English Language BA Hons | University of Chester

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Course Summary

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.

Why You’ll Love It

Diverse assessment methods

Supportive learning environment

Student holding a book on linguistics and phonetics in Seaborne Library

Broad range of staff expertise

BA (Hons) English Language

What You'll Study

The Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation Year route offers you an important preparation year as part of your four-year degree.

For Humanities and Social Science subjects, you will explore people and societies and their beliefs, cultures, power structures, stories and narratives, as well as engage in critical inquiry into societal issues and global affairs with contemporary and historical perspectives.

Term 1: Introduction to Humanities & Social Sciences
Term 2: Global Issues, Cultures & Texts
Term 3: Research & Critical Inquiry

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.

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

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.

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.

Modules

This module offers an interdisciplinary exploration of English language, literature, and creative writing, focusing on the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the city of Chester. You will explore the structure and grammar of the English language, including the accent and dialect of Chester; engage with literary texts inspired by or set in Chester; and craft your own creative writing pieces rooted in and inspired by the city’s heritage.

Through a blend of analytical and practical activities, you will consider how place shapes language, literature and storytelling. Chester, a city which has evolved from its Roman foundations to its vibrant modern identity, is the perfect setting for such study.

Field trips, writing workshops, and input from experts in the field will enrich your learning experience, providing opportunities to connect academic skills with real-world applications. By the end of the module, you will have honed your knowledge of the structure of English, developed your writing expertise, deepened your appreciation of literature and place, and developed transferable skills in research, storytelling, and communication, preparing you for study at Level 5 and for potential careers in writing, teaching, heritage, and beyond.

Coursework may include detailed language analysis, critical readings of literary works, and creative projects/podcasts that integrate Chester’s landmarks, archives, and history.

Writing – both other people’s writing and the writing you do yourself – will be central to your university degree and your future life, whether that is in your career, in further study, or in the lifelong love of learning we hope to inspire. ‘Writing for Your Life’ will help you develop key skills in effective reading, note-taking and time-management; cognitive skills such as critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and creativity; and enhanced communication skills such as the ability to listen carefully, write clearly and persuasively, and discuss confidently and with authority.

You will also explore different types and modes of writing, the intersections of language, literature and technology, and various platforms for disseminating your writing. The module will allow you to build relationships with others who share your love of English language, literature, and creative writing including your fellow students and tutors, allowing you to work successfully as part of a team as well as independently.

You now have the opportunity to pick an optional module to learn a new language or build on your existing language skills as part of your degree. You can choose:

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)
French: Intermediate Language Development
Spanish: Intermediate Language Development
Chinese: Intermediate Language Development
German: Communication in Practice
French: Communication in Practice
Spanish: Communication in Practice

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.

Modules

This module takes you on a journey through the history and development of the English language, exploring its evolution alongside the literary and creative works that have shaped and reflected its development. Blending English language, literature, and creative writing, the module examines key milestones in the history of English, from Old English poetry to contemporary writing, highlighting how language, culture, and society influence one another, and how the language and texts of the present day have emerged.

You will analyse the grammar, vocabulary, and stylistic changes in English over time, applying knowledge and skills developed on the "Studying English" module at level 4 to investigate texts ranging from medieval manuscripts and Shakespearean drama to Victorian novels and modern digital storytelling. Sessions will encourage students to experiment with historical and present-day linguistic features and literary styles, analysing and/or crafting pieces that echo or challenge traditions from different eras.

The module fosters a nuanced understanding of how English has adapted to historical, social, and cultural contexts. It also develops skills in linguistic analysis, close reading, and creative expression. By engaging with English across centuries, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the language’s richness and versatility while cultivating critical and creative abilities relevant to academic and professional pathways. This will prepare you for the level 6 module "Beyond the Page", in which you will investigate how this kind of knowledge is relevant to life beyond university.

A number of methodological approaches to the study of English will also be introduced in this module, helping to develop your knowledge of a range of ways in which language and texts can be analysed and understood. By working with data, possibly including that which is relevant to the "Voicing the Past" and "Cestrian English" projects, students will explore how data from different periods can be analysed through established approaches, as well as approaches which are new and emerging, possibly including the application of AI tools. Through applying and reflecting on the application of these methods, you will be provided with a valuable skillset that is likely to appeal to a range of future employers.

The module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement*. This placement is complemented by a number of school-delivered sessions designed to develop their employability, professional practice, and students' understanding of their career options. Students learn to reflect on the nature of creativity within their studies, and gain awareness of how this is valued and relevant in modern workplaces.

