Linguistics and English

This degree focuses on linguistics and English literature, if you are interested in linguistics and English language which focuses on the way in which language is used to communicate and influence people, see our BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics course.

Linguistics

If you are interested in the way in which we communicate and how it can influence people, studying linguistics will help you unravel how language is inextricably linked to who we are.

Linguistics is devoted to the scientific study of natural language and concerned with how languages evolve, are structured and what they have in common. It also studies how languages are acquired and used. Our programme enables you to develop a sound knowledge of both theoretical and applied perspectives and places emphasis on English, with examples from other languages where appropriate.

The Languages department is home to a wealth of research expertise and that expertise is transferred directly into the classroom. You could be learning from academics who are actively involved in having a real-world impact, from forensic linguistics, to accent mapping, to the language used to describe endometriosis pain. With this expertise here for you to draw on, your learning is not only relevant, but it's also cutting edge, and our strong local, national and global links will help you to enhance your study and future employment opportunities.

After your second year you can choose to progress to your final year or take an optional year out going on placement or studying abroad. Both are great options to get more experience. We’ll help you arrange everything and give you all the support you’ll need.*

English

The English department is home to internationally renowned writers and critics, and there’s a strong research culture, creating a learning environment that is both supportive and intellectually challenging. And with our extensive cultural links both in Manchester and further afield, you’ll be in the right place to begin building a creative network for your future.

Flexibility is key to our approach and as your course progresses, you’ll be able to choose course units to suit your own particular interests, such as creative writing, film and cultural theory. Or why not focus geographically and culturally on writing from the USA, Ireland, Africa, India and the Caribbean?

There is a foundation year available for this course.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

Enhance your employability through internships and volunteering - our award-winning ‘Rise at Manchester Met’ programme encourages you to learn career-ready skills beyond the focus of your course and potentially gain extra academic credits towards your degree.

We coach practical skills for work including communication skills, presentation skills, essay and report writing, summary skills, interview and questionnaire techniques, and building digital literacy skills for your future employment opportunities.

Linguistic expertise – you will be taught by leading researchers in the field, with real-world linguistic experience, including the identification of notorious criminals in forensic linguistics and research on Greater Manchester’s regional accents as part of the ‘Manchester Voices’ project.

You will have access to study spaces to practise and interact with languages students from across the programme. We also have a social space for language learners to set up informal language conversation clubs and exchanges.

Experience the world – you will have the opportunity to spend your third year studying overseas or on placement.

We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.