Program Overview

English Language BA (Hons)

Overview

The English Language degree at the University of Chester offers an exploration into the fascinating world of linguistics. You'll explore the building blocks of language, from sounds and words to grammar and meaning. But it's not just about theory. You'll also analyze real-world language use, from everyday conversations to literature and beyond.

Course Details

• Level: Undergraduate
• UCAS Code: Q310
• UCAS Points: 112
• Start Date: October 2025, October 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Location: Gateway House, Chester
• UK Fees: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Fees: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Course Leader: Dr. Jo Close

Course Structure

• Year 1 (Level 4): Introduction to the building blocks of language (morphology, grammar, and phonetics), theories of language, and discourse analytical principles.
• Year 2 (Level 5): More complex learning, including the collection and analysis of linguistic data relating to various topics.
• Year 3 (Level 6): Completion of a dissertation on a topic of your choosing, integrating all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your studies.

Modules

• Studying English (100 Credits) Core: An interdisciplinary exploration of English language, literature, and creative writing, focusing on the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the city of Chester.
• Writing for Your Life (20 Credits) Option: Development of key skills in effective reading, note-taking, and time-management, as well as cognitive skills such as critical and analytical thinking.
• Language options (20 Credits) Option: Opportunity to learn a new language or build on existing language skills.
• Advances in English (40 Credits) Core: Exploration of the history and development of the English language, examining its evolution alongside literary and creative works.
• Creativity in the Modern Workplace (40 Credits) Option: Opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement, complemented by school-delivered sessions to develop employability and professional practice.
• Linguistic Science and Society (20 Credits) Core: Interdisciplinary exploration of language from psychological and social perspectives, blending psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics.
• Language, Power and Culture (20 Credits) Core: Examination of the dynamic relationship between language, power, and popular culture.
• Work Placement (40 Credits) Option: Structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5, or 7 weeks as one continuous block/period with a placement provider.
• Language options (40 Credits) Option: Opportunity to develop language skills, including an optional placement abroad.
• Creative Futures: CSP (40 Credits) Option: Practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice, enabling the development of key employability attributes and skills.
• Experiential Learning (40 Credits) Option: Experiential learning opportunity, incorporating 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for a 150-hour contract with a real-world client-driven project.
• Beyond the Page (40 Credits) Core: Integration of English language, literature, and creative writing to prepare for life beyond university, blending academic study with practical skill development and career-focused applications.
• Forensic Linguistics (20 Credits) Core: Exploration of the intersection of linguistics and the law, providing skills and knowledge to analyze language as forensic evidence.
• Discourse, Society and Media (20 Credits) Core: Examination of the dynamic relationship between discourse, society, and the media.
• CSP Negotiated Research Project (40 Credits) Option: Self-directed module allowing students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas.

Assessment

• Variety of assessment methods: Coursework, linguistic analysis, research posters, written pieces, and presentations.
• No formal end-of-year examinations: Assessment methods designed to prepare students for graduate-level employment.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: UCAS Points: 112, GCE A Level: BCC-BBC, BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, International Baccalaureate: 28 points, Irish/Scottish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, OCR Cambridge Technicals: DMM.
• International Students: UCAS Points: 112, GCE A Level: BCC-BBC, BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, International Baccalaureate: 28 points, Irish/Scottish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, OCR Cambridge Technicals: DMM.
• Foundation Year: UCAS Points: 72, GCE A Level: 72 points, BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP, International Baccalaureate: 24 points, Irish/Scottish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, OCR Cambridge Technicals: MMP.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• Foundation Year: £5,760 for the first foundation year, then £9,535 per annum for the following years (2025/26) for Home Students, £10,750 for the first foundation year, then £14,450 per annum for the following years (2025/26) for International Students.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr. Jo Close: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Paul Flanagan: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Matt Davies: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Helen West: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Harry Parkin: Senior Lecturer

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Graduates in English Language typically secure employment in professions such as teaching, publishing, the media and communications, speech therapy, TEFL, advertising, public relations, journalism, librarianship, management, and administration.
• Progression Options: PGCE Secondary (including Lead School Partner Route) with QTS, PGCE Primary (5-11) PGCE with QTS.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, providing a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.