Iaith Saesneg (BA)
- UCAS code: Q313
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Why study this course
Our English Language degree focuses on the intriguing intersection of language with culture, society, politics and mind and offers a rigorous grounding in all the key aspects of language analysis.
You will learn the essential linguistic tools of phonetics, grammar and discourse analysis from those who are helping develop those fields. Our approach is broad and inclusive of such aspects as the analysis of multimodal texts combining word image and sound that predominates in so much of contemporary media.
Our degree is organised to match a wide range of relevant career options. Core modules provide you with a solid base. You will then be guided to build a programme to suit your interests and developing specialisation, choosing the best optional modules to fit your plans.
Our community is welcoming, international in outlook and home to the globally respected Centre for Language and Communication Research. We pride ourselves on nurturing a friendly, personalised and supportive environment, with regular one-to-one meetings.
Distinctive features
The distinctive features of the course include:
- Flexibility to choose modules that suit your interests and requirements, including modules that are directly relevant to careers in (digital) journalism, language teaching, speech therapy, and the legal system.
- Teaching by leading researchers in the subject.
- Individual meetings with academic staff, supportive academic progress meetings with your personal tutor, and an opportunity to attend research seminars and careers activities.
- Opportunities to study abroad in Europe and beyond, including Canada and the United States.
Where you'll study
Yr Ysgol Saesneg, Cyfathrebu ac Athroniaeth
Wedi ein pweru gan ymchwil arloesol, rydym yn dathlu chwilfrydedd, yn ymgysylltu mewn trafodaethau gwybodus a dadansoddi beirniadol ac yn eich annog i feddwl yn greadigol - ar draws a thu hwnt i'n disgyblaethau.
Entry requirements
BBB - BBC. You will not need to achieve these from any specific subjects but please note General Studies and Critical Thinking will not be accepted.
Extended Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
DDM - DMM To include Humanities and Social Science subjects.
Award of the IB Diploma with 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
Find out about our Schools' admissions criteria, offer guarantee scheme, changes to programmes and translating your documents.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 51 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
GCSE English Language Grade C or 4 or an accepted English Language equivalent
Nid yw'n ofynnol i chi gwblhau gwiriad DBS (Gwasanaeth Gwahardd Datgelu) na darparu Tystysgrif Ymddygiad Da i astudio'r cwrs hwn. Os ydych chi'n destun unrhyw amod trwydded neu gyfyngiad monitro ar hyn o bryd a allai effeithio ar eich gallu i gwblhau'ch astudiaethau yn llwyddiannus, bydd gofyn i chi ddatgelu'ch cofnod troseddol. Mae'r amodau'n cynnwys, ond heb fod yn gyfyngedig i:
- mynediad at gyfrifiaduron neu ddyfeisiau sy'n gallu storio delweddau
- defnyddio offer / dyfeisiau rhyngrwyd a chyfathrebu
- cyrffyw
- rhyddid i symud
- cyswllt â phobl sy'n gysylltiedig â Phrifysgol Caerdydd.
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year. Fees for the previous year were £9,000.
Students from outside the EU (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
You will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Course structure
This full-time course lasts for three years with two semesters per year. There are 120 credits a year. Most modules are worth 20 credits.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
You study 120 credits each year.
Two core modules provide an excellent grounding in language description, analysis and interpretation. You will also take four modules that focus on different aspects of English language and/or communication to complete your credit requirement.
If you wish, you can opt to study two modules in English literature as part of your first year, subject to A-levels attained (English Literature or Language and Literature).
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| How Language Works 1 | SE1113 | 20 credits |
| How Language Works 2 | SE1114 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Language and the Mind | SE1111 | 20 credits |
| Reading and Writing in the Digital Age | SE1112 | 20 credits |
| Developing English: History and Society | SE1115 | 20 credits |
| Understanding Communication | SE1116 | 20 credits |
| Drama: Stage and Page | SE2139 | 20 credits |
| Star-cross'd Lovers: the Politics of Desire | SE2140 | 20 credits |
| Transforming Visions: Text and Image | SE2142 | 20 credits |
| Critical Reading and Critical Writing | SE2146 | 20 credits |
| Transgressive Bodies in Medieval Literature | SE2147 | 20 credits |
| Ways of Reading | SE2148 | 20 credits |
Year two
Two core modules cover all the essential elements of phonetics, grammar and lexical semantics (word meaning), and all the major theories of discourse analysis, building a common stock of knowledge and understanding.
