BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Why choose this course?

  • no. 13 in the UK for English (2023 Guardian League Table)

  • Learn from research-active academics

  • Optional modules in English Language Teaching

 

Have you ever wondered why humans talk but animals can’t? Or where language comes from? You’ll find out in our English Language and Linguistics course. If you want to learn more about how languages are learnt, how people use language both face to face as well as in social media, and why the way we speak says so much about us – this might just be the course for you. You’ll explore why some words are considered ‘bad’ and others ‘polite’. You can also opt to study how our brain processes language and how children learn to talk. The course combines the scientific study of language with theories about communication, gender and language in context.??? 

 

At Herts, you’ll follow a flexible programme, which allows you to choose some of your modules. These range from forensic and clinical linguistics to child language and language and gender. We have our own eye-tracking suite, which you can use for experiments. You’ll look at language databases, real-life transcripts and recordings, as well as developing research skills. You’ll take part in workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions. 

 

Some of our graduates have pursued careers in education, business and marketing. Others have gone on to teach overseas or study speech-language therapy and psychology. After your second year, you have the option to study abroad or work for a year. This prepares you for the workplace when you finish your studies. If you prefer to go straight to your third year, but still want work experience, we can help you with this as well. There are plenty of ways to get involved in our clubs, societies and student media teams. This means you will leave us with academic and research skills, as well as valuable experience to impress employers.?