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English Language & Linguistics BA

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Overview

On our English Language and Linguistics BA you will study the sounds, words and structures of English, as well as how we use language differently depending on institutional, professional and social contexts.

You will undertake linguistic projects which involve collecting and analysing data and you will develop a thorough understanding of the relationship between language, society and culture; of how languages are learnt and taught; and how English is used in multicultural communities and the globalised world.

Key benefits

  • Study language in the heart of a truly multicultural, multilingual capital. You'll be based right next door to the National Theatre, Southbank Centre and BFI, offering countless opportunities to see language in action at internationally renowned institutions.

  • The chance to tailor module choices across five broad themes: media, arts, education, mind and society. 

  • Get involved in the numerous stimulating seminar series and events that we run throughout  the year.

  • Classes are small and welcoming, taught by approachable and supportive staff with international reputations for world-leading research in linguistics and communication. 

  • Development of skills that are valuable for a wide range of professions, such as publishing, advertising, journalism, public relations, speech and language therapy, teaching and research.

 

Key information

UCAS code Q100

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy

Department School of Education, Communication & Society

Locations

 

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English Language & Linguistics BA

In the heart of London

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Course detail

Description

The English Language & Linguistics BA is ideal if you are interested in how English evolves and how it is used and influenced by different groups within society. The course seeks to explore the following areas:

  • Media: how language is used across different forms of media, including traditional print and broadcast media as well as social and new media.
  • Society: the relationships between language, society, interaction and identity.
  • Education: the teaching and learning of English as a foreign and/or second language.
  • Mind: the psychology of language, the mental processes behind language use in children and adults.
  • Arts: how language is used creatively in literature including novels, poetry and film.
  • How to describe, analyse and research language. 

You will begin by following a set course in your first year to provide you with a foundation in the subject. You will then be increasingly free to choose modules that reflect your personal interests in your second and third year.

Teaching 

We will teach you through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and workshops, and we will expect you to undertake a significant amount of self-study. We will also give you a personal tutor to support you through your studies and one-on-one supervision during your dissertation or language research project in your final year. The majority of your teaching will be face-to-face, but it will be supplemented by our virtual learning environment. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. 

Assessment

We will primarily assess you through written exams, coursework essays, presentations (individual and group), reports, projects and assignments.  In your final year you are also required to carry out your own research project. 

Location

London is the perfect place for your studies - there are over 300 languages spoken in the city so if you want to look at language use in multilingual communities you really won't find anywhere better! Our Waterloo Campus is situated next to London’s South Bank Centre which includes the National Film Theatre, British Film Institute (BFI), Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery and the National Theatre. Covent Garden and the West End are only a short walk away, as is Shakespeare’s Globe. The School is based in the Waterloo Bridge Wing of the Franklin-Wilkins Building, with all the facilities offered by the university easily available. The on-site library and computing facilities are readily accessible together with the opportunity to use the University of London library at Senate House. The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the Waterloo Campus, although please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.

Other related courses

Comparative Literature BA
English BA
French BA
German BA
Spanish & Latin American Studies with a year abroad BA

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on this page for updates.

 

In year one you will study six required modules, totalling 120 credits, to build a strong foundation, particularly in English language and linguistics. In addition, there are two non-credit bearing workshops designed to help you with your learning in a university environment.

Required Modules

You are required to take the following modules:

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules in your first year.

Year 2

In Year 2, you are required to take the Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods modules; a minimum of two from English Lexis, English Grammar and English Phonology & Phonetics, plus a selection of optional modules to equal 120 credits for the year. 

You may opt to take a foreign language module from the Modern Language Centre and/or a literature module from the English Department (subject to availability; registration at the discretion of the English Department). You may take a maximum of 30 optional credits from outside the English Language & Linguistics BA over the duration of your course, this does not include the foreign language modules.

Required Modules

You are required to take the following modules:

  • Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits) 
  • Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

A minimum of two* from the following:

* If three of these modules are chosen, one will count as an optional module so fewer from the optional modules maybe selected.

