Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) English Language with Media Communication

The BA (Hons) English Language with Media Communication is a comprehensive undergraduate program offered by the University of Essex. This course explores the structure and use of the English language, as well as how media is used to communicate from the perspectives of both businesses and politicians, and in everyday society.

Overview

The program is based in the Department of Language and Linguistics and is taught by world-leading academics and practitioners. Students will examine topics such as propaganda in film and literature, how language is used in conversation, the role of new media in shaping mass culture, and how people use language on social media to construct identities for themselves.

Course Structure

The course offers a flexible structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules chosen from lists. The research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Fundamentals of the Human Speech System (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Words and Sentences (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Introduction to the Study of Language (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Foundations of Sociolinguistics (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Media, Culture and Society (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS - BE401-4-AU and BE501-4-SP or GV151-4-AU and LT182-4-AU (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics (0 credits)

Year 2

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Sociolinguistics (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - English Language in the media (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Research methods for language and linguistics (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Mass Media and Modern Life (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL - Option(s) from list (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL - Linguistics option from list (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics (0 credits)

Year 3

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS - LG831-6-FY or LG832-6-FY (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Digital Society (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Conversation and Social Interaction (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS - (LT969-6-AU and LT364-6-AU) or (GV307-6-AU and GV374-6-AU) (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS - LG355-6-SP or SC362-6-SP (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics (0 credits)

Placement and Year Abroad

Students have the opportunity to spend their third year on a placement year with an external organisation or study abroad at one of the university's partner universities.

Teaching and Assessment

Undergraduate students typically attend a two-hour teaching event for each module every week. Seminars usually have about 20 students. Assessment is through a combination of coursework and end-of-year examinations, with other methods including quizzes, presentations, portfolios, group work, and projects.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: Ł9,790 per year
• International fee: Ł21,500 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent.
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
• IB Career-related Programme: Combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications are considered.
• QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on the subject studied.
• T-levels: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points. Considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the subject studied.

International and EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall, or a specified score in another equivalent test.
• Details of English language requirements, including component scores, can be found on the university's website.

Conclusion

The BA (Hons) English Language with Media Communication at the University of Essex offers a unique combination of studying English language and media communication, providing an interesting curriculum and opening many doors in the global job market. With its flexible course structure, research-led teaching, and opportunities for placement and study abroad, this program is designed to equip students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing them for a variety of careers.