English Language and Linguistics, BA

Course content

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you'll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

In your first year, you'll study core modules introducing you to the history and structure of the English language, as well as the key concepts of linguistics and phonetics such as how speech sounds are produced, how grammars are organised and how language conveys meaning.

You'll then be able to build on that knowledge in the following year, when you'll learn more about phonetics and syntax in linguistics, and the social functions of language in English. At the same time, you'll be able to choose from a range of optional modules. In linguistics, this could mean studying language and gender, language acquisition or psycholinguistics, while in English you could study the language of the media or forensic linguistics.

By your final year, you'll be able to apply the critical skills you've gained to an independently researched dissertation in either subject. You'll then choose at least two optional modules in that subject, and up to two in the other subject. Optional modules span across the full range of English and Linguistics, in areas such as language processing, language and gender, or the politics of language.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in English and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in English Language and Linguistics equips you with valuable skills for a range of careers. You will have used both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and developed a varied set of skills across arts-based and scientific disciplines.

    You'll be able to study and analyse different types of data, including qualititative and quantitative, and use technology to solve problems. You'll have an advanced understanding of communication and strong research skills, while you'll be able to think critically about the information you find. What's more, because you've managed two subjects during your Joint Honours degree, you'll have good organisational and time management skills.

    As a result, graduates have pursued a wide range of careers including publishing, law, advertising and marketing, journalism, education, charity work and business and finance. Many also move into postgraduate study, including further training for careers in roles such as teaching or speech and language therapy.

    We do everything we can to support your career ambitions. As well as the chance to study abroad or spend a year working in industry, you could choose to apply for one of the internships the University offers every year to gain real work experience and explore career options.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.