English Language

Overview

This unique degree programme is designed especially for students who do not have English as a first language. Speakers of English as a first language are not eligible for this programme.

The programme aims to assist students in their progression towards proficiency in English, and to help them develop transferable skills which will enable graduates to work more comfortably in the English language, to gain confidence in seeking employment in an English-speaking environment, and to better understand the role that language plays in the social world around them.

The programme also offers an opportunity to those who intend to train as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professionals and teach English in the UK or internationally to develop these skills through the optional Theory and Practice in English Language Teaching Module.

As well as allowing students to become highly proficient multilingual communicators, the programme equips students with critical and analytical tools to understand how language shapes society, and how society shapes language. Students explore this through our wide range of core and optional modules that address the social, political, linguistic, cultural and educational aspects of (English) language.

Course Highlights

• This programme is designed for domestic, EU and international students who do not have English as a first language, who are looking to become proficient in English and to expand their knowledge of language and society, intercultural identities, English teaching, and analysing discourse.

• This programme will provide you with English language skills as well as critical and analytical skills that will open up a range of career opportunities with organisations around the world.

• This course offers entry at Y1, Y3 and Y4 year level, building on your previous studies with a range of core and optional modules on English Language Skills, Cultural Studies, English Language Teaching, Sociolinguistics, Intercultural Communication, Dissertation Research, and many more.

• With an emphasis on small group teaching, you will study all aspects of the English language.

• You will refine and expand your knowledge and understanding of the language and its cultures, with a focus on authentic language development.

Careers

English is the most widely used language across the world and fluency immediately makes you more employable, providing you with a strong base for working in a range of national and international organisations. This programme allows students to gain broad and deep knowledge of societal issues related to language as well as hands-on practical skills for the workplace. Upon completion, our students are highly competent multilinguals with a strong grasp on intercultural and international communication. This degree demonstrates to employers that our graduates possess key language and transferable skills as well as critical understanding of the role of language in society, which prepares students well for the global, multilingual and multicultural employment market. After graduating, our students have continued their studies at postgraduate level in TESOL, Education, Social Sciences, Business and other related areas.

Year 1
English Language Skills 7.1&7.2
Academic Study in English 1&2
Structure of English
Aspire

Year 2
English Language Skills 8.1& 8.2
Genres of English
History of English
Intercultural Communication & Citizenship
Aspire

Year 3
English Language Skills 9.1& 9.2
Sociolinguistics
Multilingualism in Society
Cultural Studies for Learners of English 1&2
English for Academic Purposes

Year 4
English Language Skills 10.1& 10.2
Analysing Discourse
Theory and Practice of English Language Teaching
Language Dissertation
English for Academic Purposes

The broad and specialised (socio)linguistic knowledge acquired throughout the programme modules provides a holistic perspective on (English) language, allowing students to become more attentive users of English and to critically reflect on their own multilingual practices as well as those of the wider world around them. This enhanced sensibility further supports students in the development of their language skills as well as fostering a nuanced understanding of, and appreciation for, their own linguistic repertoires. Assessments are designed in ways that allow students to creatively draw on their own experiences to demonstrate their learning.
All UWS Languages modules are informed by the communicative methodology which focuses on the development of practical language skills. Core language classes focus on receptive and productive skills, together with the development of an understanding of the formal structures of the language studied. They are exposed to authentic materials in the target language in written and spoken form, including contact with speakers whose first language is English, both directly and through the full range of electronic media. As students progress, they are expected to be increasingly able to identify their own language learning needs and to work on these independently. All four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are assessed both formatively and summatively in the core language modules. Across all levels, students engage with current socio-cultural, political and historical topics relating to the target cultures, thus enhancing their sense of being global citizens.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS