About this course

Discover how English has developed through history and how it varies in different societies. You'll explore the language, its structure and the linguistic science behind it. You can also choose from a wide range of modules that follow your interests and career goals in the subject. We have one of the UK’s leading Languages, Cultures & Linguistics department.

This English language and linguistics degree will give you an advanced knowledge of contemporary English, its development, systems and use around the world. You'll learn analytical, research and personal skills relevant to a range of careers.

You’ll explore topics like:

sociolinguistics
language change
language acquisition
psycholinguistics
English language teaching
world Englishes

You can also study a foreign language and take modules in related disciplines, such as sociology, psychology and English literature.

In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation specialising in an area that interests you, based on your studies in years 1 and 2. This will use the skills you developed over the rest of the course.

This course will give you the training and expertise that are of special interest to many employers. It provides the knowledge and skills to follow a wide range of careers.

You will also have access to our Digital Humanities Hub and support from our team of expert academics and technicians.

Through the hub, you can investigate how technology can enhance the study of languages, cultures and linguistics. This includes:

creating immersive virtual experiences of intercultural and multilingual environments
using specialist software to analyse speech sounds or large-scale text data
explore the differences between human and machine translation

This course is available as a 4-year variant with a year abroad in countries such as America, Canada, South Korea, Germany and more. This is a good opportunity to spend a year studying at a partner university.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

ABB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including English Language or another relevant essay writing* subject in Humanities or Social Sciences and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB at A level to include English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB at A level to include English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

ABB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including English Language or another relevant essay writing* subject in Humanities or Social Sciences and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB at A level to include English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Latin, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Law, Religious Studies.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB at A level to include English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

The course combines compulsory and optional modules. This lets you tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions, with the level of choice increasing across the three years of study.

You can combine modules from the Modern Languages & Linguistics department with modules from other disciplines. This results in many unique versions of the degree.

Year 1 overview

You’ll develop your English language analytical skills and see how history and society have changed it. You’ll learn the linguistic tools and study sound, structure and meaning.

You will take modules in:

the history of the English language
attitudes and ideologies around English
global Englishes
phonetics and phonology
morpho-syntax, semantics and pragmatics
language acquisition

You'll choose optional modules on both language and linguistics such as:

understanding culture
understanding history and society

Year 2 overview

You’ll explore how English is used, how it works and how it’s spoken in different cultures. You'll focus on language variation and change, acoustic phonetics and syntax.

Options include subjects such as:

psycholinguistics
gender and society
corpus linguistics
discourse analysis
multilingualism
language and power

From year 2, students can also choose to either take up a new language or continue a language they previously studied at GSCE or A level.

Finally, year 2 offers students the opportunity to take modules in Digital Humanities including:

data environmentalism
data, cultures and justice
queering the digital

Year 3 overview

You’ll write a dissertation on a topic that interests you.

You can also choose modules such as:

sociophonetics
advanced sociolinguistic theory
language and speech disorders
second language acquisition
language in urban centres
rethinking autism
advanced global Englishes
language testing and assessment

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Academic Skills for Modern languages and Linguistics students

This module is designed to ease the transition from A-level to the first year of a single or combined honours degree programme by setting out clearly what we expect of you at undergraduate level and equipping you with the resources to be able to operate a...

Applications of Linguistics

This unit will introduce you to the main areas relevant to applied language studies.

Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning

This module provides an introduction to linguistic approaches to sound, structure and meaning in the branches of linguistics known as phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

From English to Englishes

This module introduces you to the spread of English from its historical origins to colonial and postcolonial contexts and, further, to current global contexts. It explores sociolinguistic issues and debates centering on the development of English. It enga...

Language Acquisition

You may have asked yourself how children learn their first language or whether some animals can speak just like humans do. People often wonder whether there are any lifelong benefits of bilingualism as well. This module introduces you to the field of lang...

Language, Ideologies and Attitudes

This module explores language in its social context. The main aim of this module is to introduce you to key research approaches to the study of language attitudes and ideologies and to encourage you to reflect on how attitudes and beliefs about language e...

Structure of English

If English is your native language, or even if you learned it as an additional language, you may not be aware of the structure of its sounds, words, phrases and sentences. In this module you will learn to describe how English sentences are constructed and...

The Making of Modern English

The module looks at the development of the English language, and examines its relationship with other, potentially rival, languages that have been spoken in the British Isles. It examines the effect of successive waves of conquest on the sociolinguistic s...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Literary Transformations

Why have some stories gripped the imagination of writers, musicians, and artists across cultures and centuries? And what does the emergence and constant re-emergence of such stories tell us about ourselves and others, past and present? What do readers and...

Understanding Culture

This introductory course will give you an overview of some approaches to, and topics within, cultural and literary studies. You will spend time on close textual reading, as well as on broader cultural analysis. It aims to encourage you to experiment in c...

Understanding History and Society

This module will introduce you to studying questions of history, society and culture through the prism of Southampton in order that you can apply those approaches to the study of cities in the French, Spanish and German-speaking world.

World Dramas

In this module, you will learn how to approach dramatic texts in a way that takes into consideration their place in the world as a complex political, economic, and cultural network. We will focus on questions such as: • What is the difference between r...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

18%

Scheduled learning & teaching

82%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

debates
dissertations
essays
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written and practical exams
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

10%

Written exam

90%

Coursework

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Matthew Hunt is the course leader.

Careers

As an English Language and Linguistics graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options. Many of our graduates go on to further study.

You'll develop many skills, including:

gathering and interpreting information
data analysis and reporting
critical thinking
understanding and adapting to different cultures
communicating in a variety of formats

Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:

marketing
social research
speech and language therapy
public policy
publishing
international development
speech technology
education

There is an employability module for all first-year students in the faculty. You can also apply for a digital humanities internship, which will give you the chance to complete paid work on your own project and increase your employability.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £24,200.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: Q311
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We normally invite all candidates to an interview.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

English Language and Linguistics (BA) is a course in the English and Languages and linguistics subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

e

BA

English and Modern Languages

BA

English Language and Linguistics with Year Abroad

h

BA

History and Modern Languages

l

BA

Language, Culture and Communication

BA

Liberal Arts

m

BSc

Modern Languages and Business Management (1 language: French, German or Spanish)

BA

Modern Languages and Linguistics (1 Language: French, German or Spanish)

MLang

Modern Languages and Linguistics (1 language: French, German or Spanish)

MLang

Modern Languages and Linguistics (2 languages: French, German or Spanish)

BA

Modern Languages and Linguistics (2 languages: French, German or Spanish)

BA

Modern Languages and Philosophy (1 language: French or German)

BA

English Language and Linguistics (BA)

About this course

Learn more about these subject areas

English

Languages and linguistics

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Academic Skills for Modern languages and Linguistics students