English Language, BA Honours

UCAS code: Q302

In this degree programme you explore the English language, and indeed the very concept of language, from various points of view. Theoretical linguistics asks such questions as: what is a language? How do languages in general, and English in particular, work? What sorts of structure do sentences have, and how does that determine their meaning? How are languages acquired? Can computers be programmed to understand human languages? Historical linguistics considers why and how languages change over time and sociolinguistics explores how English is used not only in contemporary British society but also in English speaking societies and elsewhere.

Language/linguistics at degree level is often quite different from 'English Language' studies at GCSE, or even A-Level, and so our Stage 1 teaching assumes no prior knowledge, except your experience as an English speaker, and provides you with essential tools for analysing all aspects of language.

Offer

The University Prospectus lists our normal offers. These are what we would generally make to students who apply to read for a degree programme in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. However, we look at all parts of your application ― GCSE results, reference, personal statement ― so the actual offer made to any individual may vary slightly from the normal offer. If you are taking an Access Course, or if you are studying for other qualifications, either in the UK or abroad, then you should contact the Selector: Dr. Hermann Moisl (hermann.moisl@ncl.ac.uk).

Stage 1 English Language

  • Structure of English (20 credits)
  • Introduction to English Syntax (10 credits) looks at sentence structures and ways of analysing them, and
  • Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology (10 credits) is concerned with the sounds of language. Both modules teach you to think logically and analytically about language, using approaches from modern linguistics
  • Introduction to English historical linguistics (20 credits) traces the development of the English language from the earliest times to the present day
  • The nature of language (10 credits) approaches the big questions in language study, introducing key figures in the field and topics such as humans, animals and language; language acquisition; language change; language and society; meaning and communication; and language and the mind
  • Topics in language (20 credits) leads on from 'The nature of language', expanding on some of the topics and preparing for future work, for instance by considering standard and regional varieties of British and American English and ways of collecting, evaluating and displaying data about them
  • Academic skills (10 credits) helps you to develop essential skills in researching and writing, mainly through web-based exercises
  • Optional modules (40 credits) are chosen from options in creative writing or from the range of disciplines offered through the Combined Studies degree programme, which include modern, ancient and oriental languages, philosophical studies, psychology, history, computing science, politics, history of art, sociology, classical culture, geography and music

Stages 2 and 3 English language

You take modules to the value of 120 credits in each of Stages 2 and 3. Over the two Stages you must take modules to the credit value outlined below (in brackets). The modules on offer vary somewhat from year to year, but for current modules see Undergraduate Modules.

  • Core Linguistics/Language (taken at Stage 2) (Band 1) (40 credits)
  • Topics in English language (Band 3) (80 credits)
  • Extended Study (taken at Stage 3) (Band 11) (20 credits)
  • Further modules from Bands 2 to 3 (80 credits)
  • Further modules from Bands 2 to 11 (20 credits)

Stage Manuals (updating in progress)

Regulations and Requirements