Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Our English Language and International Communication BA develops your understanding of the English language and the complexities of all forms of communication in order to help you thrive in a professional international context.
You'll achieve a thorough knowledge of culture through comparative, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approaches and via the analysis of the forms and practices of cultural transmission. You'll develop the linguistic resources, strategies and intercultural awareness and flexibility essential for effective communication in global professional environments.
Our combination of disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning will ensure that you graduate with an array of important transferable skills including cultural insight, the ability to evaluate and apply theory, undertake research and utilise creative and precise analytic capabilities. Engagement in small research projects and the associated ethical issues ensures that you'll have experience of considering and complying with ethical requirements.
Between Years 2 and 3, you'll have the opportunity to study for a year abroad at one of our partner institutions, giving you the valuable experience of participating in the academic and cultural life of another country.
Our focused development of your employability through career workshops, placements and internships will equip you to choose from a wide range of jobs or further training.
Top reasons to study with us
- Enhance your communication skills abroad – You'll have the option to immerse yourself in another culture by spending a full academic year abroad. You can spend one or two semesters at a partner institution in Europe, the USA, Canada, or Australia
- Interdisciplinary learning – Our course enhances your written and spoken English skills while developing your knowledge of the English language and your understanding of communication within cross-cultural settings
- Become a global citizen – Studying our degree, you'll gain a high degree of linguistic and cultural autonomy, and develop the skills and international outlook to thrive in intercultural settings
- Learn transferable skills – Our degree will prepare you for a variety of careers by helping you to build your communication, research, critical and analytical skills
Course structure
Teaching and learning take place through a combination of weekly tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You're also given exposure to professionally relevant simulations and real-work environments and guided self-study and preparation.
Learning on the degree takes place in the classroom through small problem-solving exercises (both in groups and individually), through traditional lecturer-led dissemination of information, and via peer presentations and discussions.
Assessments typically comprise a mixture of formative in-class coursework and summative projects, oral presentations and unseen written exams. You'll be asked to adapt texts, carry out analyses of language data, critical reading, write reviews, reports and essays, give individual and group presentations, and sit some exams.
The contents of the course are the same, whether you study full-time or part-time. Please note, Level 4 corresponds to Year 1 of the full-time version of the course, Level 5 corresponds to Year 2, Level 6 corresponds to Year 3. The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- International Communication Tutorial 1
- Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
- Introducing English Language
- Language and Text
- World Varieties of English
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Difference and the Visual: Representation, Meaning and Identity
- International Communication Tutorial 2
- History of the English Language
- Language in the Public Space
- Spoken Discourse Analysis
- Child Language Acquisition
- History of the English Language
- Language and Literary Style
- Spoken Discourse Analysis
- Understanding Culture: Arabic/Chinese/Francophone/Hispanic Studies in Focus
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the option to spend a year abroad at a partner institution or in employment to progress your career.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- English Language and Linguistics Dissertation
- Language and Power
- Mediation in International Contexts
- Professionalising International Communication
- Applied Language Studies
- Identities on the Move: Arabic/Chinese/Francophone/Hispanic Studies in Focus
- Language Contact and Change
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers and support you to achieve your full potential.
Boost your employability
You'll have the option to gain international experience by spending one or two semesters at one of our partner institutions in Europe, the USA, Canada, or Australia.
Academic expertise
Our lecturers will help you prepare for an internationally focused career by teaching you the skills needed for effective communication in the professional global environment.
Gain transferable skills
We'll help you to develop strong communication and organisational skills and learn how to be flexible, adaptable and capable in your working.
Job roles
Graduates from our English Language and International Communication BA will be suited to employment in a range of areas, including:
- Communications careers in business, marketing, public relations, advertising, media
- Diplomacy
- Foreign civil service
- Language teaching and education
- Web content management and copywriting
Graduate employers
English Language and International Communication BA is a new course, but graduates from our other English Language and International Communication courses have found employment in organisations including:
- BBC
- HSBC
- Spider PR
- The British Council
- The Civil Service
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Federica Mazzara
Reader in Cultural Studies
Federica Mazzara has a background in Cultural Studies and is interested in a variety of topics, including migration, representation and art. She graduated in languages and values the importance of learning a foreign language in relation to its cultural context.
She teaches various modules at the University of Westminster, including Introduction to the Studies of Language and Culture, and Complex Narratives: Representation, Meaning and Identity and Migration and Cultural Encounters.
She is course leader for the "Languages and International Communication" and "English Language and International Communication" BA courses.
If you're interested in the language and culture of different countries and how they interact on global issues, then this is the course for you."
Course Team
- Dr Federica Mazzara - Reader in Cultural Studies
- Robert Williams - Principal Lecturer
- Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language
- Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Petros Karatsareas - Reader
- Dr Anand Syea - Reader in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Sean Sutherland - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
Why study this course?
Study in a polyglot city
With over 250 languages spoken, London is one of the world's most linguistically and culturally diverse cities.
Get personal support throughout your degree
Our small group tutorials are designed to support you, your studies and your career goals.
Develop a global outlook
Learn about different cultures and strengthen your intercultural communication skills by learning alongside students from all over the world.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Hasan Alikhan
English Language and International Communication BA - 2025
It's a fun programme that excels at giving insight in to understanding the world around us, how we communicate with people, and the history of how our language is shaped and continues to evolve.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.