| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
English Language and Communication
Course Overview
Gain a thorough understanding of how the English language works and how it reflects the most important issues of our times.
Why Study English?
Gain Storycraft (PDF) – vital skills particularly valued by business leaders, including: narrative communication; empathy and perspective taking; critical analysis, synthesis and managing complex data; creativity and imagination; and digital skills. These capabilities better equip you to choose your own path, and access a huge range of employment opportunities. (Source: Centre for Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) at Oxford University Department of Education)
The average graduate starting salary for English graduates is £18,000-£24,000, which compares well with subjects like Psychology (£18,000–£23,000), Law (£18,600–£23,000), Business Studies (£20,000–£26,000) and Chemistry (£19,000–£25,600). (Source: The Complete University Guide 2023)
Figures from the Department for Education show that English is the joint fourth subject for annual average wage growth at 6.2%. (Source: Qualified for the Future (PDF), The British Academy, p. 6)
English is a key contributor to the creative industries, the fastest growing part of the UK economy. 25% of SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy) graduates work in the creative sector, which is currently worth £84.1bn to the UK. By 2030, it’s expected that there will be 900,000 new jobs in this sector. (Source: Qualified for the Future (PDF), The British Academy, p. 22)
Course Options
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with placement
Key Facts
- STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
- START DATES: September
- LOCATION: Cambridge
- ENTRY: UCAS code: Q313
- FEES:
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Teaching and Assessment
Year 1
- Psychology of Communication
- Deconstructing Communication
- How Texts Work
- Language, Communication and Society
- Psychology of Language
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Bridging Cultures
- Digital Stylistics
- Researching Society and Culture
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Key Paradigms 2: Sociology and Politics
- Woke Wars
- Digital Media Theory: Social Media, AI, and the Cultures of the Internet
- Online Journalism
- Professional Placement
- Sounds and Communication
- Cult Media
- Podcasting
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits)
Year 3
- Undergraduate Major Project in English Language, Linguistics
- New Media Discourse
- Research Communication
- Communication Disorders
- Prejudice and Ideologies
- The Cultural Politics of Celebrity
- Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War
- Race, Racism and Ethnic Identity
- Key Paradigms 3: International and Global Perspectives in Education
- Language and the Law
- Communication, Flesh, Philosophy
- The Making of Modern Media
- Film Journalism
- Digital Methods
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits)
Student Experience
- Dr Bettina Beinhoff explores how accents affect our sense of identity in this 60 Second Seminar.
- Dr Vahid Parvaresh considers imprecision in human communication in this 60 Second Seminar.
Facilities
- Join our student community and benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources.
- Access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
- Our Royal Literary Fund Fellows can give you advice and guidance on with all your writing, whether it’s academic or creative.
Careers
- Our BA (Hons) English Language and Communication will equip you with skills and knowledge that will transfer to a wide range of graduate occupations, including business, politics, journalism, law, consultancy, marketing, teaching, speech therapy, and the military or civil service, amongst many others.
- It will also help you develop a greater understanding of national and international issues in the modern world, and the ability to reflect on some of the most important ethical and moral issues of our time.
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Fees and Paying for University
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- Living costs at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year.
- Most full-time UK students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs.
Apply
- Visit UCAS to apply
- Apply direct (for international students)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This is a three-year program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the English language and its multifaceted impact on communication, global issues, culture wars, conflict, justice, diversity, and sustainability. Graduates of our program will be well-equipped for diverse career paths in politics, business, media, or social media influencing, or they may seek roles as English language teachers or pursue higher degrees in linguistics or related fields.
Outline:
Students in the English Language and Communication program benefit from a structured curriculum that comprises core modules and elective options, progressively building on their knowledge and skills:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Psychology of Communication
- Deconstructing Communication
- How Texts Work
- Language, Communication, and Society
- Psychology of Language
- Into ARU
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Bridging Cultures
- Digital Stylistics
- The Research Toolkit: Design and Delivery
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- English Phonetics and Phonology
- Podcasting
- Key Paradigms 2: Sociology and Politics
- Woke Wars
- Digital Media Theory: Social Media, AI, and the Cultures of the Internet
- Online Journalism
- Teenage Kicks: Youth Culture and Media
- Professional Placement
- Anglia Language Programme
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- Undergraduate Major Project in English Language, Linguistics
- New Media Discourse
- Research Communication
- Optional Modules:
- Communication Disorders
- Prejudice and Ideologies
- Cultural Politics of Celebrity
- Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War
- Race, Racism, and Ethnic Identity
- Digital Publishing
- Key Paradigms 3: International and Global Perspectives in Education
- Language and the Law
- Communication, Flesh, Philosophy
- The Making of Modern Media
- 'Fake News', Conflict, and Law
- Anglia Language Programme
Assessment:
Students' progress and understanding are continually assessed through various methods. These include essays, exams, oral presentations, portfolios, practical work, and the completion of a major project in their final year. Each assessment component carries a specific weighting towards their overall grade.
Teaching:
Our program is taught by a team of highly qualified lecturers, including Dr. Vahid Parvaresh, Dr. Bettina Beinhoff, and Dr. Sebastian Rasinger. They employ diverse teaching approaches to facilitate effective learning, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided research. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our extensive library and IT resources, fostering their independent study and research endeavors.
Careers:
Graduates of our English Language and Communication program are well-equipped for a wide range of careers in various sectors. Our alumni hold prominent positions in fields such as:
- Business and Marketing
- Journalism and Media
- Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Law and Public Service
- Non-profit Organizations
- Research and Academia
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £15,900
Payment:
- You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent). 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above. 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. You may also be accepted to this course with an IELTS 5.5 (Academic level- with no individual score being lower than 5.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University, but will then be required to undertake additional compulsory free English language modules in your first year.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for undergraduate courses. Check the section 'Standard entry requirements' for IELTS requirements for this course.
