English Language and Linguistics

This course bridges between humanities and science, training you in the study of language and linguistics. You’ll have the chance to learn how English has changed over the centuries and the impact it has on society today. You'll also delve into the science behind language acquisition and processing.

Change how you see the world through the study of language and linguistics - expanding your knowledge of how languages work, how they are stored in speakers' minds and how we make use of them.

We’ll give you a solid foundation in the experimental, social and analytical elements of language and linguistics in your first year, which will help you to tailor your course to suit your unique interests.

You’ll acquire scientific skills to analyse language and linguistic data. While exploring subjects like language acquisition and phonetics, you’ll have the chance to use specialist digital software to analyse speech, map regional language variation and work with numerical data. You’ll also have the opportunity to study the social and human side of language and linguistics, investigating accent and dialect in relation to class, gender, age and ethnicity.

Language is used in every facet of human life, which allows language and linguistics to contribute to many fields of study and leads to a variety of career options. Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of fields, for example as speech and language therapists, conversational AI analysts and journalists.

Why study this course?

Study at the interface of art and science: Analyse language in all its forms - how it shapes our lives, connects people and drives creativity. Our course draws on insights from science and arts, and gives you a fresh, hands-on approach to understanding how language works in the real world.

Your degree, your way: Our degree is flexible. This means you’ll build a solid foundation in language and linguistics and then discover and focus on the areas you love most. You'll be guided by an international group of subject specialists and your own academic tutor, who will provide personalised support based on your interests and career goals.

Learn from the experts: Our teaching staff are experts in a wide range of areas: 90 per cent of our research is rated world-leading by the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021). This research is woven into our teaching, so your learning sits at the cutting edge of the subject. We're home to numerous research centres, including the Centre for Linguistic Research.

Invest in your future: You'll develop skills that set you apart in the graduate market, including capabilities in analysis, communication and adaptability. We can support your career development and help you find work placement opportunities.