Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
On this course, you'll study one of the key aspects of being human – our ability to use language.
You'll examine how languages differ and what elements they share, as well as developing your knowledge of the historical and cultural aspects of the English language in particular.
The course provides a rare opportunity to combine in-depth formal linguistic study with a consideration of the ways in which the English language is used and how it reflects its social context. As a result, the course nurtures research and analytical skills at the same time as enhancing your own abilities with the English language.
You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of how the English language works in terms of its structure, how it has changed over time and how it's employed in different spoken and written contexts. Your knowledge of English will be informed and contextualised by your wider study of language as a human faculty. You'll examine what languages have in common and how they vary in terms of their grammatical structures and their sound systems.
The course appeals to students interested in the nature of the English language and its variants, as well as students interested in language in general and the fundamental role it plays in our understanding of the world around us. It includes practical and theoretical modules that are invaluable for students interested in teaching English, speech therapy, editing, journalism, or advertising, but also helps to prepare you for any career that requires an advanced and sophisticated use of language.
The degree is particularly strong in improving the kind of transferable communicative and cognitive skills that employers need, and will prepare you for life-long personal and professional development.
Top reasons to study this course
- Academic expertise – with experience in topics ranging from multilingualism and language contact (including creoles), to sociolinguistics, language and gender, historical linguistics, and semantics
- A holistic approach – study the underlying structure of language and how it's used, all in one course
- Study in a true polyglot city – with over 250 languages spoken, London is one of the world's most linguistically diverse cities
- An international experience – you'll have the option to spend one or two semesters at a partner institution in Europe, the USA, Canada, or Australia
- Get experience before graduating – you’ll have the option to do a work placement as part of this course
- Personal support throughout your degree – our small group tutorials are designed to support you, your studies and your career goals
Course structure
You'll mostly be taught through seminars of 15-25 students with some larger lectures, but you'll also benefit from weekly small-group tutorials of 5-7 students. The tutorials are designed to support your individual learning needs in the first two years of the course, enhancing your study and employability skills within a supportive framework.
Much of your learning is independent and conducted (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via our online learning system, Blackboard. The tutorials provide essential support for this kind of university-level study.
Assessment methods range from small analytic exercises of language data, small research projects, and presentations, through to the preparation and writing of a Dissertation in the final year. Essays and analytic written reports also feature as part of the assessed coursework.
You can study option modules each year from a range of modules in the school and across the University, including Polylang - our language programme - which allows you to study another language. In Year 3 you complete a dissertation in a topic chosen by you, with one-to-one support from your supervisor.
The following subjects are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- English Language and Linguistics Tutorial
- Introducing English Language
- Language and Text
- Exploring Language
- World Varieties of English
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- English Language and Linguistics Tutorial
- Discourse across Time
- Language Structure and Meaning
- Language and Literary Style
- Child Language Acquisition
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 you’ll have the option to undertake either a study or work placement at a partner institution abroad. The optional year abroad helps you develop cultural and intercultural awareness of the country you visit and gives you an opportunity to gain experience in a different setting.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- English Language and Linguistics Dissertation
- Studies in Literary Language
- Language Contact and Change
- Language and Power
- Language Form
- Applied Language Studies
- Special Topic: Genres in Writing
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)
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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.
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Careers
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Our graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers, possessing highly sought-after communication and research skills. This is not a narrowly focused vocational degree, but one that prepares students for any career that values advanced communication skills, research skills and employees that can demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
Successful alumni
Our graduates have progressed to positions in companies and organisations including the BBC, MI5 and the NHS.
Develop transferable skills
This course prepares you for any career that values advanced communication skills, research skills, initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
Employers around the world
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.
Career development
This degree prepares students for any career that values advanced communication skills, research skills and employees that can demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
Graduates of this degree will have an array of important transferable skills involving language use, critical evaluation and application of theory, accurate and precise analytics skills, and strong skills of organisation and planning. They'll have in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of the role that language plays in society and in multi-cultural and multilingual contexts. They'll have a sophisticated awareness of English as a global language, and of how language and discourse reflect and create ideological structures in society.
Work experience
You’ll have the option to complete a work placement as part of this course. Our students gain valuable skills and knowledge through this experience.
Job roles
This course prepares you for roles and areas such as:
- Speech therapy
- Language teaching
- Project management
- Web content management
- Digital copywriter
Other graduates progress to further study and academic research.
Graduate employers
Our graduates have gone on to organisations, including:
- BBC
- Civil Service
- MI5
- NHS
- PR company Spreckley PR
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 Heather Pagan
Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
Heather is Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics. She obtained her BA (Hons) and MA at the University of Waterloo, Canada and her PhD at the University of Toronto, Canada in French Studies. She has taught at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, Canada. She also worked at Aberystwyth University before joining the University of Westminster. She teaches modules in English and in French, primarily in historical linguistics and applied linguistics. Her most recent publications centre on the role of multilingualism in medieval England and France.
Language is at the heart of what it is to be human. Linguistics connects with everything.
Course Team
- Dr Charles Denroche - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Petros Karatsareas - Reader
- Dr Heather Pagan - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Sean Sutherland - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language
- Dr Anand Syea - Reader in English Language and Linguistics
Why study this course?
Small group tutorials
The small group tutorials offer you a space to enhance your study and employability skills in a supportive environment.
Study in a polyglot city
You'll not only be studying in the birthplace of the English language, but also in one of the world's most linguistically diverse cities.
Get ahead before graduating
You'll have the option to gain valuable experience through doing a work placement.
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
Kseniya Pasiukevich
English Language and Linguistics BA - 2022
Studying at Westminster offered me so many more career opportunities in London than I would’ve got studying elsewhere. I loved the topics my course covered, as well as the flexibility to choose my modules throughout the years, which really allowed me to shape my degree to what I hoped to progress into in the future.
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: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
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
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
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
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on 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
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