Optional Modules

You are required to select four 15 credit modules from a range of optional modules. Optional modules may typically include:

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad in the second semester of your second year. Our partner universities currently include:

  • University of Auckland
  • Hong Kong University
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Alicante (taught in English)
  • University of Klagenfurt, Austria (taught in English)

Year 3

You are required to study a selection of optional modules to equal 120 credits in total for Year 3. A few Year 2 modules may also be available for you to take during Year 3. If you have taken a foreign language module from the Modern Language Centre in Year 2, you may continue this at a higher level in Year 3. You may also opt to take a literature module from the English Department (subject to availability; registration at the discretion of the English Department).

Required Modules

You are required to take one of the following modules:

Optional Modules

You are required to choose optional modules to bring your total for the year to 120 credits. Optional modules may typically include:

 

Entry requirements

 

Required grades

AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) with three Higher Level subjects at 665

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 M2

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels).

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

80% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

At least one of English Language, Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology at grade A.

Preferred subjects

None.

Further information and other requirements

Entry Requirements
A Levels AAB

Including grade A in at least one of English Language, Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology.

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer.
Access to HE Diploma

D: 33

M: 12

P: 0

Must include Level 3 study to focus on either English Literature, English Language, a modern foreign language, or Psychology.

Access to English/Literature/Creative Writing/Humanities/Psychology (or similar) with 45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit.
Cambridge Pre-U D3 D3 M2

Including D3 in at least one of English Literature, English Language, a modern foreign language, or Psychology.

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)   DDM with eleven Distinctions and two A levels at grades AB or DDM with ten Distinctions and two A levels at grades AA, including grade A in at least one of English Language, Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)   DM with six Distinctions and two A levels at grades AB or DM with four Distinctions and two A levels at grades AA, including grade A in at least one of English Language, Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)   D with four modules at Distinction and two A levels at grades AB or M and two A levels at grades AA, including grade A in at least one of English Language, Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers

AAB at Higher

and

AB at Advanced Higher

Including grade A in at least one of Advanced Higher English, a modern foreign language or Psychology

Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate  35 points  Including three Higher Level subjects at 665 including HL 6 in at least one of English Literature, English Language, a modern foreign language, or Psychology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
Other International Qualifications    Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language Requirements Band B  Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

 

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th 2020

Help and support

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 (September 2020) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 (September 2020) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is £19,800 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

 

Additional costs/expenses

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying).  Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities. 

King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees.  

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for: 

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees 
  • Stationery 
  • alternative venue examination fees 
  • Graduation costs
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 

For further information, please visit our fees and funding pages.

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying).  Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities.

King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees.  

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

Our English Language & Linguistics BA can lead to a career in language research; publishing; public relations; marketing; in the mass media and communications industries; in working with people with language disabilities; in teaching; or to professional roles in multilingual communities. Your in-depth understanding of how language operates in and shapes the modern world will give you access to a wide range of career opportunities.

 

Career destinations

Recent graduates have found employment as:

  • Media Campaign Executive
  • Broadcast Journalist
  • Communications Officer
  • EU Affairs Officer
  • English Teacher
  • Copywriter
  • Digital Media Editor
  • Local Government Executive Officer
  • Marketing Co-ordinator
  • Social Media Executive

 

Testimonials

Jessica

Jessica

After attending various Open Days and Taster Days, I found myself feeling right at home at King's. I chose King's not only because of the central London location, but because of the friendly staff and lecturers, especially on the English Language and Linguistics BA!

Setareh

Setareh

"I wanted to study at King's for two reasons: academia and location. The course structure, especially socio-cultural linguistics, the variety of assessment, being taught by world-class experts and class size- small enough for lecturers to know my name- make the course highly desirable. It has exceeded all my academic expectations. As an overseas student, King's and London are my home away from home."

Hannah

Hannah

"BA English Language & Communication offers so many varied and interesting modules that you are able to build up your skills based on what you need for your future. The course can also set you up for so many different careers."

Harvey

Harvey

"The programme is unique compared to many other linguistics-based courses in that it not only gives you the chance to learn how to analyse language, but also to learn how language works in the wider world, namely within society, teaching, and even science and psychology."

Maria

Maria

"King's was my first choice as it offered a reputable degree in my subject and an exciting central London location. The degree offers so much choice in years 2 and 3, and I enjoyed perusing my interests by specialising in certain areas of linguistics."

Sandro

Sandro

"The course does not only teach you the system of the English language, but it also focuses on how communication works in general and the socio-cultural aspects of language."

Next steps

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