English Language and Linguistics (BA)
- Subject area: English language and literature
- UCAS code: 2HS6
- Next intake: September 2027
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
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
Explore the relationship between language and linguistics, and how language works in the social world.
Branching out
Adventure and exploration
Opportunities to study abroad in Europe and beyond, fostering independence and resilience.
Future-focused
Develop in-demand employability skills that can support your career prospects in a wide range of fields.
How does your use of language express who you are and who you want to be? Why do babies learn language easily while adults often struggle? How and why does language change and how is language in the media used to influence or manipulate us?
On our BA in English Language and Linguistics, you’ll explore questions like these and gain a deep understanding of how linguistic communication works.
You’ll study English alongside comparative examples from a wide range of other languages while exploring core theories and current practices in linguistics. You’ll also develop the skills to apply those theories and practices to real-world issues.
Explore how language is structured and used in the social world, building an understanding of the relationships between linguistic structures, individual identity and social organisation. You'll also develop the skills for analysing language, not only as it can be used, but as it is used in context.
In your first year, you’ll learn how language works and how to use language to communicate. In your second year, you’ll focus on how language is used, and has been used, in practice. These topics will help you navigate language and linguistics in today’s world, including the relationship between language and society. In your final year, you’ll focus on communicating specialist topics to different audiences.
By producing different types of texts and working with specialised software you’ll build career-enhancing skills. You’ll analyse real-world examples of language, construct arguments and communicate ideas to different audiences, developing your ability to analyse and critique the language that surrounds us and building a strong skillset valued in the workplace.
Subject area: English language and literature
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as acceptable alternative international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
ABB-BBC
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
32-30 overall or 665-655 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
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDM-DMM 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 2027 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
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
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.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
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
This is a 3-year, full-time degree, with 120 credits of study in each year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2027/2028 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2027.
Year one
In year 1, you’ll take 120 credits of core modules.
The core modules cover the essential tools of linguistic analysis. They also introduce you to the key skills needed for your studies and develop the academic writing skills you’ll use throughout your degree and beyond.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Language and the Mind | SE1111 | 20 credits |
| How Language Works 1 | SE1113 | 20 credits |
| How Language Works 2 | SE1114 | 20 credits |
| Developing English: History and Society | SE1115 | 20 credits |
| Understanding Communication | SE1116 | 20 credits |
| Writing at University and Beyond | SE6266 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll take 3 core modules and 3 optional modules.
The core modules build on topics introduced during year 1. They further develop the skills you’ll need, including clear communication and critical thinking, as you refine and explore your research interests.
Optional modules cover a range of topics and allow you to explore areas of particular interest to you.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Discourse | SE1387 | 20 credits |
| Structure, Meaning and Function | SE1424 | 20 credits |
| Sounds of Speech | SE1429 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Tafodieitheg | CY2450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth a’r Gymraeg | CY2650 | 20 credits |
| Style and Genre | SE1428 | 20 credits |
| Sociolinguistics | SE1430 | 20 credits |
| Language and Gender | SE1431 | 20 credits |
| History of English | SE1432 | 20 credits |
| First and Second Language Acquisition | SE1433 | 20 credits |
Year three
In your final year, you’ll take one core module.
This will equip you with relevant employability skills and give you the opportunity to analyse data in a real-world context.
You’ll choose from a wide variety of optional modules to cover your remaining credits. This includes the opportunity to undertake a dissertation based on your own interests.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Working with Linguistic Data | SE1425 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Tafodieitheg | CY3450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth a’r Gymraeg | CY3650 | 20 credits |
| Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
| Forensic Linguistics | SE1324 | 20 credits |
| Communicating in Relationships | SE1344 | 20 credits |
| Communication Disorders | SE1347 | 20 credits |
| Dialect in Literature and Film | SE1413 | 20 credits |
| Professional and Intercultural Communication | SE1417 | 20 credits |
| Experimental Approaches to Psycholinguistics | SE1418 | 20 credits |
| Language and Popular Culture | SE1419 | 20 credits |
| Phraseology in Theory and Application | SE1421 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation in Language and Linguistics 1 | SE1434 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation in Language and Linguistics 2 | SE1435 | 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'll support you to become an independent, creative and critical thinker.
At the beginning of your studies, teaching provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions. This helps you develop key skills and gain confidence. Learning activities vary by module, but may include lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations and small-group work.
As your studies progress, you’ll increasingly learn through guided independent reading and interactive lectures and seminars. You’ll discuss new research with internationally recognised academics who are currently working in that area.
You’ll also have access to relevant learning and teaching materials through our electronic learning environment.
In this supportive environment, you’ll develop your ability to analyse texts, construct arguments, work through problems with others and present your ideas clearly.
You’ll be expected to complete reading and other preparation so you can take part fully in these activities. You’ll also be encouraged to explore the resources of the library.
How will I be supported?
Your main sources of support are your module leaders and your personal tutor.
Module leaders hold drop-in sessions during teaching weeks, so you can ask questions about module materials or assessments. While your personal tutor can advise you on academic matters, including study skills, careers and academic progress, as well as pastoral matters. They also act as a first point of contact if you experience any difficulties.
Our Writing Development Centre provides specialist support for academic writing across the programme. You can access online materials, workshops and one-to-one meetings about any aspect of academic writing to support you with your assessments.
Our professional services teams can provide academic and student support, and can help with information and guidance if you have any queries. The University's range of support services and events are also available to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support you with financial issues and provide assistance for students with disabilities are also available to you. These services are co-located at the Centre for Student Life.
Libraries, study spaces and other resource centres will also be available to you.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and reflection.
Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and seminar tasks. These can be formative, helping you prepare and improve, or summative, contributing to your module marks.
You’ll get regular feedback on your progress. Oral feedback in lectures and seminars will help you assess your understanding of module material and your critical responses to it.
You’ll receive formative comments on assignment ideas and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. You’ll also be able to 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
We’re committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, working with you to consider your career or other post-graduation options early in your degree.
Our BA in English Language and Linguistics combines valuable humanities skills like flexibility, communication and critique, with social science skills including technical analysis and systematic method. This combination of specialist and transferable skills, alongside your powers of expression and critical thinking, is highly valued by employers.
During your degree, you’ll benefit from the University’s range of careers support - jobs fairs, work experience, through Student Futures. The Cardiff Award provides a framework for developing your employability, while Student Futures can provide opportunities to develop or increase your professional experience through placements or internships. Student Futures can also help you maximise your skills and preparation through careers workshops and one-to-one advice sessions.
You can also access support from, or take advantage of programmes such as Languages for All and Welsh for All to gain new language skills or improve existing ones.
With the breadth of academic and professional skills, as well as personal development opportunities, our graduates can be found in a variety of roles and sectors. 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.
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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.
