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English Language and Linguistics

BA (Hons)

Key facts
Overview
How to apply
Tuition fees
Learning and assessment
Study Abroad
After you graduate
Student profiles
Our Staff
Free language courses

Key facts

UCAS code

Q100

Start dates

September 2019 / September 2020

Location

Harcourt Hill

Course length

Full time: 3 years

Part time: up to 6 years

Department

School of Education

UCAS Tariff Points

112

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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.
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How to apply

Typical offers

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. This combination of A-level grades would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

If you accept a Conditional offer to this course as your Firm choice through UCAS, and the offer does not include a requirement to pass an English language test or improve your English language, we may be able to make the offer Unconditional. Please check your offer carefully where this will be confirmed for each applicant.

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

GCSE: English Language at grade C / grade 4 or above, or equivalent

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language 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 UCAS

Part time Home / EU applicants

Apply direct to the University

International applicants

Apply direct to the University

Full time applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
2019/20
Home/EU Full Time
£9,250
Home/EU Part Time
£750 per single module
International full time
£13,410

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2019/20
Home/EU Full Time
£9,250
Home/EU Part Time
£750 per single module
International full time
£13,410

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note tuition fees for Home/EU 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 and EU students at the maximum permitted level.

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.

Additional costs

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.

Students sitting around table listening to the tutor

Study modules

Year 1

Understanding Language: System and Use (compulsory in single and combined honours)*

You will be introduced to key concepts in the study of language as system and its use in contexts of communication. You will develop an understanding of language description and associated terminology and will be introduced to well-established frameworks for linguistic analysis in the areas of language as sound (phonetics and phonology), language as meaning (semantics) and language as structure (syntax).

Introduction to Discourse Analysis (compulsory in single honours, recommended in combined honours)*

Areas for analysis include: general principles of Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Critical Language Studies, Forensic Linguistics, Intercultural Pragmatics and Multimodal Communication. You will be introduced both to the key theories of these sub-disciplines, as well as their relevance and application to real-world scenarios.

Sociolinguistics (compulsory in single and combined honours)*

Sociolinguistics explores the effect of society on the way language is used. The core research areas of language and society, language and variation, language and interaction, and language and culture are addressed. This module draws from studies on diglossia, bidialectism, multidialectism, bilingualism, multibilingualism, and plurilingualism while referring to a wide spectrum of geographic and linguistic contexts.

Introduction to Applied Linguistics (compulsory in single honours, recommended in combined honours)*

This module will provide you with the basic tools, skills and concepts you need in order to study effectively the broad field of English Language and Linguistics in a university context. Each session will generally be shared between (a) critical consideration of the approach to applied linguistics presented in key readings, and (b) developing skill at the complex genre of academic writing.

Language Acquisition (compulsory in single honours, recommended in combined honours)*

An introduction to the study of how we acquire language from the early processing of language to the role of child directed speech. You will explore the major debates in the field of language acquisition and development and your understanding of the linguistic evidence will be used to advance theories of language acquisition and development.

Understanding Communication (recommended in single and combined honours)

This module focuses on communication as a form of social action, and examines how a range of factors - psychological, social, cultural, semiotic, etc - govern how we engage with one another to achieve our goals.

Understanding Media (recommended in single and combined honours)

This module introduces key concepts, theories and themes within the study of the media. You will investigate and critically reflect on different aspects of the media, and explore the impact of contemporary media technologies on individuals and society.

Understanding Culture (recommended in single honours)

You will investigate and reflect critically on different aspects of culture, and examine the impact of contemporary culture on individuals and society. You will explore cultural artefacts, activities and events, and reflect on the relationship between culture and representation, identity and power.

World Literature (recommended in single honours)

A study of modern and contemporary literature in varieties of English and in translation, from a diverse range of national and regional cultures. Two central aims of the module are 1) to explore the relationship between socio-cultural context and literary genre and form, and 2) to consider the developments, appropriations and re-formations of the English language across the world. Students will investigate semantic and other issues involved in literary translation and will develop knowledge and insight into diverse philosophies, religions, ideologies and cultural movements.

