Program Overview

English Language BA Honours

The English Language BA Honours course encourages students to explore the English language in all its diversity – past and present, national and international, offline and online. Students will investigate how English has developed over time, how it is used to mark regional, social and stylistic distinctions, and how it is acquired by children, non-native speakers, and neuro-diverse individuals.

Course Overview

This three-year English Language degree covers various aspects of the English language, including its historical, structural, and socio-cultural nature. Students will learn from experts and world-leading researchers in English Language and Linguistics.

Quality and Ranking

• 19th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (English category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 85 for English Language and Literature - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 75 for Arts and Humanities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 14th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (English category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Modules and Learning

The course is divided into stages, each lasting one academic year. Students will complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • The Nature of Language (20 credits)
  • Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics and pragmatics (20 credits)
  • Dealing with Data (20 credits)
• Optional Modules: Students will choose two optional modules (totalling 40 credits) from a list of over 100 modules from across different subjects.

Stage 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Sociolinguistics (20 credits)
  • Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties (20 credits)
• Optional Modules: Students will choose one of the following three modules:
  • Phonological Theory (20 credits)
  • Syntactic Theory (20 credits)
  • Pragmatic Theory (20 credits)
  • Other optional modules are available, including Career Development, CHiLD, Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching, Experimental Practicum, Philosophy of Linguistics, and Overseas Exchange.

Stage 3

• Students will work to develop their own interests, choosing from topics linked to the research specialisms of their lecturers.
• Students will undertake a dissertation project, leading their own research in close collaboration with a faculty supervisor.
• Optional Modules: Students will choose one of the following optional modules:
  • Short-form Dissertation 1: English Language and Linguistics (20 credits)
  • Short-form Dissertation 2: English Language and Linguistics (20 credits)
  • Long-form Dissertation: English Language and Linguistics (40 credits)
  • Other optional modules are available, including Career Development, Phonological Theory, Syntactic Theory, Pragmatic Theory, CHiLD, Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching, Experimental Practicum, Philosophy of Linguistics, Language and Ageing, Advanced Second Language Acquisition, Laboratory Phonology, Medieval and Early Modern Meaning, Current Issues in Linguistics, and New Words in English.

Opportunities

• Study abroad: Students can study abroad for one semester in their second year as part of this degree.
• Work placement: Students can undertake a meaningful work placement in their second and third years, with opportunities to work in various sectors, including journalism, sustainable energy, politics, digital media, education, finance, museum and heritage, and travel and tourism.

Facilities and Environment

• Students will be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, located in the Percy Building.
• Students will have access to a library of 1.4 million books and 54,000 journals, the Percy Building's student common rooms, study areas, and café, Northern Stage, Great North Museum, and the Hatton Gallery for events and exhibitions.

Your Future

English Language and Linguistics students acquire a range of valuable skills that equip them to pursue diverse career paths, including teaching English as a foreign language, publishing, advertising, law, information services, and data science.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB
• IB: 32 points
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to view the requirements.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other qualifications.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for the academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
• International students: £24,500 per year for the academic year 2026.
• Scholarships: The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.