About this course
Discover how English has developed through history and how it varies in different societies. You'll explore the language, its structure and the linguistic science behind it. You can also choose from a wide range of modules that follow your interests and career goals in the subject. We have one of the UK’s leading Modern Languages and Linguistics departments.
This English language and linguistics degree will give you an advanced knowledge of contemporary English, its development, systems and use around the world. You'll learn analytical, research and personal skills relevant to a range of careers.
You’ll take modules in:
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applied linguistics
-
psycholinguistics
-
sociolinguistics
-
language teaching
-
English around the world
You can also study a foreign language and take modules in related disciplines, such as philosophy and film.
In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation specialising in an area that interests you. This will use the skills you developed over the rest of the course.
As part of this course you can:
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take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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access a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
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explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
This course will give you training and expertise that are of special interest to many employers. It provides the knowledge and skills to follow a wide range of careers.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including English Language or another relevant essay writing* subject in Humanities or Social Sciences and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB at A level to include English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
BTEC additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, plus B in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Access to HE additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences at B1
Irish certificate additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
or
AB from two A levels including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject in Humanities or Social Sciences
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including English Language or another relevant essay writing* subject in Humanities or Social Sciences (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences and A in one further A level
BTEC additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, plus A in A level English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Access to HE additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences at A2
Irish certificate additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences at D3
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A levels including English Language or another relevant essay writing subject* in Humanities or Social Sciences and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Relevant essay-writing subjects include English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, German, History, Italian, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 in English Language or another relevant essay writing subject in Humanities or Social Sciences
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
The course combines compulsory and optional modules. This lets you tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions.
You can also take modules from other disciplines, such as:
-
Human Origins
-
Poetic Language
-
Ethics
Year 1 overview
You’ll develop your English language analytical skills and see how history and society have changed it. You’ll learn the linguistic tools and study sound, structure and meaning.
You'll choose optional modules on both language and linguistics such as:
-
Poetic Language
-
Reading Culture
-
Elements of Linguistics
-
From English to Englishes
Year 2 overview
You’ll explore how English is used, how it works and how it’s spoken in different cultures.
Options include subjects such as:
-
Psycholinguistics
-
Syntax: Studying Language Structure
-
Language and Memory
-
Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography
-
Gender and Society
-
Developmental Psychology
Year 3 overview
You’ll write a dissertation on a topic that interests you.
You can also choose modules such as:
-
Advanced Syntax
-
Writing in a Second Language
-
English as a Global Language
-
Second Language Acquisition
-
Language Teaching Theory and Practice
-
Globalisation and World Politics
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following module in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Laura Dominguez is the course leader.
Careers
As an English Language and Linguistics graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options. Many of our graduates go on to further study.
You'll develop many skills, including:
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gathering and interpreting information
-
working with and leading teams
-
understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
-
translation
-
interpreting
-
teaching
-
marketing
-
publishing
-
international development
-
advertising, film and television
There is an employability module for all first-year students in the faculty.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: Q311
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We normally invite all candidates to an interview.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000