Creative Writing (Introduction) (recommended in single honours)

The module offers a framework within which students can practice writing, develop their technical understanding of writing, and learn to analyse their own purposes, habits and processes as creative writers. Classes will be in workshop format; students will explore a range of approaches, traditions and techniques in fiction writing by means of practical writing exercises, discussions of students' work, critical analysis of the work of published writers and theoretical concepts underpinning writing practice. By the end of the course students will produce a portfolio of original creative writing and a critical study examining the aims and processes of their creative work.

Introduction to Magazine Publishing (top-up module in single honours)

An introduction to UK magazine publishing business. You will examine the contemporary characteristics of the market and of a selection of specific magazines. You will also evaluate the job roles involved in the production process and address issues of editorial content and design.

Year 2

Analysing English Language (Hallidayan linguistics) (compulsory in single and combined honours)*

This module looks to a Systemic-Functional model of linguistic description to provide a theoretical and analytical framework for the analysis of spoken and written texts. You will explore the systematic relationship between context and language through the analysis of spoken and written texts across a range of contexts.

Research Methods English Language and Linguistics (compulsory in single honours, optional in combined honours)*

You will be provided with a broad training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with various research tools and approaches as well as appropriate data analysis. Consideration will be given to ethical issues and the key concepts associated with different methodological paradigms

Analysing Spoken Discourse (alternative compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours) (also available in year 3)

This module focuses on the theory and practice of analysing spoken language in communicative contexts. You will explore the nature of spoken language from sounds to interaction and show how we utilise these resources to construct meaning in context. We will draw on a Conversation Analysis model (CA) as a framework for analysing spoken interactions and develop understanding and skills in the application of techniques of description and analysis. We will take a broader perspective on the description of spoken language and look at interactions in institutional and social settings such as talk in the Media, Health Care and Law as well as a discussion of language and gender.

Language, Culture and Globalization (alternative compulsory for single and combined honours) (also available in year 3)

This module examines the ways in which language operates in local and global contexts as a means of sociocultural representation. It pursues a sociolinguistic and discourse approach to language to analyse the representation of sociocultural phenomena and to explore the globalisation of English as an international language. Topics include language and the sign, language and gender, language and politics, language and standardisation, globalisation discourses and linguistic imperialism.

Critical Linguistics: the Language of Power and Resistance (alternative compulsory for single and combined honours) (also available in year 3)

Combines contemporary models of critical social theory with the techniques of discourse analysis in the study of media texts. Attention is given to the 'legitimate' interpretation of texts, and how power and dominant social ideologies are represented, embodied in and perpetuated through the reporting of current affairs and popular culture. Focus is on those movements of resistance, such as Carnival or Hip Hop culture, and how such subversion is embodied in language. You will explore the concepts and debates surrounding critical language studies and are taught how to apply these to the analysis of everyday, real-world texts.

Language and the Mind (alternative compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours) (also available in year 3)

Explores the relationship between language and the mind. It aims to introduce students to central issues in Cognitive Linguistics and Psycholinguistics and to the methods which researchers use in carrying out research in these fields. Students will have the opportunity to draw on a number of topics including non-literal language processing, language development in infancy and early childhood, cognitive processing in reading, the neural bases of bilingualism, and cognitive processing of sign language. A number of empirical studies from a wide spectrum of geographic and linguistic contexts will be explored.

Persuasive Communication (also available in year 3)

Investigate how rhetorical strategies and techniques can be used both for understanding and solving cultural problems. Rhetorical practices in the wider and local social context can either blur or get to the bottom of these problems. You will explore genres and tools of rhetoric apt to produce social change, and will practice using these to encode persuasive messages, with an emphasis on messages that are clear, attractive, well-crafted and ethical. You will develop speaking and writing skills critical to your professional, civic and academic roles that take into account audience, message and genre.

