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
-
access a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
-
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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 applicants 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 an applicant'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, 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
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
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
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.
For Academic year 202122
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 applicants 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 an applicant'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, 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
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
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module is designed to ease the transition from A-level to the first year of a single or combined honours degree programme by setting out clearly what we expect of you at undergraduate level and equipping you with the resources to be able to operate a...
This unit will introduce you to the main areas relevant to applied language studies.
This module introduces you to the spread of English from its historical origins to colonial and postcolonial contexts and, further, to current global contexts. It explores sociolinguistic issues and debates centering on the development of English. It enga...
The investigation of human origins has been described as the intellectual romance of the social sciences. This module examines the changing ideas about our earliest ancestors and the evolution of hominin culture and biology and explores the links between ...
You may have asked yourself how children learn their first language or whether some animals can speak just like humans do. People often wonder whether there are any lifelong benefits of bilingualism as well. This module introduces you to the field of lang...
If English is your native language, or even if you learned it as an additional language, you may not be aware of the structure of its sounds, words, phrases and sentences. In this module you will learn to describe how English sentences are constructed and...
The module looks at the development of the English language, and examines its relationship with other, potentially rival, languages that have been spoken in the British Isles. It examines the effect of successive waves of conquest on the sociolinguistic s...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
This module is intended to provide an outline for some of the main aspects of Linguistics.
This introductory course will give you an overview of the history of literary and cultural studies, and to make you aware of a range of different approaches to cultural texts.
This module will introduce you to studying questions of history, society and culture through the prism of Southampton in order that you can apply those approaches to the study of cities in the French-, Spanish- and German-speaking world.
Year 2 modules
You must study the following module in year 2:
This module takes an empirical approach to questions such as: - Are there patterns of speech and language associated with males and females in varieties of English? - What is the role of teenagers in the propagation of change in English? - After a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
This course highlights and analyses the link between language structure and its situation of occurrence.
The module will introduce sociological perspectives on gender and to contemporary debates about gender and society.
This module will problematize the concept of globalisation and explore and develop an understanding of its meaning in economic, political and cultural terms.
How will the arts get working again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opportunities ...
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
This module explores language in its social context. The main aim of this module is to introduce you to key research approaches to the study of language attitudes and ideologies and to encourage you to reflect on how attitudes and beliefs about language e...
Ever since Aristotle, philosophers have been interested in developing formal systems of logic to refine our ability to distinguish valid from invalid arguments and to further our understanding of the nature of logic and validity. The aim of this module is...
This module will introduce you to the notion of ‘Multilingualism’, how this is understood and represented in different ways, and why it matters to you. You will explore how people become multilingual, and whether it makes a difference if multilinguals are...
This course examines three areas of psycholinguistics which help to understand what the relationship between language and the human mind might be.
This course builds on the basic concepts of phonetics introduced in the first year, with an introduction to acoustic science for the study of speech sounds.
This course will provide you with an introduction to syntax within current linguistic theory.
This unit will introduce you to key issues, concepts and methods in teaching English as a second/foreign language.
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
This unit will allow students to undertake independent research to produce an in-depth study of a specific topic located in one of the fields within Modern Languages.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module explores the rise of English as a global language focusing on the factors that have led to, and the issues that have arisen from, its dominant status. You will learn about the interrelation between globalisation, standardisation and variabilit...
The module will look at the main issues and trends, concepts and definitions on globalisation within the discipline of international relations.
How will the arts get working again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opportunities ...
This unit examines the theory and practice of language teaching and explores 'reflective practice' as a set of skills that can be applied to your future working life.
This module develops awareness of how language testing and assessment have developed in educational and wider social contexts. It focusses on both purposes and processes of language testing and assessment, and critically examines applications in policy ar...
One of the socially and culturally most significant consequences of transnational mobility is that urban populations in particular are increasingly multilingual: in global cities such as London, New York and Berlin there are speakers of hundreds of differ...
This final year module builds on the theoretical grounding students gained in LING 2011 Variation and Change in English and the instrumental analysis techniques from LING 2008 Sound and Voice. In Sociophonetic Project Module, students will put the theory ...
The unit will take you through the process, the product and the place of writing. Process will deal primarily with modelling cognitive operations, analysis of composing strategies, and individual differences and changes in processes over time. Product wil...
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
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:
Year 2
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:
Year 3
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:
-
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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
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 EU and 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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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