English Language BA (Hons)

Are you fascinated by the way we communicate? Have you ever wondered why languages evolve or how children learn to speak? Our English Language degree offers you 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 analyse real-world language use, from everyday conversations to literature and beyond.

At the University of Chester, you'll be taught by a team of experienced linguists with a passion for their subject. They'll guide you through a diverse curriculum that covers everything from historical linguistics to modern language trends. Our small-group teaching style ensures you get plenty of individual attention and can engage in lively discussions with your peers. Plus, our flexible assessment methods, including projects, presentations and essays, will help you showcase your skills in a way that suits you best.

An English Language degree opens a world of opportunities. You could pursue a career in academia, teaching or research. Or you might apply your skills in fields like journalism, publishing, or even law. Our graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organisations and universities around the world. With a degree from the University of Chester, you'll be well-equipped to make your mark in the exciting field of linguistics.

The English Language course contains core modules at each level of study, with a focus on language in use.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will be introduced to the building blocks of language (morphology, grammar and phonetics), theories of language and discourse analytical principles.

Year 2 (Level 5) builds upon this foundation with more complex learning, which will enable you to collect and/or analyse linguistic data relating to a variety of topics which may include:

• child language acquisition
• the power of language in formats like political speeches, charity appeals and advertisements
• and popular culture which includes TV, music and film.

In Year 3 (Level 6), you will complete a dissertation on a topic of your choosing, integrating all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your studies. There will also be the opportunity to study linguistic debates and controversies as well as forensic linguistics.

As part of the course, you will learn about the history of English and the skills of analysis, from a single text to large databases. You will also gain experience working with historical databases, specialist speech-analysis software and large-scale corpora. 

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study up to 40 credits. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course shares a common first year with students on English, English Literature, and Creative Writing courses.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within English Language, developing your skills to become a world-ready graduate.

Job Prospects

Graduates in English Language typically secure employment in professions such as teaching, publishing, the media and communications, speech therapy, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), advertising, public relations, journalism, librarianship, management and administration, and personnel work. Many students have gone on to postgraduate study in the discipline. 

Progression Options

• English Language and Linguistics MA
• 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 which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.