on a subject of your choice (in consultation with your supervisor). There is a wide range of dissertation topics, previous topics have included:
- discussion of Hip Hop videos
- the language of twitter feeds
- parent, child interaction
- celebrity Facebook home pages
- death row statements.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Graduates in English Language and Linguistics can choose from a wide range of career paths, particularly where an international dimension might be involved.
Due to an increasingly globalised world, our working lives become ever more cross-cultural in nature as we communicate and interact with people across cultures as well as across geographical borders.
If you have an interest in people, cultures and human diversity, relevant employment sectors might include teaching, both in the UK and internationally, tourism, marketing, the media, public relations, law, and international companies and organisations.
Jobs now being undertaken by recent course graduates include:
- TEFL teaching in South America
- working in broadcast Media (BBC and ITV)
- online publishing
- academic publishing
- digital marketing
- BBC Radio Producer
- Journalist (Times Online)
- retail manager
- event manager
- speech therapist
- primary and secondary teachers
- social media
- content producer
- advertising industry roles
- copy writing
- charity sector roles
Every year we run an alumni event where you will have the opportunity to meet recent graduates working in a variety of professions.
Further study
Students have gone on to apply for a range of master's courses such as Forensic Linguistics, Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, TESOL, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and International Relations. A recent graduate is currently studying for a PhD in Forensic Linguistics. Find out more about Postgraduate courses at Brookes.
Student profiles
Our Staff
Dr Chris Rizza
Chris has extensive experience in teaching English as a foreign language, working in Italy, Japan and Brazil, as well as in schools in the UK.
Read more about ChrisFree language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.