Program Overview

English Language and Linguistics BA

The University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive English Language and Linguistics BA program that bridges the gap between humanities and science. This course trains students in the study of language and linguistics, providing a solid foundation in the experimental, social, and analytical elements of language and linguistics.

Course Description

This course explores the dynamic linguistic history of English, from its origins to its current global status. Students will analyze language in all its forms, examining how it shapes lives, connects people, and drives creativity. The program draws on insights from science and arts, offering a fresh, hands-on approach to understanding how language works in the real world.

Why Study This Course?

• Study at the interface of art and science
• Analyze language in all its forms
• Develop a fresh, hands-on approach to understanding how language works
• Learn from experts in a wide range of areas
• Invest in your future with skills that set you apart in the graduate market

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with a flexible structure that allows students to build a solid foundation in language and linguistics and then discover and focus on the areas they love most.

First Year

• Core modules: Sounds and Structures of English, Style in Language, History of English, Linguistic Theory
• Optional linguistics modules: Early Englishes, Living Englishes, Language and Creativity
• Try a new subject: Students can choose up to 40 credits of modules from a list approved by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Second Year

• Example core modules: Phonetics, Sociolinguistics, Historical Linguistics, Language Acquisition
• Optional modules: Syntax, Phonology, Old English

Third Year

• Example core modules: Research Project 1, Research Project 2
• Optional modules: Psychology of Language, Language and Social Justice, Constructed Language

Learning and Assessment

• Learning: Mix of lectures and group discussions (seminars)
• Assessment: Combination of essays, traditional exams, and innovative assessments such as data analysis, experiment design, website design, poster design, blog writing, and working with publishing software

Entry Requirements

• Standard offer: AAB at A Level
• Access Sheffield offer: ABB at A Level
• Other requirements: Evidence of interest in language and linguistics, demonstrated through the Personal Statement
• English language requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C, IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component

Graduate Careers

• Project manager
• Conversational AI analyst
• Speech and language therapist
• Marketing lead
• Researcher in generative AI
• Journalist
• Social researcher

Department

• School of English
• Department statistics: 90% of research is rated as world-leading (REF 2021)
• Student community: Vibrant student community with hundreds of societies, including the English Society

University Rankings

• A world top-100 university (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses, National Student Survey 2025)
• 92% of research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry: Not confirmed, please use 2025 information as a guide
• Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Overseas students: £23,810 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Funding: Bursaries, scholarships, loans, and international scholarships available

Placements and Study Abroad

• Optional placement year: Gain an insight into possible careers, develop transferable skills, build a professional network
• Study abroad: Spend time abroad during your degree, explore different cultures, gain a new perspective, and experience a life-changing opportunity
• Work experience: Many students complete internships to develop skills and gain workplace experience

Extra Information

• The University of Sheffield is committed to providing support for students, including academic tutors, study spaces, and library services
• The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield
• Recognition of professional qualifications: From 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions, you need to apply to the host country for recognition.