Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.
On our Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Language & Linguistics, you will focus on the relationships between language, society and culture. You will develop a thorough understanding of the role language plays in different social contexts, such as in traditional media and on social media, in teaching and education settings, in professional institutions, and in creative language use such as novels and films. You will also explore the links between language and the mind, and study the sounds, words and structures of English. You will have many opportunities to undertake projects which involve collecting and analysing linguistic data. NEW SCHOLARSHIP: We are delighted to offer a BA English Language & Linguistics Scholarship to three exceptional overseas students starting in September 2025. See the 'Fees & Funding' tab for more information and a link to apply.
“Studying at King’s has truly been an incredible experience. I have met life-long friends, created so many amazing memories, and have been given the opportunity to be apart of so many special things. Studying at King’s will give you an all-round experience, and I have found the work-life balance to be exactly what I wanted. ”
The English Language & Linguistics BA is ideal if you are interested in the ways in which society uses language, and how language shapes our daily lives. The course seeks to explore the following areas: • The relationships between language, society, interaction and identity • The use of language across different forms of media, including print media, social media and instant messaging • The teaching and learning of English as a foreign and/or second language • The psychology of language, and the relationships between language and mind • The use of language in literature and creative work • How to describe, analyse and research language You will begin by following a set course in your first year to provide with you a foundation in the subject. You will then be increasingly free to choose modules that reflect your personal interests in your second and third years.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
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.
Must include grade A in one from English Language, English Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABC 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. Must include grade A in one from English Language, English Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.
Must include grade 6 at Higher Level in one from English (A or B), Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Note: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include grade 6 at Higher Level in one from English (A or B), Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Note: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme. Please see our Transferring to King’s website for more information.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our English Language & Linguistics course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and workshops, and you will also undertake a significant amount of self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
At King’s, all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university. Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
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! 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. You will also find cultural attractions such as the British Film Institute and the National Theatre on the doorstep of the Waterloo Campus where you will be based. The Globe Theatre is a short walk along the river.
Most of the 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.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include: 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.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
In Year 1 you will study six required modules, totalling 120 credits, to build a strong foundation in English language and linguistics. In addition, there are three non-credit bearing workshops designed to help you with your learning in a university environment. You are required to take the following modules:
There are no optional modules in your first year.
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 the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
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.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
King's College London is delighted to offer the BA English Language & Linguistics Scholarship for three exceptional overseas students starting in September 2025.
The scholarship is open to students who have applied to the BA English Language & Linguistics programme at King’s College London. Successful applicants for the Scholarship must also receive an offer and fulfil all conditions of entry to receive the tuition fee discount.
Find out more information and apply here
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £27,100 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 £2000 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.
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). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities and information about tuition fees: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/abroad/discover/money/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.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
The English Language & Linguistics BA is ideal if you are interested in the ways in which society uses language, and how language shapes our daily lives. The course seeks to explore the following areas: • The relationships between language, society, interaction and identity • The use of language across different forms of media, including print media, social media and instant messaging • The teaching and learning of English as a foreign and/or second language • The psychology of language, and the relationships between language and mind • The use of language in literature and creative work • How to describe, analyse and research language You will begin by following a set course in your first year to provide with you a foundation in the subject. You will then be increasingly free to choose modules that reflect your personal interests in your second and third years.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
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.
Must include grade A in one from English Language, English Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABC 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. Must include grade A in one from English Language, English Literature, Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.
Must include grade 6 at Higher Level in one from English (A or B), Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Note: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include grade 6 at Higher Level in one from English (A or B), Creative Writing, a modern foreign language or Psychology. Note: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme. Please see our Transferring to King’s website for more information.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our English Language & Linguistics course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and workshops, and you will also undertake a significant amount of self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
At King’s, all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university. Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
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! 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. You will also find cultural attractions such as the British Film Institute and the National Theatre on the doorstep of the Waterloo Campus where you will be based. The Globe Theatre is a short walk along the river.
Most of the 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.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include: 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.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
In Year 1 you will study six required modules, totalling 120 credits, to build a strong foundation in English language and linguistics. In addition, there are three non-credit bearing workshops designed to help you with your learning in a university environment. You are required to take the following modules:
There are no optional modules in your first year.
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 the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
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.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
King's College London is delighted to offer the BA English Language & Linguistics Scholarship for three exceptional overseas students starting in September 2025.
The scholarship is open to students who have applied to the BA English Language & Linguistics programme at King’s College London. Successful applicants for the Scholarship must also receive an offer and fulfil all conditions of entry to receive the tuition fee discount.
Find out more information and apply here
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £27,100 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 £2000 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.
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). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities and information about tuition fees: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/abroad/discover/money/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.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
King’s College London is pleased to offer three scholarships to exceptional overseas applicants to the BA English Language and...
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Information about living in London, including events, budgeting and expenses, travel and safety.
During your time at King's College London, a range of academic and personal support and guidance is available to you.
