University of Hertfordshire United Kingdom

BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics degree at the University of Hertfordshire invites you to explore the intricate structures and societal impacts of human communication. This undergraduate program is ideal for those fascinated by how language shapes our world, from the nuances of everyday conversation to its role in media, culture, and cognition. You will delve into core areas such as phonetics, grammar, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics, developing a robust analytical framework to understand linguistic phenomena. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of language in a rigorous academic setting.

You will study this full-time, on-campus degree over three years, progressing through levels that build your expertise. Your learning journey will involve compulsory modules like "Language and Mind" and "English Language in Use," alongside a wide array of optional subjects allowing you to specialise in areas such as forensic linguistics, clinical linguistics, or language acquisition. In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a significant independent project, such as a dissertation or a placement, applying your linguistic skills to real-world challenges. You will graduate with highly transferable skills in analysis, research, and communication, prepared for diverse career paths in education, research, publishing, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics program offers a comprehensive exploration of language, from its cognitive underpinnings to its societal functions. You will investigate the structure of English, its acquisition, and its diverse applications across various contexts, including media and intercultural communication. The curriculum also provides opportunities to develop practical linguistic research skills and potentially engage in international experiences through language study or placements.

1 Level 4 Modules

Language and mind Compulsory
Communication, interaction, context Compulsory
English language in use Compulsory
Language in the media Compulsory
Investigating language Compulsory
Introduction to English linguistics 1 Compulsory
Introduction to English linguistics 2 Compulsory
Introduction to English language teaching Compulsory
French Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Compulsory
French Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
German Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
German Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Japanese Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Japanese Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Mandarin Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Mandarin Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Advanced French C4a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C4b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C4a - Culture and society in Spain Optional
Spanish Route C4b - Advanced Spanish - Challenges in Spanish society Optional

2 Level 5 Modules

Sounds of English Compulsory
Graduate skills Compulsory
English grammar Compulsory
Language and species Optional
Language in society Optional
Forensic linguistics Optional
Language competencies in career development Optional
Learning and teaching language 1 Optional
Vocabulary Optional
Toolkit for linguistic research Optional
Employability skills Optional
French Stage 2A - Technology, networking and the future Optional
French Stage 2B - Wellbeing, sustainability, internationalism Optional
German Stage 2A - Culture, education & study abroad Optional
German Stage 2B - Living and working in German-speaking countries Optional
Spanish Stage 2B - Food, study abroad and job applications Optional
Japanese Stage 2A - Daily life, travel and culture Optional
Japanese Stage 2B - Jobs, business and accommodation Optional
Mandarin Stage 2A - Language, culture & history Optional
Mandarin Stage 2B - Language, culture & history Optional
Advanced French C5a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C5b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C5a - Latin American society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C5b - Spanish at work Optional

3 Level 6 Modules

Year abroad Compulsory
The humanities placement year Compulsory
Placement with study abroad Compulsory
Child language & communication Compulsory
Clinical linguistics Optional
Language & communication project Optional
Language processing Optional
Language & communication short project Optional
Communication and cultures Optional
Meaning and context Optional
Chunky language: investigating formulaic sequences Optional
Gender in language and communication Optional
Global Englishes Optional
Corpus-based studies in English language Optional
Communication and cultures Optional
Syntax Optional
French Stage 3A - Modern families, cybersociety & heritage Optional
French Stage 3B - Culture, multiculturalism & challenges in society Optional
German Stage 3A - Historical contexts and the world of work Optional
German Stage 3B - Changes and challenges in society Optional
Spanish Stage 3A - Family life and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 3B - Immigration & integration, cultural heritage and citizens of Optional
Japanese Stage 3A - People and society Optional
Japanese Stage 3B - Traditions and trends Optional
Mandarin Stage 3A - Business Chinese & the world of work Optional
Mandarin Stage 3B - Business Chinese & the world of work Optional
French Stage 4A - Francophone society and culture Optional
French Stage 4B - Francophone society and culture Optional
German Stage 4A - Society and culture in German-speaking countries Optional
German Stage 4B - Society and culture in German-speaking countries Optional
Spanish Stage 4A - Culture and society in Spain Optional
Spanish Stage 4B - Challenges in Spanish society Optional
Japanese Stage 4A - Japanese culture and society Optional
Japanese Stage 4B - Japanese culture and society Optional
Advanced French C6a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C6b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C6a - Current affairs in Spain and Latin America Optional
Advanced Spanish C6b - Current affairs in Spain and Latin America Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

9% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,551.00 USD 21,579.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,579.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,579.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 62,710.00 USD 64,739.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 1,559.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on College Lane Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingCorporate Finance & TreasuryCreative Production & Project ManagementEconomic Research & PolicyFood Processing & ManufacturingMarket Research & InsightsMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementRetail & GrocerySocial Media & Content Strategy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Flex Language Services Ltd

Framestore

National Farmers'​ Union

Sainsbury's

Tesco

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)

University of Hertfordshire

Why Study BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics at University of Hertfordshire

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Fast Application response time

University of Hertfordshire typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Hertfordshire in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics at University of Hertfordshire

Can I work while studying?

As an international student on a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required for this.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes. This course is accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you need specific scores based on your chosen test. For example, IELTS requires an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as English Language Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Linguists, Forensic Linguists, or Researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

In your first year, you will learn about the building blocks of language. Think about grammar, speech sounds and dialects. You’ll study communication and interaction, language in the media and you’ll investigate how to analyse language data.

In your second year, you will build on the first-year modules. You’ll look in more depth at how we produce speech sounds, how a sentence is built and how languages differ. You will choose from a range of

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics course starts in September each year. Ensure you prepare all necessary documentation for your application before this month.
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