Discover how language shapes people’s ideas, attitudes and identities, and become an expert communicator in a global language by studying for our English Language and Linguistics degree in Cambridge.
By exploring the structure, development and social context of the English language in the UK and beyond, you’ll dig beneath the surface of everyday language to discover the physical and abstract mechanics that allow us to communicate. You’ll study topics such as syntax, semantics and phonology, and the similarities and differences between English and other languages.
You’ll also develop research and communication skills that are highly valued in the job market, and can tailor your degree to your particular career goals by choosing from our wide range of optional modules; taking an optional placement year; spending a semester abroad; learning a foreign language; or studying for the internationally recognised CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)* qualification alongside your degree.
Our BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics course was ranked 7th in the UK for Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020, with a score of 95%.
Our team of expert lecturers will be on-hand to support you throughout your time at ARU, including Dr Bettina Beinhoff ('Perceiving Identity through Accent - Attitudes towards Non-Native Speakers and their Accents in English'), Dr Sebastian Rasinger ('Quantitative Research in Linguistics: An Introduction') and Professor Michelle Sheehan (co-author, 'The Philosophy of Universal Grammar').
Once you’ve graduated, you can continue to develop your skills with one of our Masters degrees, such as our MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL or MA Intercultural Communication.
*At the end of the first year of your degree course, you can apply to study for the internationally recognised CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) alongside your BA (Hons). You will need to research and complete a language task and attend a group interview. The task and the interview will be used to check that you meet the entry requirements for the CELTA qualification, which are different from the course entry requirements.
If you are accepted onto the CELTA course, you must complete the syllabus for the CELTA, both the methodology and teaching practice modules, in one academic year. You’ll take part in supervised lesson planning, observation of experienced teachers and assessed teaching practice, with support and feedback from experienced CELTA tutors. Having successfully completed all elements of the course, you will be awarded the CELTA qualification. This qualification will enable you to start teaching English as a second or other language immediately.
**Careers**
Our BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics can help you to achieve a career in an area directly related to language and linguistics, such as speech therapy or teaching. It can also help you find work in any area that requires good linguistic and analytic skills, such as public relations, marketing and other areas of communication.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Or you could continue your studies, to develop your specialisms or launch a career in research, on our MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL or MA Intercultural Communication. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Course Details - Modules
Year 1 Core:
Introduction to Linguistics 1
Introduction to Linguistics 2
Revealing English Structure
Intercultural Awareness
Language and Society
Year 2 Core:
The History of English
English Phonetics and Phonology
Language and Image: Introduction to Semiotics and Structuralism
Contemporary Issues in Stylistics
Research Methods for English Language, Linguistics and TESOL
Regional Varieties of British English
Year 2 Optional:
TESOL – Teaching the Language System
Language, Gender, Identity
TESOL – Teaching Language Skills
Science Fiction
Using Linguistics: an introduction to Forensic, Clinical and Computational Linguistics
Anglia Language Programme
Year 3 Core:
Major Project
Empirical Linguistics Language Acquisition: Topics and Issues
Languages in Contrast
Year 3 Optional:
Global English
Language, Flesh, Philosophy
Careers with English
Methods and Developments in TEFL
New Media Discourse
Anglia Language Programme
Course Details – Assessment Method
We’ll assess your progress using a range of methods, including essays, exams, oral presentations, portfolios, practical work, and your third-year Major Project.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
Q310
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
96 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 2 A levels (or equivalent).
UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
UCAS Tariff Points accepted.
2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 ( Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