*in some cases, evidence of considerable relevant graduate-level work experience may be accepted as an alternative to completion of the stipulated placement.

This interdisciplinary module offers a comprehensive exploration of language from both psychological and social perspectives, blending the fields of psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics. You will examine the intricate relationships between language processing, cognition, and social context, gaining insights into how language is shaped by both individual mental processes and societal influences.

The exploration of psycholinguistics - a field of linguistics which explores how we store, process and understand language - will focus on language acquisition but other topics may include speech perception, language disorders, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying language use. You will engage with key theories on how the brain processes language, such as models of syntactic processing, lexical access, and discourse comprehension.

The study of sociolinguistics will include the role of language in social identity, power dynamics, and cultural norms. You will explore how language varies across different social groups, regions, and contexts, examining concepts such as code-switching (alternating between languages or dialects), linguistic discrimination, and the relationship between language and social class, ethnicity, and gender. The module will also address language change and the role of social networks in shaping language use over time.

By integrating these two perspectives, the module encourages you to critically analyse how cognitive processes in the mind interact with the social structures in which language operates. Through case studies, empirical research, and theoretical frameworks, you will develop an enhanced understanding of language as both a cognitive and social phenomenon. You will be encouraged to evaluate the theories explored in this module by analysing authentic samples of language acquisition data, and sociolinguistic data gathered from projects such as the Cestrian English Project.

This module explores the dynamic relationship between language, power, and popular culture. You will critically engage with the ways language as discourse shapes social hierarchies, political dynamics, and cultural identities. Drawing on critical discourse and sociolinguistic frameworks, the module investigates the relationships between language and identity and how this can both reinforce and challenge power structures in various contexts.

Key topics may include the role of language in perpetuating inequalities, as well as in mobilizing social change; language as a marker of cultural identity, for instance accent and dialect in song, and in TV and film representation; and language in persuasive discourses such as political speeches and campaigns, advertising, protest song lyrics and charity appeals.

Through data analysis and critical readings, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of the ways in which language, power, and culture are deeply intertwined, shaping human experience in profound and often contentious ways. You will be encouraged to reflect on the ethical implications of language use in their own local, national and international contexts.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The Level 5, 40-credit modules require a basic foundation of knowledge of your chosen language e.g. GCSE or equivalent, a Level 4 module in the same language or equivalent previous learning. This module includes an optional placement abroad, such as an intensive course at a partner university. You can choose:

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (choice of German, French or Spanish)
Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (choice of Chinese, French or Spanish)
Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)

This module will provide you with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in your specific subject, enabling you to identify and develop key employability attributes and skills in preparation for your future career.

You will spend several weeks working collaboratively with other students across the School for the Creative Industries on one major project or several smaller projects in a professional ‘simulated real world’ working environment. Projects will be contemporary, topical, externally focussed and often involve partnership with outside agencies. The module will provide you with opportunities for immersive learning and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

This is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates, 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for the150 contract hours where L5 students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client driven project, working in teams and produce an artefact.

Students are also expected to undertake around 30 hours of self study.

This module not only gives them enhanced skills but the opportunity to work for a real client thus giving them a valuable CV and LInkedIn entry as work experience that can contribute to their employability portfolio.

Students will collaborate in teams and produce full client documentation alongside a reflection of their expereince and this all give some much needed contemplation of their skills to date and how to use them.

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.

Modules

This final-year module integrates English language, literature, and creative writing to prepare you for life beyond university, blending academic study with practical skill development and career-focused applications. You will refine your expertise in linguistic analysis, critical interpretation, and creative expression, while exploring how these core skills translate into diverse professional environments.

Through engaging with a wide range of texts—from classic literature to contemporary media—you will deepen your understanding of storytelling, language use, and audience engagement. Creative writing workshops will encourage the development of original, polished works, while employability-focused sessions will highlight transferable skills such as communication, research, editing, and project management.

The module includes practical tasks like producing professional portfolios, writing for public audiences, and exploring roles in industries such as publishing, education, media, and heritage. Insight from industry professionals will provide information about career opportunities, and you will be encouraged to reflect on your academic experiences to articulate your strengths in professional contexts. Knowledge from Level 5 core and specialist modules will be consolidated, extended and contextualised in terms of the relationship between your academic studies and the developments of transferable skills valued in a range of modern workplaces.

By combining advanced study with hands-on practice, this module equips you with the tools and confidence to excel in the workplace, demonstrating the value and versatility of an English degree.

