English Language (BA)
- Subject area: English language and literature
- UCAS code: Q313
- Next intake: September 2024
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Spend a semester abroad
Adventure into a new culture; open your mind to new ideas and experiences in life and learning.
Tailored to you
With primarily optional modules you have freedom to choose a personalised degree.
Industry experience
Gain skills, confidence and connections through a variety of literary and cultural internships.
Learn from the best
Benefit from research-led content; learn from world-renowned language scholars.
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.
Subject area: English language and literature
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
ABB-BBB
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
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 a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 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.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Humanities and Social Science subjects.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,000 | None |
| Year two | £9,000 | None |
| Year three | £9,000 | None |
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2024/25 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £22,700 | None |
| Year two | £22,700 | None |
| Year three | £22,700 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
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.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
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 2024/2025 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.
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 |
| Creative Reading | SE2144 | 20 credits |
| Creative Writing | SE2145 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Language and Gender | SE1403 | 20 credits |
| Style and Genre | SE1416 | 20 credits |
| First and Second Language Acquisition | SE1422 | 20 credits |
| International Study Abroad (60 credits) Spring | SE6252 | 60 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
| Forensic Linguistics | SE1324 | 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 |
| Experimental Approaches to Psycholinguistics | SE1418 | 20 credits |
| Language and Popular Culture | SE1419 | 20 credits |
| Phraseology in Theory and Application | SE1421 | 20 credits |
| World Englishes | SE1423 | 20 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.
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.
How will I be assessed?
A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.
Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment purposes but also as a means of developing your capacities to gather, organise, evaluate and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Dedicated essay workshops and individual advice enable you to produce your best work, while written feedback on essays feeds forward into future work, enabling you to develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.
The optional final-year dissertation provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and to acquire detailed knowledge about a particular field of study, to use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material and present a clear, cogent argument and draw appropriate conclusions.
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.
- 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
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
