English Language (R54)

Explore the fascinating world of communication through the study of English, focusing on its history, diversity and flexibility. You’ll learn how language functions, from conversations and written texts to the smallest units of sound, and discover how it reflects and shapes our lives. You’ll also consider how people adapt communication in multilingual and multicultural settings, and explore its impact in creative contexts such as childhood, literature and play. While this degree is not designed to teach English to speakers of other languages, it provides a strong foundation in language and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.

Key features of the course

• Explores the history of English, its contemporary diversity, its role as a global language and its use in various parts of the world

• Engages in debates surrounding the historical and contemporary position of English in relation to other languages

• Teaches strategies that promote critical evaluation of texts in relation to the social, artistic and cultural contexts they’re produced in

• Develops you as a competent communicator who can synthesise information, assemble logical arguments and write coherently

• Reveals how the English language works, and how the choice of words and grammar affects the message

Course Modules

This English language degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study Introducing English language studies (60 credits) and choose two further 30 credit modules from a selection of English language and modern language modules.

In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit module that examines the history of the English language and its position in today's world. You’ll also choose one further 60 credit module from a choice of English literature, creative writing or modern languages.

In the final stage, Stage 3, you’ll study two 60 credit modules that will expand your knowledge of English in a variety of contexts and genres, from everyday humour to poetry, from children’s literature to graffiti.