This module explores the intersection of linguistics and the law, providing you with the skills and knowledge to analyse language as forensic evidence. Combining speech and phonetic analysis with corpus-based approaches to authorship, the module examines how linguistic expertise can contribute to criminal investigations and legal contexts.

You will investigate real-world case studies to understand how phonetics can be used to identify speakers, analyse accents, and detect deception in spoken evidence. You will also learn how corpus linguistic techniques uncover patterns in written texts to assess authorship, detect plagiarism, and analyse disputed documents. Practical sessions will involve working with speech analysis software such as PRAAT and corpus tools such as AntConc, WordSmith and Wmatrix to apply theoretical insights to forensic problems.

Key topics may include voice profiling, speaker verification, the stylistic fingerprint of individual authors, the use of linguistic evidence in court, and the ethical and methodological challenges of forensic linguistic work.

By blending theoretical frameworks with hands-on analysis, this module equips you with transferable skills in linguistic research and forensic applications, preparing you for careers in linguistics, criminology, law enforcement, or further academic study.

This module explores the dynamic relationship between discourse, society, and the media. It examines how communication shapes and is shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and media practices. The ways in which traditional and digital media construct social realities through language, visual representation, and narrative will be explored. It also considers a range of controversies about language that are frequently discussed in a range of media discourses, such as language regulation and the role of global English. You will draw on critical discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and cultural theories to critically analyse the role of discourse in influencing public opinion, identity formation, political power, and social change.

You will engage with key concepts such as agenda-setting, representation, and the relationships between discourse and identity. The module covers a range of media platforms, including news outlets, social media, advertising, and entertainment, considering both historical and contemporary, national and local contexts. You will critically assess the intersection of media practices with issues like inequality, globalisation, activism, and public policy, while also exploring how media discourses reflect, perpetuate and challenge societal values.

The module encourages you to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world examples, helping you to develop a critical understanding of how media texts construct meanings and influence societal norms. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and practical analysis, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how discourse shapes public understanding and vice versa, preparing you for careers in media, communication, social research, or any field that involves the study of public discourse and its societal impact.

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.

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

You should expect to spend an average of 40 hours per week on your studies, which is made up of a mix of lectures, workshops, peer-led seminars, asynchronous learning, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment and independent study.

If studied, the Foundation Year, as with the following years of study, will be taught in three 10-week blocks across an academic year. Each block will comprise of a large 40-credit subject-specific module that includes a breadth of topics and subject skills. You will have on average 12-14 hours of contact time per week during the Foundation Year. There may be variations to this where subject practical or specialist space teaching is included.

Teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that you are exposed to the different types of tasks you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of linguistic analysis, research posters, written pieces (both long and short form), and presentations (live and pre-recorded). We continuously review the assessment methods used to ensure they adequately prepare you for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – BCC-BBC The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM BTEC's are considered for entry, however the Department will also require one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
International Baccalaureate	28 points including 5 in HL English
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers – H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 (including H3 in English) Scottish Highers – BBBB (including English) The Department requires one of the following Higher subjects: English Language, English Literature or English Combined (Language and Literature)
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma (must include a relevant Humanities subject at Level 3), to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or above
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	72 points
GCE A level	72 points overall, including grade D in A level The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP BTEC's are considered for entry, however the Department will also require one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
International Baccalaureate	24 points including 4 in HL English
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 (including English) Scottish Highers: CCDD (including English)
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall (including English or one of the alternative subjects above)
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: MMP The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Study the final year of an undergraduate degree

If you have successfully completed a Level 5 qualification, e.g. a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject, then we may be able to consider you for the final year (Level 6) of one of our degrees. Topping up your HND or Foundation Degree will typically take one further year of study and will lead to a full BA (Honours) degree.

To apply for the final year of a degree on a full-time basis you will need to submit an application through UCAS.

For international applicants, please refer to the entry requirements listed on the "Your Country/Region" pages. To be considered for advanced entry into relevant degree programmes, you must have completed a qualification equivalent to a Level 5 or Level 6 in the UK, in a related subject area

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

In November 2024, as part of the government’s Autumn Budget, it was confirmed that some foundation years from September 2025 will have a fee of £5,760 for the first foundation year of a four-year course. This is mainly for courses in the Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences disciplines. The following three years of these courses will be the standard fee of £9,535 per annum.

	Foundation (First) Year	Second Year onwards per year
Home Students	£5,760 for the first foundation year (2025/26)	£9,535 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26)
International Students *	£10,750 for the first foundation year (2025/26)	£14,450 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26)

* For courses which accept applications from International Students

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Your Future Career

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

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.

English Language BA (Hons)

Available with:

Course Summary