English Language and Linguistics, BA (Hons), with industry placement

This course explores key questions in linguistics, such as the range of sounds in human languages, the specific sounds used in English word formation, patterns of sentence construction across languages, the influence of society and social pressures on speech, and the evolution of English varieties.Language plays a vital role in human interactions, from international negotiations to everyday conversations, offering insights into social life. In the first and second years, foundational modules cover the analysis of sound systems, word and sentence structures, meaning, and language use, with applications to English. Students can then specialize in areas like varieties of English, phonetics, language and communication, social interaction, child language acquisition, or American languages. As a top UK department for linguistics research, we provide world-class opportunities for studying structural, applied, and experimental linguistics, ideal for those seeking a globally oriented degree with practical value. Optional modules allow tailored learning; more details are available on the University of Essex website.