English Language and Linguistics

Language is the universal door to the worlds we live in. It’s what we use to think, share, communicate emotion, create and wonder. What we do with language and how our societies, our texts and even our minds shape and are shaped by language use is the core of what this degree offers.

It blends our outstanding history of scholarship in the English language with the best of current research on multilingualism and provides insights into the workings of the world in ways that no other degree can. It puts the power, puzzles and incredible intricacy of language at the centre of your studies, providing insights that can inform and advance a wide choice of future careers.

Why Lancaster?

• Study with the best. Linguistics at Lancaster University is ranked 2nd in the world by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

• Spend your first year exploring everything from the structures and development of languages to the political questions explored by linguists

• Explore an extensive range of linguistics and English language topics in subsequent years

• Learn from leading scholars who combine passion for their research with a desire to share their knowledge and experiences with students

• Benefit from world-leading facilities - depending on your interests this could include our phonetics lab, eye-tracking lab, perception and learning lab, or EEG lab

• Experience the world through volunteering opportunities or a work placement, offering you the chance to gain skills and experiences that will stay with you for life

• Join one of the largest research communities for the study of English language and linguistics in the country

Explore language

The nature of language and its role in shaping our social and cultural identities, our institutions and our collective thinking begins with understanding its principles, including its properties, development, variation and use. These same principles underpin exploration of the science of language, those areas of study in which linguistics intersects with psychology, the information sciences, and forensics. When you study linguistics alongside English language, you examine how these issues relate specifically to English as well as language more generally as they – and you! - pursue the perfect mix of arts and science.

Why combine a specific focus on English with the study of linguistics more broadly? It is an opportunity to learn about the sounds and structures of English, whether you learned the language at home or as an additional language. The degree is an avenue for looking at the way language is learned and you’ll be able to explore the way English is used across a range of different contexts, including advertising, media, literature and the law as well as how technologies that produce or process language work.

Gain professional skills

English Language and Linguistics is not only a fascinating area of study, but one that provides a skill set that opens doors to a range of exciting and rewarding careers. Transferable skills include a capacity for critical thinking, an ability to gather, organise and analyse large quantities of data, and an aptitude for developing new and innovative ideas. Specialist skills in the lexical and grammatical analysis of English, computer programming for language technologies, and crafting language for creative industries are key in burgeoning industry sectors.

A supportive environment

Our friendly and experienced staff support you throughout your studies. You will be taught by a team of expert linguists and English language professionals who are world leaders in their respective fields.

All students are assigned an academic adviser who provides personal guidance throughout your studies.