Forensic Linguistics (also available in year 3)

You will examine the concepts and procedures of forensic linguistic analysis. Forensic linguistics refers to the analytical study of texts which have crime and criminality as a central issue. We will look at the influence and procedures of linguistic analysis on evidence and documentation in investigative criminal cases. Forensic linguistics has also been employed by government intelligence agencies around the world for the purposes of furthering national security. During the course of this module we will examine how forensic linguistics has been employed in these various contexts by considering some relevant examples of forensic linguistic investigation.

Language and Identities (also available in year 3)

Engage with the field of language and identity from an applied linguistics perspective. Exploring language and identity studies with a focus on the following dimensions of identity: social class, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and religion. These identity categories will be examined in a variety of contexts, such as face-to-face and virtual interactions, oral and written communication, including media and classrooms. The module discussions will be based on a number of theoretical articles and empirical studies from a variety of contexts. In addition, we will draw on ethical guidelines considered specifically for research on language and identity to collect and analyse interview data. In this way, the historical and theoretical discussions on issues of language and identity can be brought to life via issues that are personally relevant to the students.

English Language Teaching to Adults (also available in year 3)

This module provides an introduction to English language teaching theory and practice. If you complete this module you will have acquired essential subject knowledge and will be familiar with the principles of effective teaching. In addition you will have been introduced to a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners. Students who take this course are also eligible to apply to British Study Centres Oxford to complete the teaching practice component and acquire a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) which is recognised by Cambridge Assessment as a pre-service training qualification Please note that the cost of the teaching practice component of the CELTA qualification is in addition to the course fees.

Intercultural Communication (also available in year 3)

Ethnographic research methods and conceptualisations of the nature of inter- and intra-cultural identity and communication drawn from the philosophical foundations of Critical Theory, you will analyse your own cultural traditions and the normative frameworks associated with these. You are encouraged to engage with the ethical, imaginative and dialogic dimensions of your identity, and to develop sensitivity to seeing the world as others see it.

Independent Study (also available in year 3)

This module involves largely self-directed study individual or group project work on a topic conducted under the supervision of the English Language and Linguistics Field. It applies the skills of enquiry, research, analysis and evaluation. Prior approval by the English Language and Linguistics Field and supervisor of an agreed programme of study, and an assessment schedule is required.

Work and community-related learning (also available in year 3)

This module allows you to develop in relation to your awareness and understanding of the world of work and your future employability. You will reflect critically on learning gained from activities in work, community related and extra-curricular settings. There are opportunities for students to undertake work experience in areas such as Public Relations. Work experience can be organised by the student or in conjunction with the university. The University will help you make contact with organisations, and you will arrange your placement on this module. Your placement can be in Oxford or in the surrounding area of Oxfordshire - students are responsible for their own travel and associated costs. Costs start from £15.99 for a 7-day weekly pass for Oxford and the surrounding area.

Stylistics (also available in year 3)

This portfolio module is designed to contain a number of possible optional courses which will change from year to year as staffing, teaching interests and curriculum coherence dictate. The Level 5 Special Topic modules approach literary study through common study paradigms: period; theme; generic; and stylistic analysis. Each provides a range of options with a common disciplinary methodology to enable students to specialise in particular in areas of study. All options on this Stylistics Focus module will emerge from staff teaching and research specialisms and will offer students concentrated study on a more focused range of ideas and issues than are covered in the Alternative Compulsory core modules. When selecting this module please see the module lead to discuss which topic option you will take.

Year 3

Subject to Discourse: Language and Literacies (compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours)*

You will be encouraged to analyse texts that you engage with in your day-to-day life and to consider these in light of theories and analytical frameworks

Research Project / Dissertation (compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours)*

You will study, in depth, a chosen problem or issue, relevant to the field of English Language and Linguistics with an outcome of a dissertation of 8000-10000 words

Language Teaching: Learning and Creativity (Honours component)

This module aims to develop a principled, research-informed and practice-based understanding of: a) The language learner's needs and learning contexts; b) Language learning/teaching approaches and the beliefs and values underlying these; c) Theories of creativity inside and outside language learning contexts; d) Pedagogic approaches to language; e) Pedagogic approaches to the language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening; f) Pedagogic approaches to learner creativity in language learning; and g) Teaching materials, course books, resources and tests and their impact on learning and teaching.

Educational Sociolinguistics (Honours component)

This module focuses on the utilisation of linguistic variation in education, and includes discussion of topics such as transnationalism, transmigration, and multilingual and multicultural development as they relate to education. A number of topics that are inherently connected to the overarching focus of the module include the use of appropriate pedagogies, language-teacher training, parental/community involvement for effective education, appropriate assessment of bilinguals, and language-education planning.

Psycholinguistics (Honours component)

The module aims to introduce students to central issues in psycholinguistics and to the ways in which researchers carry out psycholinguistic work. Psycholinguistics is the study of language and the mind. Specifically, the module deals with (i) the way infants acquire their first language, (ii) the way young and adult learners acquire a foreign language and the way they use this language, (iii) the language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening and the role of memory, and (iv) conditions such as dyslexia and aphasia.

Special Topics in English Language and Linguistics (Honours Component)

This module intends to offer students an opportunity to engage in depth with issues in Applied Linguistics that are the subject of current scholarly and popular interest. Conducted predominantly through student-led discussions and seminar or workshop sessions, it enables students to develop more fully their portfolio in the Research strand of the programme. The specific contents of the module will be selected yearly to match current open questions in the disciplinary context. They will provide a platform for research-led reflection on the state on the discipline, and on related contemporary issues of political, social and cultural significance. Students will engage with the readings through response papers and Socratic dialogue, as well as mutually assessing their seminar presentations.

Work placements

Work placements

There are opportunities for students to undertake work experience in areas such as Public Relations. Work experience can be organised by the student or in conjunction with the university. Students will have to pay for any travel costs to attend work experience.

* = Required

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.

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Placement
  • Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.)

Year 1

  • Lectures and seminars - 16%
  • Placement - 0%
  • Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 84%

Year 2

  • Lectures and seminars - 17%
  • Placement - 0%
  • Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 83%

Year 3

  • Lectures and seminars - 12%
  • Placement - 0%
  • Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 88%

Learning and teaching percentages are indicative. There may be slight year-on-year variations.

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.

Please note that field trips are optional and an additional cost on top of course fees. The approximate cost for the Gambia trip in 2018 was £1200.

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.
  • Written
  • Coursework
  • Practical

Year 1

  • Written - 0%
  • Coursework - 100%
  • Practical - 0%

Year 2

  • Written - 0%
  • Coursework - 100%
  • Practical - 0%

Year 3

  • Written - 0%
  • Coursework - 100%
  • Practical - 0%

Assessment method percentages are indicative. There may be slight year-on-year variations.

Study Abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Learn more about studying 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

Dawn Yardley

"The department is very personable which makes you feel welcome. Additionally my classes were usually quite small which made the lecturers very accessible. I also found the facilities to be very good including a 24-hour computer room and a well-stocked library, with many of the books also available electronically"

Read more about Dawn

Dylan Williams

"I have had a great experience at Brookes, both as a student and as a member of staff. It has prepared me excellently for my future, and it will always be a place I hold close to my heart"

Read more about Dylan

Imogen Dunn

"The aspects of specialisation offered through the modular nature of the course at Brookes have honed my adaptability and breadth of knowledge through researching language from different angles"

Read more about Imogen

Meredith Sneddon

"One of the best parts of the course was definitely the teaching. The lecturers were fantastic; their passion for their subject comes across so clearly in all they do, and the personal support offered to me by my academic advisor made all the difference"

Read more about Meredith

Paige Clarkson

"I like how the course is a small group and you really get to know everyone, including the lecturers, on a personal level. I think this is truly special because it means people are there to help you and they genuinely care about your education and wellbeing"

Read more about Paige

Sophie Jamieson

"Brookes is truly a university where students feel valued and looked after"

Read more about Sophie

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 Chris

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 Chris

Free 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.

More about free language courses
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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.