English Language with a Foundation Year (BA)
- Subject area: English language and literature
- UCAS code: 2H11
- Next intake: September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Explore how humanities help us understand culture, identity, creativity and the big questions shaping our world while furthering your passion for language and linguistics.
Global Top 100
We're ranked =62nd in the world for English language and literature in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Your linguistic world
A focus on the relationship between language and linguistics, and its application to the social world.
Branching out
A wide variety of modules allowing you to explore your interests and discover new ones.
Adventure and exploration
Opportunities to study abroad in Europe and beyond, fostering independence and resilience.
Future-focused
Develop in-demand employability skills, enhancing your career prospects in a wide range of fields.
Our English Language with a Foundation Year programme provides a supportive and intellectually engaging route into undergraduate study. The programme offers a structured and supportive transition into university-level learning, providing additional academic preparation before undergraduate study,
You’ll explore some of the big questions at the heart of the humanities: who we are, how cultures and identities are formed, and how stories shape human experience. You’ll also consider how the humanities help us understand and respond to contemporary ethical, environmental and technological change.
You’ll be introduced to a range of perspectives from history, literature, philosophy, media, cultural analysis, language and related disciplines. You’ll learn about the latest humanities approaches to digital culture, AI and global change – all while developing key academic skills to help you develop in your target degree subject.
As an English Language and Linguistics student, you’ll explore how language helps you express who you are and who you want to be. You’ll encounter such questions as: Why do babies learn language easily while adults struggle? How and why does language change? How is language in the media used to manipulate us? Are pictures sometimes better than words? Can we talk with animals? You’ll gain a deep understanding of how linguistic communication works based on usage from English and comparative examples from a wide range of other languages.
You’ll study core theories and cutting-edge practices in linguistics. You’ll also acquire the skills to apply those theories and practices to real world issues. From creative projects and podcasting to real-world debates and collaborate projects, you’ll see how humanities ideas come to life beyond the classroom.
Your foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
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
CCD-CDD
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 that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or 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 consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
27-26 overall or 554-544 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.
GCSE and 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, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
MMM-MMP 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 2026 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 1 | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/ preliminary year | £5,760 | None |
| Year one | £9,790 | None |
| Year two | £9,790 | None |
| Year three | £9,790 | None |
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Learn more about our tuition fees
Fees for overseas status
This course does not currently accept students from outside the UK/EU.
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
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
You’ll study for a minimum of 4 years, including your integrated foundation year.
In each year of the programme, you’ll study 120 credits from a blend of core and optional modules.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2026/2027 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2026.
Foundation/ preliminary year
The foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
You’ll study 6 core modules of 20 credits each, carefully designed to prepare you for your undergraduate English Language and Linguistics degree.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Project | CH0008 | 20 credits |
| Skills for Knowledge, Independence, Lifelong Learning | CH0009 | 10 credits |
| Global Humanities: Culture, Identity and Place | CH0010 | 20 credits |
| Reading the World: Texts, Images and Interpretation | CH0011 | 20 credits |
| Humane Futures: Ethics, Technology and the Human World | CH0012 | 20 credits |
| Making Meaning: Creativity and Communication | CH0013 | 20 credits |
Year one
On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress into our English Language and Linguistics (BA) programme.
In year 1, the core modules will cover all the essential tools of linguistic analysis, introduce you to the key skills needed for your studies, and equip you with the necessary academic writing skills you will use throughout your degree and beyond.
Year two
In year 2, the core modules build on topics already introduced during the first year. You’ll choose optional modules from a selection covering a variety of topics, enabling you to explore your particular interests.
Year three
In year 3 you’ll continue to explore topics that best suit your passions and interests through a range of optional modules, which make up the majority of your credits. You’ll also study a core module which will equip you with relevant employability skills and the opportunity to analyse data in a real-world context.
You may also choose to study a dissertation. This involves designing, conducting and writing up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
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
Throughout the degree, our aim is to support you to become an independent, creative, and critical thinker.
First year teaching provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions to help you develop key skills and gain confidence. The learning activities will vary from module to module, but may include lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, and small-group work. You will also have access to relevant learning and teaching materials through our electronic learning environment.
Through the second and final year of study, you will increasingly learn through guided independent reading and interactive lectures and seminars, discussing new research with internationally recognised academics who are currently working in that area.
In this supportive environment, you will develop your abilities to analyse texts, construct arguments, collaboratively work through problems, and present your ideas clearly to others.
You are expected to do the reading and other relevant preparation to enable you to take part fully in these activities and are encouraged to explore the resources of the library.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection.
A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios, and seminar tasks.
Feedback:
You will regularly receive feedback on your progress. Oral feedback in lectures and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the module material and your critical responses to it. You will receive formative comments on assignment ideas, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. You’ll also be able to regularly discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of core areas of English language and linguistics, including phonetics, grammar, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of how language works in the social world.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the interplay of an analysis of linguistic data with critical and theoretical sources.
Intellectual Skills:
- Apply descriptive terminology relevant to English language and linguistic phenomena.
- Analyse various types of linguistic data.
- Construct and explain complex and specialised arguments that support claims in response to the conventions of the genre.
- Evaluate the impact of language use in a range of contexts.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Critically read and evaluate ideas, arguments and empirical research.
- Show critical awareness of different writing conventions and writing tools, and the ability to use and adapt them for different types of assessment.
- Assess and solve problems independently, taking the views of others into account in a systematic and evaluative way.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Organise and communicate complex ideas and arguments in different formats suitable to different audiences, using appropriate referencing conventions.
- Use a range of employability skills, including communication, collaboration, time management and the ability to follow instructions.
- Reflect on and respond to constructive feedback.
Careers
Career prospects
Our alumni have progressed into a wide range of careers using the skills and knowledge gained throughout their degrees. These include marketing and PR, sales and advertising, media and broadcasting, education and teaching, speech and language therapy, the civil service and public administration, among many more.
Degrees in English language and Linguistics combine the best of humanities skills (flexibility, communication, critique) and social science skills (technical analysis and systematic method). This combination of specialist and transferable skills, alongside your powers of expression and critical thinking, will be valued by employers.
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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.