Our optional modules in Year Two provide solid foundational knowledge in a range of key areas of study in English language. Topics currently include sociolinguistics, history of English, child language development, language and gender, research methods, digital literacy, and stylistics.
The training provided by these modules prepares you to make your choice from among the more specialised, research-led ‘extension’ modules available in your final year.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Discourse | SE1362 | 20 credits |
| Sound, Structure and Meaning | SE1411 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Children, Language and Communication | SE1312 | 20 credits |
| Research Methods | SE1318 | 20 credits |
| Sounds of Speech | SE1336 | 20 credits |
| Sociolinguistics | SE1369 | 20 credits |
| Words and Meaning | SE1370 | 20 credits |
| History of English | SE1398 | 20 credits |
| Digital Literacy and Language | SE1405 | 20 credits |
| Style and Genre | SE1416 | 20 credits |
| ENCAP Employability Module | SE6255 | 20 credits |
Year three
Third year modules are offered in the subject areas in which staff are currently working, giving you unique insight into some of the most up-to-date and innovative work in English language research. These modules often require you to gather and analyse your own data.
Currently the modules address areas such as communication disorders, forensic linguistics, language learning and teaching, language and ideology, corpus linguistics, media discourse, professional and intercultural communication, and communicating in relationships.
If you wish, you can opt to undertake a project (20 credits) or extended dissertation (40 credits) in your chosen area of research, subject to performance in Year Two.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Linguistics | SE1324 | 20 credits |
| Language Learning and Teaching | SE1329 | 20 credits |
| Functions of Grammar | SE1340 | 20 credits |
| Communicating in Relationships | SE1344 | 20 credits |
| Communication Disorders | SE1347 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation in Language and Communication 1 | SE1383 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation in Language and Communication 2 | SE1384 | 20 credits |
| Extended Dissertation | SE1385 | 40 credits |
| Patterns of Language | SE1396 | 20 credits |
| Media Discourse | SE1408 | 20 credits |
| The Graphic Memoir | SE1409 | 20 credits |
| Professional and Intercultural Communication | SE1417 | 20 credits |
| Language and Popular Culture | SE1419 | 20 credits |
| Phraseology in Theory and Application | SE1421 | 20 credits |
| International Study Abroad (60 credits) Autumn | SE6251 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
We offer a supportive learning environment, where you are enabled to acquire a range of skills and a wealth of specialist knowledge. Our courses foster intellectual skills such as critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory and the effective deployment of language in writing and in debate. We also help you gain experience in team working, independent research and time management
You will be taught both by lecture and seminar. Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lectures.
Seminars usually consist of about 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations.
Year 1
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
19%
Guided independent study
81%
Placements
0%
Year 2
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
19%
Guided independent study
81%
Placements
0%
Year 3
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
18%
Guided independent study
82%
Placements
0%
How will I be supported?
Your scheduled contact hours will be supplemented by the opportunity for individual meetings with academic staff, by supportive academic progress meetings with your personal tutor and by the opportunity to attend research seminars and careers activities.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback lectures, generic written feedback and feedback on tutorial performance
Coursework will be marked by your module tutor and your tutor will give you written feedback on your work. You will also have a feedback class after each assessment. Students will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following the May/June examination period and you will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor as part of the monitored student self-assessment scheme.
Year 1
Written exams
58%
Practical exams
0%
Coursework
42%
Year 2
Written exams
50%
Practical exams
3%
Coursework
47%
Year 3
Written exams
42%
Practical exams
3%
Coursework
55%
What skills will I practise and develop?
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. These will allow you to:
- grasp complex issues with confidence
- ask the right questions of complex texts
- have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
- identify and apply relevant data
- propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
- work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development
Careers
Career prospects
Our degree in English Language combines the best of humanities skills (flexibility, communication, critique) and social science skills (technical analysis and systematic method). Common destinations include primary and secondary school teaching, teaching English as a foreign language, (digital) journalism, marketing and public relations, sales and advertising, the civil service and public administration.
95% of the School’s 2016/17 graduates reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey).
- English teacher
- Research assistant
- Media professional
- Editor
- Speech & language therapy assistant
- Business and public service professional
- Information technology and telecommunications profession
During your degree you can take full advantage of the wide-range of opportunities provided by the Careers Service.
Graduate careers
- Speech & Language Therapy Assistant
- Writer
- Teacher
- Lecturer
- Research Assistant
- Reporter
